An Implant Restoration Can Restore Your Tooth After an Accident

If you’ve been in an accident an implant restoration can restore your missing or damaged tooth.  Millions of people are in accidents every year.  Car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, sports injuries and more can knock teeth out or cause them to become permanently damaged.  Sometimes no matter how careful you are these types of accidents cannot always be avoided.  Fortunately, there are options for replacing your missing tooth. 

You can be fitted immediately with a temporary denture that can be worn right away while you consider your other dental options.  Some people select to continue wearing dentures since this is an affordable solution.  However, dentures can make it difficult to eat certain foods, can come loose when speaking, and need to be taken out at night.  This creates an inconvenience for those with a busy and active lifestyle.  

Dr. Daily can provide an implant restoration as a permanent solution for tooth loss. This procedure is preferable for people who want to replace a missing tooth without needing to take any additional steps caring for it after it has been installed.  The process can take several months, so most patients continue to wear a temporary denture until it is complete. 

In order to start the procedure, the gum tissue needs to be healed from the accident. Once it is, Dr. Daily will implant a metal piece underneath the gum line and secure it to the jawbone.  The gums will then heal, and the metal will fuse with the bone. Afterwards, a second metal piece is attached to the first at the surface of the gum line, and this is what the new tooth will be attached to.

A new tooth is created in a dental lab and matched in both color and size to your other teeth.  If you don’t like the existing color of your teeth, you should have them professionally whitened before the new tooth is created.  Otherwise, you will have one tooth that doesn't match the rest. 

An implant restoration is a fantastic solution for replacing missing teeth with results that are stunning.  Many patients are so thrilled with how they look that they have other natural teeth replaced with an implant.  This same procedure can be used to replace a crooked tooth or one that is damaged, but still in place.  Replacing all of your front teeth with implants is an effective solution for creating a stunning Hollywood style smile. 

Patients who are unsure about having an implant restoration should consider other restorative options as well.  A bridge is a viable alternative that does not require surgery.  In this procedure a crown is placed on the two teeth that are next to the missing one, creating a “bridge” that a new synthetic tooth is attached to.  This is a durable solution that will allow you to eat most, if not all, of your favorite foods.  It will also be matched to your existing teeth and appear natural.  The main benefit of an implant restoration over a crown is that there is less wear and tear on the surrounding teeth.  To learn more about your options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daily today.

Local Dentist, Dr. Kevin J Daily, Treats Diabetic Patients

Those suffering with diabetes need to see a dentist who understands how to properly care for and treat their oral health issues.  Diabetics are at a higher risk for a variety of health problems, including oral health issues because of spikes in blood sugar.  When blood sugar levels are not controlled they can become elevated and prevent the white blood cells from doing their job.  White blood cells are in place to fight disease naturally by fighting off bacteria before it turns into an infection.  With diabetics, the body is less able to fight the bacteria and as a result gum disease and other issues are more common. 

The best way to prevent these oral health issues is for a diabetic to keep their blood sugar levels under control.  This can be done with proper diet and staying on the medication routine prescribed by a physician. Failure to do so can result in many health issues.

As a local Santa Cruz dentist, Dr. Daily works with diabetic patients to help prevent oral health issues.  Since diabetics have a more difficult time fighting bacteria and infection it is important to have regular teeth cleanings so that bacteria and plaque can be professionally removed.  Where typical patients should see a dentist twice a year, diabetics may need to come more often.  During these appointments plaque and bacteria will be removed from teeth and gums along with difficult to reach areas.  With fewer bacteria in the mouth, a diabetic doesn’t have to work as hard to fight oral disease. 

There are ways to prevent gum disease and tooth decay at home, including:

• Brushing after every meal.  Instead of waiting for the nighttime and morning routine, diabetics should carry a soft toothbrush and use it every time they eat.  This will help prevent bacteria from staying on teeth after a meal.
• Floss frequently.  It is important to floss at least daily and more often if possible.  This will remove food particles and bacteria from in between teeth. 
• Use mouthwash.  An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that wasn’t removed through brushing and flossing.  This should be done at least daily and is a good substitute for gum and breath mints. 
• Drink water.  Diabetics tend to produce less saliva.  Saliva is the body’s natural way to flush food particles and bacteria off of the teeth.  Without it, a person is at a greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease.  It is important for diabetics to drink plenty of water so that they can stay hydrated and assist the body in creating the saliva necessary for good oral health. 

When visiting the dentist, a patient needs to discuss all of their current health issues, including if they are a diabetic.  This is critical because the dentist needs to know if there have been any recent diabetic episodes and blood sugar spikes.  Dental procedures besides routine cleanings should not be performed unless the patient’s blood sugar is under control.  Otherwise, the recovery process will be prolonged. 

If you are a diabetic and need a routine cleaning and oral health inspection, call the office of Kevin J. Daily DDS to schedule your dental exam today.