Author: lAuRelH_AdmEeN

You may have information that having healthy foods is beneficial for weight loss, but are you aware it also benefits your oral health? This is because the foods you eat affect your mouth and teeth.

Diet and nutrition impact many dental infections, including tooth decay. Consuming fluoridated water and reducing your intake of non-milk external sugar is adequate to control dental caries. However, studies suggest that the increased consumption of bottled fluoridated water results in a marked decrease in preventing decay.

Fluoridated tap water improves teeth protection against dental caries because of the differences in fluoride bioavailability in the bottled variety. In addition, dietary surveys among children over three decades have confirmed that while sugar levels have remained stable, the contribution from soft drinks has doubled since the 80s resulting in dental caries and tooth loss, resulting in additional challenges.

How Are Your Oral Health and Diet Connected?

Consider a situation where you miss teeth and have impaired chewing abilities and continue avoiding hard and fibrous foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. People with missing teeth and impairments of having fruits and vegetables tend to neglect all health, and provisional dental prosthetics don’t improve their diet.

The dental office in Portland, OR, suggests people with missing teeth improve their consumption of fruits and vegetables when providing them with artificial teeth with dentures to ensure positive movement through different stages of change.

The Association between and Oral Health

A direct relationship exists between your diet and oral health. The explanation behind the relationship is relatively straightforward because eating healthy foods benefits your physical well-being and oral health.

Cavities: cavities in teeth on a common oral health problem caused by a combination of factors and bacteria in your mouth besides sipping sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and the lack of appropriate dental hygiene. The sugars and carbohydrates from foods and beverages encourage bacteria to convert into acids to cause enamel erosion resulting in holes in your teeth. Cavities cause problems like halitosis and severe oral health problems that require treatments from the Portland dentist more frequently than others. However, having a high calcium diet with phosphorus helps remineralize the teeth and helps fill holes that might occur in the enamel.

Diet for Oral Health

You must include foods rich in calcium and phosphorus to build strong teeth and healthy gums, including milk, cheese, nuts, and meat. If you cannot include milk products because of lactose intolerance, green vegetables like broccoli and spinach are also high in calcium.

Alternative foods beneficial for your overall health include crunchy fruits and vegetables because they help encourage saliva flow to help wash food particles from the crevices in your teeth, gums, and tongue. In addition, the foods also help prevent gum disease from plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and beneath the gum line from improper oral hygiene maintenance.

How to Obtain Advice about Diet and Oral Health?

Professional dental offices for preventive dentistry are your best source of getting good advice on your diet for oral health. However, you must consider visits to your dentist for prevention a hassle once every six months because it helps improve your oral health without costing you a dime. Your dental insurer covers the costs of the visits to ensure you save money instead of spending it on dental treatments later because you didn’t care for your oral health.

The visits to your dentist for prevention ensure you keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent unnecessary complications from developing in your mouth. Consider the visits to evaluate your dental hygiene routine and receive tips from the dentist on how you can improve it to reap better benefits for your oral health.

Prevention visits to your dentist require about an hour to examine your mouth after cleaning your teeth to remove any traces of infections that might aggravate later. You also receive a fluoride treatment to remineralize your teeth and prevent the occurrence of cavities. The dentist also discusses the need to have fruits and vegetables providing calcium and minerals to your teeth to help keep your oral health optimal.

If you are unaware of how your diet impacts your oral health, you must consider investing in preventive dentistry for your entire family because it helps detect dental problems early and provides advice on a diet that benefits your overall well-being, including your teeth and mouth.

Laurelhurst Dentistry emphasizes having a proper diet to benefit your oral health. If you are unaware of this subject, kindly schedule your next routine cleaning with them to receive the essential information you need for the well-being of your teeth and mouth.

Although toothbrushes have too wide bristles, they cannot reach the nook and corner of the mouth. Therefore, the best solution for this problem is to get dental sealants. The dentist applies dental sealants to the mouth of the kid as soon as the permanent back teeth are grown completely.

The American Academic of Pediatrics Dentistry advises dental sealants to minimize the risk of decay in kids. The chewy area of molar teeth has crevices and pits that are hard to clean with flossing and brushing. It makes the bacteria accumulate in that tooth and ultimately results in decay.

When you fail to treat cavities for longer, they ultimately lead to tooth loss or require complex dental treatments like a root canal later on. That is why it is vital to receive preventive dentistry as soon as possible.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants act as raincoats for teeth. They are manufactured using plastic or other protective material. This special material is either clear or white. Sealants shield teeth from the destructive bacteria that can result in cavities. The professional will mold the dental sealant to the tops of teeth with deep pits or grooves.

How Much Time Will It Take for the Sealant to Feel Normal?

After getting a sealant, patients usually experience a bit of discomfort or sensitivity. After some time, it will clear and the patient will start feeling normal. But, if your discomfort stays for a long time, immediately call the emergency dentist near you.

Dental Sealant Application

Applying sealants is a simple and fast process. Moreover, you need just a single visit to the dental office. If you want to know the dentist applies the sealant to the tooth, read below:

• Firstly, the dentist will clean the tooth thoroughly using a rotating brush or polish. Then, he/she will wash it using water.
• Next, the expert will make sure the tooth is dry.
• Now, the professional will use an acidic solution to ensure the sealant material holds onto the tooth safely.
• After the solution dries, the dentist will use a sealant in liquid form and place it over the top of the tooth.
• Next, he/she uses a special light to ensure the dental sealant sets in its place.
• If the expert uses a two-part dental sealer, it sets in its place without requiring extra curing. Usually, it takes one or two days for the sealer to form the tooth shape.
• After the placement, you can eat, play instruments, sing, and speak to others comfortably.

Who Requires Sealants?

Numerous children fail to brush their teeth deeply. It ultimately results in dental health problems like cavities. Remember, both children and adults can receive dental sealants. Although dentist uses the procedure during childhood, few adults get it later if they had never received it earlier. Thus, people with deep pits or grooves in their teeth are the ideal candidate for the procedure.

The dental sealer works by protecting the highly prone areas from decay by sealing the plaque and food. Protecting molar teeth at an early age minimizes the risk of dental problems later on. This protective material will remain for several years (usually as long as the original tooth stays).

Taking Care of Sealants

When the dentist sets the sealants on the tooth, it needs no specialized dental care. Make sure you use a non-alcoholic and fluoridated mouthwash after brushing. Also, continue flossing daily and brushing your teeth two times daily.

What to Do if the Sealant Does Not Make Me Feel Good?

After the sealant procedure, the patient will experience a bit of discomfort for a while. It is normal. The discomfort can be due to the foreign substance between teeth or the tooth alignment problem. It is essential to call the dentist at Laurelhurst Dentistry if your dental sealant is causing pain or any other discomfort for longer.

What to Avoid After Sealants?

Patients need to refrain from a few food varieties. These include:

• Sticky, chewy, or hard foods.
• These include hard candies, caramels, toffees, etc.
• Restrict the consumption of sugar-based foods.

These foods can collect on your dental sealant and cause oral health problems. Therefore, stick to a healthy diet and fix appointments for regular checkups and dental X-rays.

Dental fillings are used during restorative dentistry in Portland, OR, to repair teeth. They replace the decayed part restoring the tooth’s structure, strength, and aesthetics. There are various types of dental fillings, and you may have difficulties choosing the right one. Read on to learn how to choose composite and dental amalgam fillings.

What are Composite and Amalgam Fillings?

Composite and amalgam fillings can restore a tooth, helping it look beautiful and function properly. However, each has different characteristics, pros, and cons. Learn about them to choose suitably when you need to get a filling.

1. Composite fillings

These are dental fillings made of ceramic and plastic compounds. They can be customized to resemble the color of surrounding teeth. Therefore, they give a seamless appearance helping you to smile or laugh confidently.

The material blends in with the tooth making it unnoticeable when you smile. This feature makes them ideal for restoring cosmetic flaws on front teeth. Dentists also use these fillings for repairing cavities in back teeth.

However, composite fillings are not as long-lasting as amalgam fillings and are prone to chipping or breaking. They can last an average of seven years with proper care and maintenance. In addition, they are more costly compared to amalgam fillings. During placement, the dentist may take longer than when fixing amalgam fillings.

2. Amalgam Fillings

They are silver-colored fillings made of metals such as copper, mercury, tin, and silver. The dentist in Portland uses amalgam fillings for large cavities on the back teeth. It is because they are sturdy and can withstand chewing forces. Amalgam fillings are durable and can last for decades with proper care. In addition, they are less expensive than resin fillings.

However, amalgam fillings are not aesthetically pleasing. Most people do not like having them placed on the front teeth due to their metallic color. In addition, a large part of the tooth structure is removed during the filling procedure. Also, they have trace amounts of mercury which most people are anxious about. Fortunately, mercury levels are deemed safe by the ADA.

Choosing Between Composite and Amalgam Filings

When choosing between these two fillings, you must consider various factors. For instance, you must check the location of the tooth. Front teeth are visible when you smile and need a material that will not be easily noticed. Therefore, the dentist will recommend composite fillings to repair them.

In addition, front teeth do not have chewing pressure like back teeth. Therefore, they can be restored with composite fillings. However, when repairing back teeth, the dentist will prefer amalgam fillings. It is because they are strong and can withstand chewing forces well.

Patients who want durable restorations must choose amalgam fillings, which can last for decades. If you want to save money or are on a tight budget, amalgam fillings are the best. However, composite fillings are your ideal restorations if you are allergic to metal.

You must also consider the patient requiring restorative dentistry in Portland, OR. Kids or adults with special needs are impatient and need a straightforward procedure. Therefore, the dentist will recommend amalgam fillings for them. This is because they are easier and faster to place than composite fillings.

Another factor the dentist in Portland will consider is the damage to your teeth. Minor to moderate flaws can be easily fixed with composite fillings due to their versatility. However, large cavities will require amalgam fillings as they are suitable for that job.

Choose composite fillings if you want your tooth structure preserved during a filling procedure. It is because the dentist will file away a small part of the tooth before placement. However, when placing amalgam fillings, the dentist must remove a large part of the tooth structure for proper placement.

Some patients are concerned about the mercury in amalgam fillings. Others are anxious about the BPA in composite fillings. However, the ADA has approved both types of dental restorations. Therefore, you can choose either type since they are safe and do not pose any risks to your health.

Are you searching for a dental office that offers various dental fillings? Then contact us at Laurelhurst Dentistry. We will evaluate your teeth and smile to provide the most suitable dental filling.

Unfortunately, very few people consider gums a crucial part of oral health. Many will go to various lengths to protect their teeth from infections and damage, but not so much their gums. At Laurelhurst Dentistry, we have found that many of our patients begin to notice the essence of gum health when they have an infection that needs treatment.

What Does Gum Health Comprise?

Gum health revolves around keeping your gums free from bacterial infection. You are only able to care for your gums when you understand that they are a crucial component of your oral cavity. Some of the ways that your gums contribute to good oral health are:

1. Supporting and stabilizing teeth – your teeth are secured in the jawbone but supported by the gums.
2. Covering the jawbone
3. Protecting tooth roots

Why Is Gum Health Important?

Dentists in Portland, OR, are not out to get your money when they stress the need to prioritize your gum health. Instead, they understand how crucial your gums are to your oral health. Some of the reasons you must cater to your gum health are:

1. Your gums influence your aesthetics – a smile plays a significant role in making good first impressions. Unhealthy gums can send the wrong message, even when your teeth are white. The gums are also significant in the display of a beautiful smile.
2. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss – dental experts have established that periodontal diseases are the major causes of tooth loss. Usually, an infection in your gums spreads to your teeth, causing dental decay that leads to tooth loss. Besides, gum disease features various dental complications like receded gums that compromise teeth’ stability.
3. Gum infections compromise your general health – an oral infection in your gums has the potential to cause severe health problems, including a stroke, heart disease, and diabetic complications. The bacteria in your mouth cause swelling in the gums, traveling through the bloodstream to different body parts.
4. Periodontal disease has permanent complications – if you do not seek treatment to cater to your gums, you may suffer permanent problems. Periodontal Disease is only reversible in the very early stages called gingivitis. When the condition progresses and advances to periodontitis, it is irreversible. The only solutions would include treatments like oral surgeries to restore damaged gum tissues.
5. Gum problems can lead to teeth problems – an infection or disease in your gums directly affects teeth. Some of the teeth problems you can experience due to problematic gums are:

1. Loose teeth
2. Dental decay and tooth cavities
3. Abscessed teeth
4. Weak and wobbly teeth

Things You Should Know About Your Gums

When you finally acknowledge that your gums are a crucial part of your oral cavity, you can take proactive measures to protect them. Otherwise, you will always be knocking on dental offices for restorative dentistry treatments for your gums and teeth. Some facts you should know about your gums and periodontal disease are:

1. Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough to keep your mouth clean. Dentists emphasize flossing as it removes plaque from between teeth while targeting the areas near the gum line.
2. Your food consumption impacts your gum health – whatever you consume directly affects your gum health. Some foods heighten the risk of periodontal diseases. The notorious ones are sugary and starchy foods.
3. You can prevent gum infections early – you do not have to endure invasive treatment protocols like oral surgery to attain good gum health. Instead, you can employ different measures to prevent gum infections.

Tips for Protecting Your Gums

If you do not want to keep visiting your dentist with an oral infection, consider the flowing tips for protecting your gums:

1. Quit smoking and other tobacco products.
2. Limit your consumption of alcohol or quit taking it altogether.
3. Eat healthily – including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
4. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, using the right products and employing the right techniques.
5. Floss between your teeth daily.
6. Visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and exams. Regular teeth cleanings will complement your solid oral hygiene routine at home.

A dental crown is an artificial covering of a tooth or implant. They are made of porcelain, and their primary objective is to protect and restore your natural tooth. Dental crowns are usually used on teeth that have suffered from tooth decay, root canal, trauma, or multiple dental fillings. Crowns are often considered the final step when fixing dental complications. They are designed to serve you for about five to 20 years plus.

However, issues can occur for several reasons. For example, a crown that has been poorly installed can cause sensitivity, pain, infections, or other problems. So, according to our dentist in Portland, Oregon, it is important to know common complications associated with dental crowns and how to solve them before getting them.

Tooth Decay

Although dental crowns protect and reserve our natural teeth, there is still the possibility of tooth decay. In addition, improper dental hygiene after getting the crown may lead to plaque accumulation between the crown and the tooth junction. This increases the risk of infections, bacterial growth, and decay.

To prevent this, brush and floss your teeth daily. If you have decay already, see your dentist for a dental filling. The crown will be removed for tooth decay inside the crown and will place a new one after the decayed part is treated.

Bite Problem

For dental crowns in restorative dentistry Portland, we take images and impressions of our patient’s teeth before a fitting. We also evaluate how the crown connects with your teeth and gum during the fitting stage. However, despite these efforts, the crowns may not be perfect and precise as hoped. If your dental crown feels abrasive and unsuitable when you bite, it’s time to schedule an appointment.

Uneven bites caused by dental crowns are an easy fix, including reshaping the existing crown. The dentist may try another fit that will not cause pain and discomfort if necessary.

Sensitivity

After a dental crown procedure, it is not uncommon for one to experience sensitivity in the surrounding teeth. Eating foods or taking beverages that are either cold or hot will affect your tooth sensitivity. However, your dentin could be exposed if you are still experiencing sensitivity after the first week of the procedure. During the crown placement, your teeth’s enamel has to be trimmed for the crown to fit. If the crown hasn’t been properly fitted, a bit of dentin is left exposed at the gum line.

To solve this, immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will ensure the crown has been fitted correctly.

Allergic Reaction

Dental crowns are made from different materials, including porcelain, resin, zirconia, or various metals. In some cases, some people may be allergic to some of these materials. To avoid this, the dentist will ask you if you are allergic to any metals before considering metal-based crowns as options.

However, if you have an allergic reaction, the dentist will remove and replace the crown with an alternative. Visit our dental office near you for more information about the different types of dental crowns available for you.

Gum Irritation or Recession

Dental crowns can irritate the surrounding gum tissues causing inflammation or gum recession. This can cause pain and sensitivity. Fortunately, this can be prevented by following the aftercare tips provided by the dentist.

Maintain a good oral hygiene routine to help your gum remain healthy and prevent them from recession. In addition, to keep the area around the dental crown, you could use a dental flosser.

Damaged Crowns

proper dental oral health and hygiene habits can preserve dental crowns for the longest time. However, accidents or trauma can break, crack, chip or loosen up the crown. Other causes that could damage your dental crown include:

• Bruxism or teeth grinding
• Wear and tear
• Biting hard substances or using your teeth\crown to tear sachets

Although accidents are unavoidable, one can minimize the damage. Avoid chewing or biting chewy and hard substances like nuts, candy, or ice. Do away with bad habits such as putting stress on your teeth, chewing pens, or grinding your teeth. You can also book an appointment with us to replace your damaged dental crown in Portland, Oregon.

Conclusion

Overall practicing good oral hygiene is vital in avoiding dental complications that will interfere with your new dental crown. In addition, pay attention to how your crown fits and feels inside your mouth. If you have pain, discomfort, or sensitivity around your tooth, schedule an appointment with us at Laurelhurst Dentistry. Our dentist will examine your crown and resolve any complications you may be experiencing.

Preventive dentistry involves your work with your dentist to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. Preventive dentistry includes exams, tests, analysis, and diagnostics with the treatment required for mouth conditions. Preventive dentistry practices are essential to prevent the recurrence of severe infections that might jeopardize your mouth health.

The dental office in Portland suggests patients go through exams and hygiene sessions to help avoid oral health issues recommending patients with their dentist at six monthly intervals for preventive care.

In dentistry, prevention reduces the significant investment patients make in their dental health. Preventive dental care Portland emphasizes prevention because the practices enable patients to avoid pain, the stress associated with dental issues, and the money required to resolve them.

For example, the costs of treating periodontal disease range between $ 500-$ 10,000 depending on the severity of the condition and therapies needed by the teeth, gums, and mouth after the Portland dental office helps to resolve the issue. Fortunately, periodontal disease is a condition that is entirely preventable by concentrating on prevention in dentistry.

What Does Prevention in Dentistry Aim to Achieve?

Prevention in dentistry aims to achieve success by preventing you from experiencing the adverse effects and consequences of an unhealthy mouth by helping to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums in optimal shape. To achieve the goal, you must stick to your at-home dental hygiene routine, with the Portland dentist helping you provide the essential dental process routines to achieve your goal during your visit.

Having a straightforward oral cavity exam by your dentist during your visit is an effective form of prevention. In addition, your visit enables the dentist to evaluate your mouth for potential dental issues specific treatments and practices can help you prevent or stop.

Dentists look for dental issues like pressure from wisdom teeth, worn teeth, cracked teeth, and other dental problems. The thorough tooth cleaning you receive during your visit from the hygienist might not be a pleasant experience. However, it is a suitable form of preventive care and an essential procedure to achieve the goal of prevention in dentistry.

Prevention in dentistry benefits everyone, irrespective of age. Children benefit from prevention because it allows their permanent teeth to emerge robust and healthy as they are growing up. The aim of prevention in dentistry is to reduce the adverse impact of poor dental health on your overall well-being. When you maintain excellent dental hygiene and receive exams and cleanings from your dentist, you avoid your vulnerability to several health issues associated with your dental hygiene. Inappropriate dental hygiene is associated with several general health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and cancer.

What Does Prevention in Dentistry Achieve?

Prevention in dentistry helps achieve success in avoiding problems later. For example, excellent dental care helps prevent or reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, enamel erosion, and advanced periodontitis.

Prevention in dentistry helps everyone benefit from the practices. For example, if children receive the support they need to help their permanent teeth erupt strong, healthy seniors receive help to retain their natural teeth. In addition, the mouth is a breeding ground for toxic microorganisms, making it essential for everyone to keep their mouth clean to benefit their overall health.

What Does Preventive Dental Care at Dentists Involve?

The following are some ways the dental office Portland helps you with preventive dental care. For example, the practice suggests wearing custom-created mouthguards to help restore teeth damaged due to bruxism. It also suggests tooth-colored fillings for cavities when they detect them during dental exams. The prevention helps your teeth by preventing further damage by your mouth bacteria to your tooth.

Dentists make every effort to preserve teeth, but in some cases, they are helpless and recommend extractions after exhausting all remedies to save teeth. Tooth removal isn’t painful because dentists give you anesthesia to ensure your experience any pain.

Dentists recommend cleaning your teeth every six months as an essential part of prevention in dentistry. The cleaning helps the hygienist eliminate plaque and tartar deposits and detects issues between your teeth by taking dental x-rays. In addition, the preventive measures help you maintain your dental health in optimal shape if you adhere to the dentist’s instructions to maintain an appropriate at-home dental hygiene regimen.

Preventive Homecare in Dentistry

Preventive homecare in dentistry isn’t challenging because you merely adhere to your dentist’s suggestions to clean your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once at any time during the day, and refrain from having sugary and starchy foods besides seeing the dentist every six months for oral prophylaxis. When you follow your dentist’s instructions stringently, you successfully help prevention in dentistry succeed.

Laurelhurst Dentistry emphasizes everyone practice prevention in dentistry to ensure they keep their dental health in optimal shape to benefit their overall well-being. If you aren’t aware of how prevention helps your dental and overall health, you find it beneficial to arrange an appointment with this practice for more information.

Yes, broken dentures can be fixed. Dentures are attached to the teeth by adhesive or clasps that hold them in place. But, when a denture is broken, it cannot be easy to eat and speak. Dentures can be fixed in various ways, depending on the cause of the break. If the denture is mildly broken, it can be fixed with a new piece of adhesive. If there is severe damage, then it may need to be replaced.

What are Dental Dentures?

Dental dentures are typically made of acrylic or metal and are held in place by various means, including suction, adhesives, and clips. These restorations can be removable or fixed; natural teeth or implants can support them. The process of getting dentures usually involves multiple visits to the dentist and can take several weeks to complete.

What is the Complete Process of Getting Dental Dentures?

The process of getting dental dentures near Portland, OR, usually takes place throughout several appointments. The initial appointment involves assessment and taking of teeth impressions to create a model.

The dentist will also measure your bite and choose the right size and shape of the denture for you. A fitting appointment is scheduled, and the dentist will ensure the dentures fit well and look natural. If you need to, the dentist can make adjustments to the dentures. Once you’re happy with the fit, the dentures will be glued.

Can You Fix a Broken Denture?

If your denture breaks, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. You may be able to fix a tiny denture crack or chip. However, you’ll need to see a dentist if the break is more serious. They will be able to make any necessary repairs and ensure that your denture fits properly. In some cases, a broken denture may need to be replaced entirely. No matter what, it’s important to get it fixed so that you can continue to use your denture and keep your smile looking its best.

What Are the Causes of a Broken Denture?

There are several possible causes of a broken denture. One common cause is wear and tear. Over time, dentures can become loose, leading to them breaking. Another common cause is an accidental drop or fall. If the denture hits the ground with enough force, it can break. Additionally, if the denture is not properly cared for, it can become damaged and break.

How Can You Fix a Broken Denture?

If you have a broken denture, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, try using denture adhesive to glue the piece back together or dental wax. If your denture is severely damaged, you may need to take it to a dentist in Portland, Oregon, to have it repaired or replaced. In most cases, broken dentures can be fixed relatively easily. But, the dentist can opt for a replacement if the damage is severe.

Fixing a broken denture has several benefits, like improving your appearance. Additionally, it can help to restore function to your teeth. Third, it can help to improve your overall oral health. Fourth, it can help to increase your confidence.

Are There Risks for Not Fixing A Broken Denture?

Leaving a broken denture unrepaired can lead to several problems, including pain, difficulty eating, and infection. In addition, a broken denture can make speaking difficult and cause you to lose confidence in your appearance.

How To Prevent A Broken Denture?

Dentures are expensive and delicate, so it’s important to take care of them to prevent breakage. When not in use, store the dentures in a safe place where they won’t be knocked over. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives on dentures, as these can damage them—instead, use a denture-specific cleanser.

How Long Do Dental Dentures Last?

Dentures are a perfect solution if you are looking for both restorative or cosmetic dentistry in Portland. These restorations can last between 5 to 7 years before they are replaced. However, this can vary depending on how well the denture is cared for and how often it is worn. You can extend the life of your denture by:

• Brushing your denture regularly
• Soaking your denture in a denture cleaner
• Avoiding chewing hard foods
• Not dropping your denture

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Laurelhurst Dentistry for more information about dental dentures and how to maintain them.

Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional orthodontic braces for people with crooked and misaligned teeth. Invisalign corrects various dental issues to straighten teeth affected by underbites, overbites, cross bites, open bites, crowding, and gaps between teeth.

 

Invisalign in Portland, Oregon, achieves results by using clear invisible transparent aligners to give you an attractive smile you always wanted. Besides the above, Invisalign helps improve your self-esteem and physical health while limiting dental visits to every six to eight weeks.

 

If you consider Invisalign from the dentist in Portland, Oregon, you might have plenty of questions in your mind. If we assume correctly, you have come to the right page, answering your queries to ensure you decide correctly and move forward with your orthodontic treatment.

 

Can You Have Invisalign after Getting a Dental Implant to Replace Missing Teeth?

 

You might notice you are in a unique position if you had a dental implant placed for a missing tooth and then realized you must have your teeth straightened with Invisalign to benefit your dental health. Would you like to know whether you can get Invisalign after a dental implant?

 

Every patient is different, but the answer to your query is yes. You are eligible to receive treatment with Invisalign even if you have crowns, bridges, or fillings. However, your treatment will likely involve compromise for the reasons outlined below.

 

Cosmetic dentistry Portland recommends getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign before proceeding with dental implant placement after your teeth are in their final positions. The reason for receiving implants after completing Invisalign treatment is because implanted teeth are challenging to move because they are not your natural teeth. Therefore while it is not appropriate to get an implant before moving your teeth to their desired positions, you can have a dental implant after getting Invisalign. In addition, the teeth straightening treatment will not affect your remaining teeth from moving to their ideal positions. If you find yourself burdened with such concerns, you can inquire with dental implant Portland before you start your treatment for the missing tooth to receive a similar response.

 

Essential Things to Remember

 

You must realize that getting dental implants will not affect your ability to receive orthodontic treatment. For example, if you have a molar replaced that doesn’t require straightening with Invisalign, the dentist providing the braces can work with you to help straighten your front teeth as desired. In addition, dental implants sometimes function as Invisalign anchors to help the remaining teeth move into their ideal positions. In reality, it is relatively common to notice people with implants on their back teeth getting orthodontic treatments to straighten their visible teeth.

 

If you want to straighten teeth with Invisalign after getting them evaluated by the provider in Portland but have already received dental implants for missing teeth, do not hold yourself back but ask the provider how you can proceed with orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. The professionals are trained to determine which teeth need movement. They will work with you to ensure your cosmetic concerns are addressed with transparent and virtually invisible braces without wires and brackets mounted on your teeth.

 

In reality, Invisalign straightens your teeth faster than traditional orthodontic treatment, delivering results within six to 18 months. Therefore, if you have a dental implant to replace your missing molar, please do not assume you become ineligible for orthodontic treatments to correct the dental imperfections affecting you.

 

Cosmetic dentistry has a solution to every dental issue and works with specialists for better knowledge and continuing education. They can provide you with a solution that helps straighten teeth even while confronting challenges like dental implants in your mouth.

 

Replacing missing teeth is an essential requirement similar to getting your teeth straightened. If edentulous gaps become an ideal position for mouth bacteria to create infections in your mouth, the crooked and misaligned teeth are no better because they put you in a similar situation. Therefore dentistry has a solution for the problem you confront and can help resolve the issue by providing you orthodontic treatment even after you replace your missing teeth with a dental implant.

 

If you prepare yourself to go through orthodontic treatment after getting a dental implant, please do not assume you will not succeed or become ineligible for the treatment. Instead, please contact Laurelhurst dentistry in Portland to overcome the challenge you confront and get your teeth straightened with Invisalign braces.

After getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, you receive after-care instructions from the provider to ensure you don’t confront complications after dental implant treatment. Your jawbone heals around the implants in approximately three to six months.

The initial two weeks after getting dental implants in Portland, OR, are incredibly important and require you to follow your dentist’s instructions diligently. Compromising with the advice can create complications and result in the failure of the implanted titanium post.

This article provides an overview of the healing process and the dentist’s after-care instructions to help you recover comfortably after getting dental implants as substitutes for your missing teeth.

Dentists After-Care Instructions

During the initial two to four days, the dentist recommends you have a nutritionally balanced diet after your surgery. You must avoid chewing near the surgical site and chew from the opposite side of your mouth until the tissue around the implant heals and allows you to eat as usual.

You can expect swelling in your mouth for about 48 hours. Keeping your head elevated by using extra pillows when lying down minimizes facial swelling. You can also use cold compresses or ice packs on your face intermittently for 15 minutes on and off during the initial 48 hours. After two days, warm compresses help alleviate the suffering. You can continue this convenient home remedy until the swelling subsides.

The dentist recommends not to rinse your mouth for 24 hours following dental implant surgery. Rinsing can disturb the blood clot at the surgical site. If you receive a prescription for chlorhexidine gluconate, mouthwash saturate gauze pad with it for placement on the surgical site for a minute twice daily for 7 to 10 days.

How Do You Clean Your Mouth after Dental Implants?

If you have an implant protruding from the gums, you must ensure the metal is kept clean. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the implant and the neighboring tooth surfaces remaining cautious around the sutures.

Pain

Some discomfort accompanies oral surgical procedures as the anesthesia starts wearing off. You can take pain relievers recommended by the dentist before the anesthesia begins to wear. If you are not affected by allergies, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. The dentist might prescribe narcotic medications for relief if you have undergone an intensive procedure. Unfortunately, narcotic medicines impair your reflexes and judgment. Therefore driving or operating heavy machinery is best avoided.

How Long Should I Use Chlorhexidine Mouthwash after Implant Surgery?

If recommended chlorhexidine mouthwash, you can use the product as suggested earlier, placing the mouthwash for one minute on the surgical site twice daily and not exceeding the usage for over seven to ten days. However, you can use warm salt water rinses because they have disinfectant properties and are beneficial for healing during the first week. However, you must ensure the mouth rinse is not scalding and hold the mouthwash over the surgical site until it cools in your mouth. You can repeat rinsing with salt water as often as you like. However, it would help if you remembered not to swish for fear of disturbing the blood clot.

Antibiotics

Dentists prescribe antibiotics after implant surgery to prevent infections. You must take the medications as prescribed without skipping doses. You can contact the dentist if you experience adverse reactions like nausea, rashes, and itching and discontinue the medication. Rashes and itching indicate allergic reactions to the antibiotics. Unfortunately, if you develop swelling of the tongue and lips or challenges breathing, it represents a severe allergic reaction requiring medical attention immediately.

Smoking And Alcohol

You must eliminate tobacco and alcohol for at least two weeks following implant surgery. Quitting smoking is even better because the chemicals from smoking or chewing tobacco make you prone to gum disease, a leading cause of implant failure.

Alcohol consumption during an initial couple of weeks after implant surgery can interact with the pain relievers or narcotic medications prescribed by the dentist. Therefore you must refrain from having alcohol to prevent adverse reactions and recover quickly from dental implant surgery.

After dental implant surgery, you must concentrate on healing quickly by following the after-care instructions your dentist provides and using salt water rinses instead of looking for over-the-counter mouthwash brands containing over 20 percent alcohol because they are harmful to your oral health. Instead, if you follow your dentist’s instructions, you find it comfortable with or without adverse complications putting at risk your dental implants.

Laurelhurst Dentistry performing dental implant placements provide adequate instructions on caring for your mouth after the surgical process to ensure you recover quickly to receive your artificial teeth as soon as possible. If you need dental implants for missing teeth, kindly schedule an appointment with this practice to receive them.