Tag: dentist winchester

5 Best Tooth Replacement Options For Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can be a source of insecurity and embarrassment, especially when it comes to smiling or speaking in public. Fortunately, several tooth replacement options available today provide an effective solution for replacing missing teeth. From dental implants to dentures, these options offer varying levels of sustainability and cost depending on your lifestyle and budget needs. In this blog post, we will go over the five best tooth replacement options so you can decide which option is right for you.

5 Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth

By reading through this article, you’ll gain valuable information regarding all aspects of each treatment, from durability, longevity, and financial cost to maintenance requirements and possible side effects.

Option 1. Dentures 

Dentures are an affordable way to replace missing teeth. They consist of false teeth attached to a plastic base designed to look like gums. A full set of dentures consists of an upper and lower plate that fits snugly over your existing teeth and gums. Dentures can also be held in place with adhesive or denture clips. The main benefit of dentures is that they are easy to get used to and can be removed while eating or sleeping. However, they do require periodic adjustments as your mouth changes shape over time. 

Option 2. Bridges 

A bridge is a dental appliance that is used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges usually consist of two crowns on either side of the gap, with false teeth in between them. This type of replacement tooth is fixed into place with dental cement or other adhesives, making it semi-permanent. Bridges can last for many years if properly cared for but may need occasional adjustments due to shifting in the jaw over time. The main advantage of bridges is that they provide stability when chewing food and speaking clearly. 

Option 3. Dental Implants 

Dental implants are artificial roots made from titanium metal that are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line where a missing tooth used to be located. These implants fuse with your existing bone tissue, providing a secure foundation for a replacement tooth such as a crown or bridge. While dental implants tend to cost more than bridges and dentures initially, they offer long-term value since they can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Additionally, since they become part of your jawbone structure rather than sitting on top as dentures or bridges do, you’ll experience fewer problems with shifting or slipping when eating or speaking compared to other replacement teeth solutions. 

Option 4. Implant-supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are dentures with a difference. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip and move around your mouth as you talk, eat or smile, implant-supported dentures are held firmly in place by dental implants surgically placed in your jaw. This unique combination of denture stability and natural dentition strength gives you the assurance that your dentures can be comfortably worn anywhere, anytime! With secure denture stability, you have the confidence to laugh, speak and eat normally -without worrying about having to adjust dentures or having them come apart. Implant-supported dentures provide the perfect tooth replacement solution for those who want a beautiful and lasting smile without the hassle of dealing with regular denture maintenance.

Option 5. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may be the dental treatment solution for you if you are experiencing dental problems such as extreme tooth decay. A dental crown is a permanent covering that encases the entire visible part of the tooth, restoring structural integrity and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold alloy, and ceramic. Your dentist will work with you to decide on the best type of dental crown, depending on your needs and budget. Dental crowns can also help support bridges and dental implants. With today’s advances in dental technology, dental crowns provide a beautiful finish and are built to last – often lasting more than 10 years! If dental crowns are right for you, contact your dentist to arrange an examination today.

Final Words

Now that you know the different types of tooth replacement options, what will you choose? Here at our dental office, we want to help you make the best decision for your smile. Come in for a consultation where we can discuss your unique needs and find the right solution for you. We offer top-quality tooth replacement treatments that are sure to restore your smile. Contact us today to get started!

All You Need Is A Sinus Lift Treatment

If your jawbone isn’t thick enough to support dental implants, your dentist may suggest that you have sinus lift treatment. This treatment is also called a sinus graft or an augmentation. A dentist or oral surgeon often does this.

Oral Surgeons might use various methods to do sinus lift surgery. Read on how this treatment might help you keep your dental implants in place.

Why Do You Need Sinus Lift Operations?

A sinus lift is a process of lifting the maxillary sinus with surgery so that more sinus floor can be seen and bone can grow into the space. The maxillary sinuses, which are full of air, surround the back of the upper jaw. You need to lift the sinus and put bone grafts in the space for dental implants.

When there isn’t enough jawbone to hold the implant in place, the new tooth or teeth in that spot can’t handle the force of chewing or other challenging activities. When there isn’t enough jawbone to hold the implant in place, it doesn’t work. Loss of jawbone can be caused by congenital disabilities, periodontal disease, cancer, or even a sinus cavity that is too big or too small.

Also, the stress on your jawbone from losing teeth could cause it to get smaller. The back of her jaw has less than 4 to 6 mm of bone height, so doctors at the foundation for oral rehabilitation recommend a sinus lift procedure.

Get Ready For A Lift For Your Sinuses!

The process of getting a dental implant is done in several steps. Before dental implants may be inserted, sinus lifts or bone grafting must be performed. At your first appointment, our dentist will talk to you about what you hope to get out of the visit. 

The dentist will use x-rays or CT scans to see how the jawbone and other essential parts of the skull are doing. This procedure will be done if you need a sinus lift for your implant to be stable. Your dentist will put in the abutment, which is a holder for the dental implant. At last, the oral surgeon positions the implant in place properly.

Due to the high cost of getting dental implants, people should take their time with the process. There are a few different ways that surgeons can do a sinus lift. Which option is best for you will depend on how much bone you have in your jaw, what kind of bone transplant your doctors offer, and how they think you should place dental implants in the future.

Here Are The Essential Parts Of Sinus Lift Surgery:

To ensure you are comfortable, your dentist may give you anesthetic by mouth or through a vein. Your oral surgeon will determine where the bone is and make cuts in the gum tissue near the back of your mouth. The doctor takes out a small piece of bone while being careful not to hurt the membranes inside the nose. Next, the surgeon lifts the membrane to let the cut piece of bone into the sinus cavity. After the area has been raised, bone grafting materials are put in place and the gums are stitched back together. Dentists will give you detailed instructions on how to heal after surgery.

Sinus Lift Recovery: How to Get Better

Most of the time, swelling and bleeding happen after a sinus lift. But the pain will go away in a few days, and after talking to your dentist, you can get back to your everyday life. A big problem that can happen after a sinus lift is that the Schneiderian membrane that lines the maxillary sinus canal can tear. The perforation makes you more likely to get chronic sinusitis and other infections.

If the sinus lifts treatment goes well, the dentist will give you instructions on how to heal, which will cover things like:

  • Antibiotics are an excellent way to stop illnesses from happening.
  • Bone grafting material can be hurt by sneezing or blowing your nose hard.
  • It would help if you didn’t brush your teeth for a while in case it breaks up blood clots or makes you bleed.
  • If the treatment hurts or makes you feel bad, you can take medicine to make it better.
  • It would help if you didn’t drink through a straw because it could break up the blood clots that keep you from bleeding.
  • Toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke may make it harder for the body to heal after getting hurt. So, you can’t smoke after your sinus lift.

You can make a follow-up appointment with your doctor a week after the surgery. But you should see a doctor immediately if you are in a lot of pain or bleeding and can’t stop it yourself. After your jawbone has had 4 to 12 months to heal from a sinus lift procedure, dental implants can be surgically put in. But sometimes, putting in a dental implant happens right after a sinus lift procedure.

5 Tips to Combat Dental Anxiety

Visiting a dentist regularly is a must if you want to have a perfect smile. But, a major percentage of people put their oral health in jeopardy by skipping dental appointments. Studies say that almost 3-16% of the American population suffer from the fear of visiting a dental office. This can be bad for your oral health and ultimately cause serious dental problems in the days to come. Dental anxiety is considered to be a prominent reason for such an issue. Here at Smiles of Virginia, we have always tried to educate people about the ways of encountering challenges regarding oral health along with providing quality dental treatment. Keeping this in mind, the best dentists in Winchester have come up with a blog that will discuss effective tips to combat dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety or dental phobia can be caused due to numerous reasons. You can go through the probable causes in the pointers below:

  • The fear of pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone
  • The fear of going through pain and discomfort
  • The inhibition about getting judged on the basis of your oral hygiene routine
  • If you have a bad previous experience of visiting a dental office
  • If you have heard about the terrible experience of visiting a dental office from an acquaintance or a friend
  • If you have gone through physical or mental abuse at a young age

In case you have dental anxiety as a well, it is recommended to get the problem addressed as early as possible. Ignoring dental anxiety or dental phobia for a long time can have a negative impact on your overall mental health. 

How to Deal with Dental Anxiety?

No matter how difficult the situation is, it can be handled by adopting a few measures or hacks. We have provided the 5 tips to get rid of dental anxiety for your benefit. 

  • Do not hesitate to talk – Not holding your thoughts just to yourself can be an effective way of combating dental anxiety. You can choose to talk to a friend or your dentist. Having an in-person discussion with another person will help you to get a different perspective about the entire situation. 
  • Look for a dentist who listens to you – You are advised to look for a dentist who will provide you with the scope to talk. Ask questions about the dental treatment and also do not hesitate to express your opinions. There are several dentists who are very well-behaved and polite, you just need to find one nearby. Contact Smiles of Virginia if you are looking for friendly and the best dentists in Winchester. 
  • Conduct thorough research – Make sure to research a bit online before booking your appointment. You should select a dental office that entertains dental phobics. Ask for recommendations from friends and family. 
  • Listen to music – People often feel uncomfortable while listening to the sounds that are common at a dental office i.e the noise of drilling. You can avoid hearing these noises by listening to your favorite soundtracks while waiting for the appointment.
  • Do not reach very early – You should never reach the dental office with a lot of time in hand. The more you wait for the appointment, the higher is the chance of you feeling anxious. 

We hope that you now know the ways to combat dental anxiety. Incorporate these tips in your daily life and notice the difference they create. 

Negative Outcomes of Dental Anxiety

Suffering from dental anxiety can be the reason for numerous other dental problems. They are:

  • Facing the issue of bad breath or halitosis
  • Having dental cavities or tooth decay
  • Suffering from gum problem or periodontal disease
  • Stains on the teeth or tooth discoloration
  • Formation of plaque on your teeth and gum line that later hardens into tartar
  • Bacterial infection in teeth and gums
  • Having a persistent bad taste in the mouth

In case you have any further queries related to dental anxiety and its outcomes, schedule your visit at our dental office. We are the favorite dental office in the Winchester neighborhood for a reason. Our team of dentists and other professionals guides the patients towards the correct path and offers a friendly environment. So why wait anymore? Give us a call today!

What Are The Advantages of Getting Sinus Lift?

What is Sinus Lift?

Our teeth are held together by the bones of our upper and lower jaw. The jawbones play a crucial role in helping us bite and chew various kinds of food. They also maintain the proper facial structure. Bone loss in the jaws is one of the very common oral issues. It happens for a wide range of reasons. The reasons can range from gum diseases to tumors and cysts in the jaws. 

Therefore, it is essential to provide an adequate amount of stimulation to the jawbones. Numerous people have lost a tooth in the upper or lower jaw which has resulted in bone loss. In these current times, any kind of dental issue can be solved like advanced orthodontic treatments like Sinus Lifts. 

But what is Sinus Lift? Sinus Lift can be defined as a dental procedure that is performed by dentists or orthodontists to improve the bone mass in the upper jaw of the patient. Now let us take a look at who are the possible candidates for this procedure. 

Who Is An Ideal Candidate for This Treatment?

If you are ever told by your dentist that you do not qualify for dental implants because of bone loss in the upper jaw, you can be a potential candidate for a sinus lift. Due to the position of our sinus cavity, it is very challenging for orthodontal surgeons to place dental implants in the rear end of our upper jaw. In addition, having these issues can also make you ideal for a sinus lift:

  • Having engorged sinuses.
  • Suffering severe facial injury or trauma.
  • Having an advanced stage of gum disease.
  • Tooth loss by accident.
  • Undergoing tooth extraction procedure on the upper jaw several times. 

The Advantages of Sinus Lift

There is no doubt about the importance of a sinus lift treatment and why it is required for some patients. Now let us get to know about the various advantages of the Sinus Lift treatment:

  • Lessens The Risk of Serious Damage In The Sinuses: If the wall of the maxillary sinus is too close to the upper section of the mouth or too thin, then inserting dental implants may cause severe damage to it. This issue can easily be solved by getting a sinus lift treatment.
  • Repairs Damage from Tooth Loss and Gum Disease: Sinus lift can make the jawbones stronger by adding more mass to it. In some of these sinus lift procedures, a natural or synthetic bone graft is used to replace the missing bone material.
  • It Makes Getting Dental Implants Possible: Sinus lifts opens a wide range of possibilities for patients suffering from bone loss in the jaws. It helps them to qualify for treatments like dental implants. 

 

Finally, we hope that our blog has helped you in knowing about sinus lift treatment and its advantages. If you need advanced dental services in Winchester, VA, then please visit our Winchester dentist at Smiles of Virginia Family Dental Center. We use advanced technology to treat a wide range of dental problems.