An Implant Restoration is Your Alternative to Dentures

Patients of Kevin J Daily DDS often ask about an implant restoration and what it would mean for their long-term oral health.  This is a permanent procedure that can restore the functionality of missing teeth.  Unlike dentures that must be taken out, an implanted tooth will remain securely in place and is cared for like a natural tooth would be.  It is an ideal solution for those with an active lifestyle who don’t want to slow down to worry about their teeth. 

Dentures are a common and practical solution for replacing missing teeth.  They have been around for centuries and allow patients to have the functionality of a full set of teeth without undergoing a surgical process.  The main challenge with dentures is that they can come loose when eating or speaking and must be taken out to be cleaned and allow your gums to rest.  While functional, these inconveniences can diminish a person's quality of life and make it difficult to enjoy some of their favorite foods. 

An implant restoration eliminates these concerns because the new tooth is attached to an implanted synthetic root system that is completely durable.  During the process, a metal piece is implanted underneath the gum line and secured to the patient’s jaw bone.  The metal and bone fuse together to create a synthetic root.  A second metal piece is then attached at the surface of the gum line, and the synthetic tooth secured to it. This three-part system is the most stable and durable solution for replacing missing teeth. Once in place, a patient can eat all of their favorite foods, speak clearly, and enjoy life without worrying about their implant.

An implant restoration is also used for people who want to have a straight smile but don’t want braces.  In this scenario, the natural teeth can be removed and replaced with an implant.  Some patients elect to have this done for several teeth that may be sticking out or not fitting with the rest of their smile.  Instead of wearing braces this procedure can be completed and a permanent straight smile will emerge.  This addresses a common challenge that braces cannot – roots.  Braces move teeth, but the root system remains in place and can start to pull teeth back to their former position. This is why most patients are required to wear a retainer after having their braces taken off.  In fact, some adult patients need to wear a retainer for the rest of their life.  With an implant the root system is new so there is no risk of the tooth moving out of place. 

Patients that want a youthful, beautiful smile may want to start with a basic procedure like teeth whitening to see how it improves their smile.  If teeth still look dull, crooked, or several are missing, an implant restoration is a great next step.  The process can take several months to complete, so temporary dentures are often worn.  However, once the implant is securely in place, patients have gorgeous looking permanent teeth that are both durable and stunning

A Dentist Can Look for Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious disease and dentist, Kevin J Daily can identify symptoms during a routine dental examination.  Many people don’t think about oral cancer when they evaluate their cancer risk.  There has been limited education on the risks or symptoms of the disease which actually increases a persons’ risk due to a lack of early detection.  Regular teeth cleanings and dental exams can be the first line of defense in identifying the cancer before it has the opportunity to spread.

It is difficult to see inside of your mouth, which makes spotting symptoms of cancer nearly impossible to do on your own.  It is much easier for a dental professional since they have the proper equipment and lighting.  Additionally, they see hundreds of patients and know when something looks out of place. 

Some common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Red velvety bumps.  A dentist will look to see if there are any strange bumps inside of your mouth during a routine dental checkup.  If some are found they will ask questions to determine if further investigation is necessary. 
• Hard bumps or lumps.  If a hard lump develops inside of your mouth, you may notice it.  If so, tell Dr. Daily.  He will examine it and determine if it should be biopsied.  If so, an oral surgeon will complete the biopsy and send it to a lab so that they can determine if there are cancerous cells inside. 
• Rough patches.  The surface of your cheeks and gums are naturally smooth.  After brushing your teeth, run your tongue along the inside of your mouth.  If you feel a rough patch, it could be a cause for concern and should lead you to schedule an exam. 
• Severe bleeding.  If you are experiencing bleeding in your gums or mouth, you should call the dentist.  It could be a sign of gum disease which can and should be treated right away.  If not gum disease, oral cancer may be to blame. 
• Teeth are moving out of place.  As an adult, your teeth should not move unless they have been pushed. If they stop fitting together properly or your dentures feel out of place, a dental exam is needed to determine the root cause.  If a growth is pushing on them, it will need to be biopsied.

There are several habits that increase a persons’ risk of developing oral cancer. Chewing tobacco is the main culprit by increasing the risk by sixty percent.  This is a significant risk, making it important to avoid smokeless tobacco products.  Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol increase the risk by six times and should also be avoided.  Another known risk factor is overexposure to the sun.  You can decrease your risk by avoiding these things.  Simultaneously, preventative measures should be taken to stay in good oral health overall. 

It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, use an antiseptic mouthwash and visit your local dentist twice a year in order to stay in optimal oral health.  This will help you avoid all types of oral health problems and provide Dr. Daily with the opportunity to identify any oral cancer symptoms, should they arise.