Nov 14, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Even though your teeth were meant to last your whole life, for one reason or another that isn’t always the case. If you are missing any teeth, it’s important to replace them to protect both your oral health and your overall health. Dental implants are one option for replacing teeth.
Here are some facts you should know about implants to help you decide if they are right for you.
What are dental implants?
Substituting for the roots of missing teeth, dental implants become an anchor for a replacement tooth or crown. The artificial root is inserted into your jaw, and then a replacement tooth is connected to the post.
What are the benefits of implants?
- Looks and feels like your natural teeth
- Fits perfectly to allow normal speech
- Feels comfortable because it’s a permanent part of your mouth
- Functions like your own teeth so you can eat with confidence
- Provides convenience because it stays in your mouth permanently and no adhesives are needed
- Allows nearby teeth to remain intact, which improves your overall oral health
- Meant to last a lifetime with proper dental hygiene
- Improves your self-esteem by giving you back your smile
Are implants right for everyone?
People of all ages are candidates for dental implants, as long as you’re in overall good health and have healthy gums. You also need enough bone to hold the implant. A strong commitment to proper oral hygiene is also necessary to achieve the best success with implants. Talk with your dentist to determine if dental implants are the best choice in restoring your oral health.
Schedule your appointment at our Central Falls dental office
Nov 7, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
The population of the United States is growing, with over 40 million adults over age 65. A common health problem that seniors face is receding gums, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly. That’s why many older adults wear dentures, in order to restore the function and appearance of their teeth.
What are dentures?
Dentures replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. You may require complete dentures when all of your teeth are absent, or partial dentures when some of your natural teeth are still in place. Dentures are removable for cleaning purposes, and also at night to allow your gums to rest and to have normal cleaning and stimulation by your saliva and tongue.
Who needs dentures?
Your gum tissue recedes as you age, which exposes the roots of your teeth. This makes them more susceptible to decay and infection. On average, people receive their first set of dentures in their mid-50s, and almost 50 million Americans wear some type of dentures.
Do dentures hurt?
Dentures might feel unusual in the beginning, but you will adjust to them in a few weeks. Your facial muscles or oral tissues will adapt, and your tongue will learn to keep them in place. Then your dentures should feel very comfortable. It’s not unusual to experience minor mouth irritation or soreness at first, and an increased flow of saliva. These problems will go away as you adjust. You will get used to eating with your dentures in a relatively short time also.
What are the keys to success with dentures?
It is vital to practice good oral care and visit your dentist for regular checkups. If you have any problems or concerns, be sure to consult your dentist so that your experience wearing dentures can be pleasant and you can maintain the best smile possible.
We look forward to seeing you in our Central Falls dental office
Oct 28, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
You’ve probably heard all your life about some foods that are bad for your teeth, but did you know there are other foods that are great for your oral health? Let’s learn about some food ingredients that will keep you smiling.
Salmon
Full of vitamin D, which helps your teeth get the full benefits of calcium from foods that you eat
Onions
Contain sulpher compounds and lowers bacteria that leads to tooth decay
Strawberries
High in fiber and vitamin C, these berries help keep gums healthy while scrubbing your teeth when you eat them
Pineapple
Creates a natural mouthwash by increasing saliva production and providing citric acid. Also contains vitamin C and an enzyme called Bromelain, which promotes healing in your mouth
Quinoa
Grain full of teeth-strengthening minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus
Sesame Seeds
Scrubbing qualities reduce plaque, and calcium content aids your teeth
Shitaki Mushrooms
Contain a sugar called Lentinan, known to prevent mouth bacteria
Wasabi
Japanese horseradish containing compounds that hinder bacteria growth
Sea Salt
Has a blend of minerals that strengthen teeth
Xylitol
Sugar substitute that prevents tooth decay, and is beneficial to gums
Stevia
Natural sweetener that doesn’t create acid on your teeth like sugar does
If you live in the Central Falls, contact us today
Oct 21, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Dental implants have become a great solution for many people who have suffered tooth loss. Implants involve surgically placing an artificial root in your jaw to anchor a replacement tooth or crown. These are used to replace one or more teeth, and do not impact neighboring teeth. Now that dental implants have been used for some time in dental care, what is their success rate?
Studies show that dental implants are one of the most successful restoration procedures. There is a 95 percent success rate after five years for lower jaw implants, and 90 percent for upper jaw. This difference in success is likely due to the lower jaw being denser than the upper jaw, which makes it more difficult for the implant to integrate with the upper jaw bone.
A successful implant requires the patient, dentist, and oral surgeon to work together to create and follow a treatment plan. It’s important for this teamwork to continue after the implant and crown have been placed, so that the chances for success are best. You should consult with your dentist before getting implants to make sure you are a good candidate, because many failures can be avoided by making sure you have the best opportunities for success from the beginning.
After receiving dental implants, some of the reasons they may fail include:
- Implants sometimes break or fracture.
- Infection or inflammation in the gums or bone may occur.
- Implants may not integrate with the bone properly if the implant is not placed appropriately.
- Poor oral hygiene can lead to a condition similar to gum disease around the implant.
- Smoking can reduce the body’s ability to heal.
If you are carefully evaluated and determined to be a good candidate for implants, and if you follow the instructions for after care, you should be able to achieve the high success rates like most patients do.
If you need a dentist in Central Falls, contact us today
Oct 14, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Being unhappy with your smile can affect many aspects of your life. You may be embarrassed, have low self-esteem, be hesitant to laugh or smile around others, and experience dental care problems as well. If these characteristics describe you, it’s time to consider a smile makeover. A cosmetic dentist can turn your life around by transforming your smile.
Here are some things that your dentist may discuss with you about a smile makeover.
Tooth color
The color and shading of teeth are considered for various smile makeover procedures, such as bridges, veneers, bonding, and implants. The shade selected for use in restorations is evaluated to make sure it fits the tone and color of your face, hair, and other teeth. Since discolored or dark teeth imply an aged mouth, smile makeovers strive to give you a more youthful look with brighter teeth while maintaining a natural appearance. Also, silver and amalgam fillings may be replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings so they are not noticeable.
Alignment and spacing
Overlapping, crooked, or gapped teeth can be corrected with orthodontics or veneers.
Missing teeth
Replacing missing teeth is important not only for your appearance, but also to improve your bite and oral health. Dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures are options that may help.
Smile balance
Chipped or broken teeth can be bonded to improve your smile’s appearance and balance. Also, laser dentistry may be used to alter your gums so that your teeth and gums are balanced in a more appealing way.
Facial appearance
Several procedures, including oral surgery or orthodontics, can alter the look of your face to make it look more even and youthful.
Our dental office is located in Central Falls
Oct 7, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Beautiful smiles with sparkling, straight teeth are common sights these days. Many people seek various treatments to help improve the appearance of their smile, and one of the popular choices is dental veneers. Read more to find out about this quick and painless way to transform your look, and obtain a smile that others envy.
Description
A very thin porcelain shell is permanently attached to the fronts of your teeth with a durable dental adhesive. Veneers are stain resistant and can be as white as you choose. These natural-looking restorations can hide chipped teeth, gaps, misaligned teeth, and discolorations.
Procedure
A small amount of your tooth enamel is removed to allow your dentist to properly place your veneers. A model of your teeth is created to be used to create perfect veneers customized to your mouth. On your next dental visit, a solution will be placed on your teeth to promote bonding. Then the veneers are firmly attached, and there is no downtime or recovery necessary.
Maintenance
Veneers should be treated like your natural teeth. That means they can be damaged by chewing hard objects like ice or biting your nails. Dental hygiene tasks remain the same. Dentists recommend that you brush twice a day and floss daily to clean your teeth and gums, and to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay. Maintain regular checkups at your dentist for examinations and cleanings. If properly cared for, your veneers should last many years.
Schedule your appointment at our Central Falls dental office
