Veneer Options at Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist
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Veneer Options at Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist
When you lose even one tooth, you increase the odds that 20 percent of subsequent teeth will be lost in the next five to eight years. Missing teeth can create dental health problems, cause chewing difficulties, and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. With modern dental therapies, your dentist can restore the strength and beauty of your smile.
Replacement options include:
Fixed bridgework
By permanently joining to remaining teeth, a fixed bridge closes the gap left by a missing tooth, or teeth. With a bridge, the false tooth is fused between two porcelain crowns. The entire bridge is cemented into place and cannot be removed once it is in your mouth.
Dentures and Partials
If you have lost all your teeth, you could replace them with a full set of dentures. These rows of prosthetic teeth attach to a gum-colored base. Dentures are secured either by suction or adhesive creams. When you still have teeth left, the dentist may suggest a partial denture, which fits into the open space like a puzzle piece and completes your smile.
Dental Implants
The closest prosthetic to nature, a dental implant contains a small, metal post that acts as an artificial tooth root and a prosthetic crown. One implant post is inserted into each empty socket by a skilled surgeon. Your mouth will need about three to six months for healing. During this time, the bone will fuse to the posts in a process called osseointegration. When the time is right, your dentist will affix the permanent crowns, creating a solid attractive appearance.
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding teeth. Because gingivitis is often painless, many people don’t realize they have a problem. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that leads to bone degeneration and tooth loss if it isn’t stopped.
What are the signs of gingivitis?
Usually, the initial symptoms are mild. Swollen, red gums and bleeding when you brush are common indicators that you may need to talk to your dentist about a periodontal evaluation.
Are there any risk factors for gingivitis?
This condition is very common and almost anyone can develop gingivitis. You may have an increased risk for gingivitis because of poor oral health, tobacco use, older age, certain medications, hormonal changes, dry mouth, and substance abuse.
What causes gingivitis?
One of the primary contributors to gingivitis is plaque, the sticky, colorless film that regularly forms on teeth. As the plaque builds up, it irritates the gums and can cause damage. If plaque remains on teeth for more than a couple days, it will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist.
How do I prevent gingivitis?
Good oral hygiene is a key part of keeping gums healthy. Remember to:
• Brush at least twice a day to remove plaque
• Floss regularly to get between teeth
• Have teeth professionally cleaned to remove tartar
• Schedule twice yearly checkups
• Use a prescription rinse to improve gum health
Though bad breath, also called halitosis, isn’t a life threatening issue, it can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. From time to time, most people experience bad breath. Usually, something you eat or nasal congestion will cause episodes of less than fresh breath. Unfortunately, some people have chronic halitosis, which can be quite frustrating. Consistent problems with bad breath usually occur because of poor oral hygiene, certain medical conditions, dry mouth, and lifestyle choices such as smoking.
Follow these tips to help keep your breath fresh and clean:
• Prioritize daily oral care. Make sure you brush after each meal and floss at least once a day to remove food debris, a major contributor to bad breath, from your mouth.
• Don’t forget your tongue. Often the germs that produce unpleasant odors linger on your tongue. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper can help.
• Avoid temporary fixes. Mints and mouthwashes can actually dry out your mouth, which will make bad breath worse.
• Drink lots of water. By consuming enough water, you will increase saliva production and reduce dry mouth.
• Change your tooth brush regularly. Replace the brush every three to four months because old toothbrushes harbor bacteria.
• Chew sugarless gum. Like water consumption, chewing sugarless gum promotes saliva levels.
• Stop smoking. Although this is difficult, dropping your nicotine habit will give you fresher breath and improve your health.
• Talk with your dentist. In some cases, your doctor may recommend special toothpaste and rinses that are formulated to address chronic halitosis.