Athletes often have the best bodies, with amazingly fast reflexes and ripping muscles accentuating their bodily achievement. But all the hours of training can take a toll on your teeth in ways you would not realize.
To retain energy throughout the day, athletes often consume large amounts of carbohydrates which mainly contain sugars. They also suffer from dehydration as a result of sports and the lack of saliva has a direct impact on your tooth health.
But not just that, a lot of athletes involved in contact sports are also prone to dental injuries. The American Dental Association published findings that an approximate 13%-39% of all dental injuries result from high impact sports. (Source: https://jada.ada.org/)
One collision with your competitor and your smile can go from fab to drab in seconds! In such cases, dental implant treatment is your best bet to create a new root system. In this procedure, a titanium screw is fused to your jawbone to anchor a strong lasting root system.

Dental implants may get many people worried. Of course, the whole idea of pieces of titanium fused with your jaw bone doesn’t sound too tempting. Also, because it’s a surgical procedure, many people may find it to be an expensive treatment.
But there’s a growing concern for a better facial appearance and even the old folks are making a conscious effort to look better. And this involves a better jaw alignment, fixing missing teeth, and getting straighter teeth.
A lost tooth is one of the biggest concerns for older adults. Dental implants procedure has been around for the longest time and the technology has advanced quite a bit. And they are one of the most reliable tooth replacement options. Read on to take an objective look at dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most effective tooth replacement procedures and with the help of a skilled and qualified dentist you can easily restore your smile with this safe surgical procedure. Dental implants are made up of titanium that is inserted into the jaw for replacing missing teeth roots. Through a process known as osseointegration, the bone surrounding the teeth grows and gets attached to the implants, thus securing them and making them a permanent part of your natural smile.      

Following osseointegration, the dental implants will be attached to artificial teeth (replacement cap/crown) to anchor them to the jawbone or they may be used to anchor dentures or a bridge to the jawbone if a single tooth or multiple teeth are missing.

When are Dental Implants Needed?  

Dental implants are needed for different reasons like replacing a single tooth or multiple missing teeth, resolving bite issues and joint pain, and for restoring facial tissues for achieving a natural smile. Dental implants are also the best long-term solution for replacing teeth that are missing due to tooth decay, gum disease, an accident, or a root canal failure.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Dental implants look completely natural
• They boost your confidence
• Implants prevent further loss of bone tissue in the jaw
• You don’t need to remove them like bridges or dentures
• Implants offer improved comfort when chewing food

Are You a Candidate for Dental implants?  

In order to have a dental implant, you must be healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction. You should also have healthy gums and enough bone tissue in your jaw to facilitate the insertion of the anchor. If you meet these qualifications, you can get your dental implants right away. However, even if you have lost bone, you can still get dental implants but before the procedure begins, the bone must be rebuilt.   

An Step-by-Step Overview of the Dental Implant Surgical Procedure  

The dental implant surgery is carried out in several steps that take place over a timeframe of three to nine months.  

Steps of the dental implant surgery

• Dental Examination  The initial consultation includes a comprehensive dental examination to determine your oral health. You may also have to take dental X-rays (IOPA, OPG, CBCT) to ensure an accurate evaluation. The examination also includes a questionnaire of your dental history, allergies, health conditions and medications that could interfere with the treatment plan. Based on the assessment, the oral surgeon will formulate a tailored treatment plan to obtain optimal oral function and desired aesthetic result.
• Treatment Planning Depending on your unique situation, a comprehensive treatment plan will be formulated detailing the complete sequence of treatment. This treatment plan will also take into account the condition of your jawbone and the surrounding structure to know which option is best for you. Your oral surgeon will also walk you through all the steps involved in the cosmetic dentistry procedure so you know what to expect from the treatment.
• Placement of Dental Implant  Implant placement is a major surgical procedure performed under sterile conditions with local anesthesia. If your oral surgeon observes that you lack a significant amount of bone, he will evaluate the possibility of bone grafting procedures for bone regeneration. The placement starts with a gum incision where the implant is to be placed. Sequential drilling is used to prepare the jawbone while ensuring zero damage to the surrounding nerves and subsequently the implant is placed.
• Fusing Period The implant can take from six weeks to six months to fully integrate with the bone. During this period, the oral surgeon may recommend wearing temporary dentures or bridgework. In certain cases, a small connector post may be attached to the dental implant or temporary teeth can be fixed.
• Restorative Process Once the bone has fully fused, the dental implants can be brought into full function with definitive restorations that range from a single crown and a small bridge to a larger bridge and removable over denture. After 3-6 months, the second phase starts wherein the abutment (metal post) is attached to the dental implants. Finally, your replacement teeth are created and fitted in the third phase which may require a few trials and corrections to achieve the desired outcome. The complete process generally takes 5 to 8 months but may vary from patient to patient. A dental technician may work closely with your oral surgeon to construct an appropriate restoration for you.
• Maintenance and Follow-Up   After the completion of your dental implant procedure, the patient must maintain the new teeth with regular brushing and flossing. You are also required to follow the care and maintenance measures recommended by your dental hygienist. Regular follow-up visits are equally important to ensure the oral health of soft tissues and the integrity of the restoration.

How Safe are Dental Implants and How Long Do They Last?

Dental implants are considered a completely safe tooth replacement procedure for patients who are in good overall and oral health and meet the eligibility criteria prior to undergoing this cosmetic dentistry procedure. When the surgery is performed by a qualified and experienced oral surgeon, dental implants are extremely successful. They typically last for several years once they have successfully fused to the bone. Many patients have had dental implants for well over 40 years.     

Are Dental Implants Costly?

The cost of dental implants depends on the work involved. For example, dental implants that will be used for fixing bridgework are more expensive than those used for replacing missing teeth. However, implants are more cost-effective over time as they do not need special care or replacement.

Is the Surgical Procedure Painful?

No. The procedure is not painful because a local anesthesia is administered prior to the procedure.

What to Expect Post Dental Implant Surgery?  

Whether your dental implants were placed in one stage or the entire procedure required multiple dental visits, you may experience some discomfort due to the swelling of your gums, pain at the implant site, minor bleeding and bruising of your skin.

If the pain, swelling or discomfort gets worse after the dental implant surgery, immediately contact your oral surgeon as you may need medications.

After every stage of the surgical procedure, you should only eat soft foods to facilitate faster recovery of the surgical site. While most dental implant surgeries are successful, sometimes the bone fails to fuse completely due to which the implant needs to be removed. After the bone is cleaned, the procedure is performed again in two to three months.  

Dietary Dos and Don’ts After Getting Dental Implants

Recovering from a dental implant surgery is a process that requires you to take a few precautions especially when it comes to your diet and hygiene. This enables the dental implants to fuse with the bone tissue and ensures proper support and stability for implants. Generally, a soft diet is recommended for five to seven days to ensure that the bone tissue and gums heal properly and quickly.

Even then, your soft food diet should factor in the needs of your body like energy and nutrients. You can speak to your dentist for advice on a variety of foods that you can eat. If you are not sure about where to start, here are some food choices/dietary recommendations as well as restrictions you can follow after a dental implant surgery.

• Fruits and Vegetables
  It is advisable to go for fruits that are deemed softer like peaches, bananas, melons, nectarines as well as all berries. You will do well to consider cutting the fruit into pieces as opposed to taking a bite. On the other hand, your vegetables should be properly cooked so that they are not too crunchy for your new implants. Good alternatives for the vegetables include carrots, broccoli and squash. Soups and sauces are also a safe and easy option to try out.
• Starches and GrainsA majority of cooked grains will help you avoid hard foods while giving you more nutrients. For instance, you can have oatmeal for breakfast and consider noodles, rice, soft bread, grits or mashed potatoes for dinner.
• BeveragesYou want to stay hydrated after your dental implant surgery; hence, nothing will work best for you than water. Be sure to avoid alcoholic drinks during your recovery period.
• ProteinPoultry and red meat may be tough on your dental implants during the first few days of your surgical procedure. Therefore, consume them carefully and sparingly. Other safe options for proteins include fish, seafood, beans and eggs, among others. You can also consider red meat only when it is tenderized.
• Dairy
  Dairy is also considered a good source of protein when recovering from a dental implant surgery. This includes dairy products like yogurt, milk as well as cheese. Although quinoa and couscous are considered wheat and grain, they have a high amount of protein.
• Dietary RestrictionsWhen it comes to dietary restrictions, consider staying off food that is chewy, crunchy and hard during your recovery. This is because they may cause discomfort, delay healing and result in implant failure. Some of the foods that you must refrain from eating include the following.
• Chewy FoodsThis refers to any food that must be chewed for a couple of rounds before swallowing. Eating such foods will result in the implants pulling away from the gums. They include hard fruit, cookies, salads, rolls and gummies, among others.
• Hard FoodsThey include snack foods like candies, dried fruit and pretzels. Raw crunchy vegetables and nuts also pose a threat to the dental implants.
• Very Cold or Hot FoodsIntroduction of extreme temperatures can lead to pain or even open a wound. Therefore, consider allowing your hot meals to turn luke-warm before eating. For cold drinks, avoid the temptation of using a straw soon after the surgery as it may brush against the dental implants causing irritation.

In summary, the recovery period for surgical procedure should be supported by eating the right foods that will not interfere with the process of integration into the gums or even give rise to wounds or gum disease. Thus, you must choose your meals wisely.

How to Maintain Your Dental Implants?  

Dental implants can develop problems in the absence of consistent oral care. The earliest sign of an underlying problem is bleeding which eventually progresses to bone loss. This is why the importance of oral care cannot be understated. Restored dental implants should be free from plaque and for this your oral hygiene aids should include a soft toothbrush, a low-abrasive toothpaste and dental floss for thorough cleaning around the abutments. You can also include an antimicrobial mouth rinse and disclosing tablets that stain the area where plaque has accumulated. Your dental implants must be examined annually with an x-ray for the first 3 years following the surgical procedure so you can keep them for life.

For more information on caring for your tooth implant, make an appointment with the best dentist in Goodyear AZ at Joshua Hong DDS.

Modern dentistry seeks to restore comfort, speech, aesthetics, normal functions as well as health to those individuals that have lost teeth. This is the answer to the rise in the number of people experiencing loss of teeth due to aging. This task becomes even more challenging when a person has more teeth missing. Consequently, continued research in the development of innovative treatment and diagnostic tools has made predictable success a reality in the face of numerous challenging dental situations. This is seen as a blessing because of the serious consequences of tooth loss especially among the elderly people that have a high likelihood of missing teeth.

The Unseen effects of tooth loss

Although it is obvious that missing teeth affects your overall appeal, this may in turn have social and psychological consequences that are profound. That is, it is more than just the unsightly gaps as loss of teeth can affect health, function, facial aesthetics and just about everything.

Loss of Bone Density

The loss of teeth is not just about teeth but all about the bone that requires to be stimulated in order to maintain its density and form. For instance, the alveolar, which supports teeth, gets its stimulation from the teeth. As your teeth make fleeting contacts during the day, the small stresses that come out of it are transmitted through the periodontal ligament that suspends teeth in their socket causing the bone to continually rebuild and remodel.

Thus, in the case of tooth loss, the absence of teeth essentially translates to the loss of alveolar bone owing to the lack of stimulation. This loss affects the height, width as well as bone volume. Generally, a percentage decrease of the width that is recorded during the first year may be up to 25% with an overall loss in height of up to 4 millimeters.

Decrease in Gum Tissue

As the loss of bone height and width progresses, the gum tissue decreases gradually effectively impairing the ability to speak and chew. Thus, the more teeth you lose the more this function is lost. This causes serious functional and aesthetic problems especially in people who are toothless.

This does not end there because when the alveolar bone is lost, the basal bone that is beneath it, also referred to as the jawbone proper will begin to melt away. The effect of this is that the distance from the chin to the nose will decrease while the lower third of the face will undergo partial collapse. Consequently, the chin will rotate upward and forward as the cheeks have lost support effectively becoming hollow. Extreme cases of loss of bone can also result in being disposed to jaw fractures. A bite collapse may occur where the back teeth that support the height that is the vertical dimension of the face are missing. The result of this is that the front teeth will be pushed or squashed forward.

Ingenuity at its best

Tooth replacement is the ultimate solution to debilitating bone loss. However, this is dictated by the number of teeth lost. For instance, a single missing tooth can be replaced through a dental implant that replaces the root on which a dental crown is then attached. The implant is made from pure titanium and has a biocompatible property allowing it to osseointegrate with the jawbone.

A crown attaches to the implant that feels, looks and functions like a normal tooth. In the event that the dental crown needs removal or replacement, it can be removed ensuring that the implant is not damaged or compromised. Dental implants offer numerous health advantages that include decreased risk of gum diseases and no risk of decay. The risk of abutment tooth decay, endodontic failure will be reduced while aesthetics will improve. There are significant psychological advantages as well.

Replacing multiple teeth

About 30 million Americans have had their arch of teeth missing. While this rate is on a gradual decrease, the increase in the elderly population is rapid; thus, it is expected that the number of adults that will require complete dentures will rise to 37.9 million by 2020.

Implant dentists recommend implants because they may be used to support tooth bridges without need for a full arch or abutment teeth that rely on the support of the underlying bone and gums. Implants prevent an accelerated decrease in jawbone and alveolar loss compared to removable dentures.

Besides, dentures also reduce the function to a sixth of the level that was experienced when you had natural teeth while implants may restore function close to normal limits. A removable partial denture or a fixed tooth bridge is more stable compared to a denture relying on soft tissues for support. Removable dentures usually affect the ability to chew. This is backed by studies that show 29% of people who wear dentures eat mashed or soft foods only, 50% avoid most of the foods and 17% claim they eat efficiently without dentures. Those wearing dentures avoid fruits and vegetables and this can result in digestive tract problems, poor nutrition and shortened life expectancy.

How Implants stop Bone Loss

Dental implants are integrated and fused in your jawbone to serve as an anchor to support teeth as well as for better preventive maintenance procedure. Missing teeth is the primary reason for considering dental implants. Since bones require stimulation for them to stay healthy, implant supported teeth promote normal functioning of the jaw including muscles, nerves and jaw joints. Furthermore, they fuse in the bone stimulating and stabilizing it thereby maintaining density and dimension. As such, dental implants offer improved functions, bone preservation, increased longevity, enhanced psychological wellbeing and dental restoration.

If you are suffering from the after effects of losing a teeth and are considering tooth implants, make an appointment with our friendly Smile Team at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear AZ and know more the various options and treatment procedures you can choose from.

Dentures – whether used for replacing all or some of your teeth, can seem daunting. Even small acts like chewing and speaking with dentures initially can cause discomfort or pain. Apart from getting habituated to them, it is also essential to maintain them properly.

We have listed below some important aspects to help you get comfortable with your new dentures and handle them correctly. Let’s take a look:

Oral Hygiene

The importance of oral hygiene can never be undervalued. And, with people using dentures, it becomes all the more essential. You should keep a close watch on the condition of your gums, rest of your natural teeth if any, tongue and the insides of your cheek. Also, the dentures are prone to getting stained or damaged by bacteria. So it is crucial that you don’t neglect their maintenance. Use a brush with soft bristles and consult a dentist to know how to clean your dentures properly.

Denture Care

You should regularly soak your dentures as instructed. This helps remove any residual food particles, harmful germs and bacteria. It is unadvisable to use any kind of cleaning solutions for dentures while they are within the mouth. Hence, always soak them in an appropriate container.

Choosing Adhesives

Denture adhesives can help you with adjustment problems, by easing the discomfort. However, this does not mean that anybody with dentures can use such adhesives. The needs vary according to the user and the design of the dentures. Before choosing any such adhesives, it is mandatory that you check with a dentist about it.

Consume More Water

Be it with dentures or with natural teeth, a dry mouth leads to decay and bad breath. So, make a conscious effort to drink more water. This will help you get rid of soreness and irritation caused by using a denture in a dry mouth.

Eat Wisely

Dentures are built to suit the natural design of your jaws. But, at an early stage you should bear in mind that you are not used to chewing with them. Therefore, to avoid harming them or yourself, and to keep them healthy in the long run, you should watch what and how you eat. It is best to not eat sticky or sugar and acid rich foods. Start with softer foods and small pieces, so chewing becomes easy and comfortable.

Practice Talking

First time denture users often avoid talking to avoid irritation and at times embarrassment. However, dentists suggest that they should in fact knowingly make an effort to talk more. This can help them get comfortable with their dentures faster.

It is however important to know that your natural teeth if maintained well, can eliminate the need for dentures. This can be done by including some simple habits in your daily routine. Like eating wisely, using a soft brush and correct brushing ways, regular flossing, drinking liquids like juices with straws, quit smoking, having a basic awareness about oral health and undergoing periodic dental check-ups.

Get in touch with us at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear AZ today, to know more about how you can retain healthy natural teeth for years. And, even if you are using dentures then we can help you to get used to them, effortlessly. Our dedicated Smile Team is ever-ready to resolve any of your concerns related to oral health.

A Denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It can be made out of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.

Different Types Of Dentures Available – Based On The Needs Of The Patients:

Conventional Full Denture: A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after all remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed.

Immediate Full Denture: An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. Immediate full dentures have to be realigned after your teeth have healed.

Partial Denture: A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth are capped with crowns and used as anchors for this denture.

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Conventional full dentures and immediate full dentures are for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is ideal for people who have a few natural teeth remaining. Dentures give you the added advantage of not only improving your chewing ability and speech but also providing support for your facial muscles. They thereby enhance your facial appearance and smile.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Generally, one or more follow-up appointments are essential after receiving dentures to make any necessary adjustments. It is not wise to attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Dentures that do not fit properly can cause irritation and sores in the mouth and on gums.  If the denture breaks, cracks, or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, you should report it to your dentist immediately instead of trying to readjust the dentures yourself. Bending any part of the clasp or metal attachments can weaken the metal structure of the dentures and cause more unnecessary discomfort. Readjusting or repairing the dentures should be left to the dentist, otherwise it might do more harm than good.

It is important to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene after getting dentures. Whether you get full or partial dentures, you must brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush every morning before putting the dentures in. This will remove the build-up of plaque in your mouth and will also help to stimulate circulation in your mouth. Also remember to clean and massage your gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help to clean the gums. Eating a balanced diet to maintain proper nutrition also keeps unnecessary oral problems at bay.

Plaque that might get trapped under the clasp will increase the risk of tooth decay, so pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth.

As time passes, your dentures will need to be realigned, rebased, or remade due to normal wear and natural age-related changes to the face, jaw bone, and gums, or if the dentures become loose. Your dentist will refit the denture base or make a new one as per your needs. Generally, a pair of dentures can last you anywhere from 5 to 7 years before a replacement becomes necessary.

It is important to see your dentist regularly so that he or she can examine your mouth for signs of oral diseases, like cancer, and also have your teeth professionally cleaned. Your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes as you age. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your dentures or possibly remake your dentures. A visit to the dentist every six months will keep all the denture-related problems in check.

About Joshua Hong DDS

At Joshua Hong DDS,we perform general dentistry with post-graduate school training in jaw joint rehabilitation, full-mouth reconstruction, and occlusion. We can do veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, tooth colored fillings, invisible braces, implant crown restorations, all-on-four restoration, dentures, teeth whitening, extractions and non-surgical tmj therapy. We do all this with a holistic approach. Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear, Az has a highly trained smile team. Dr Hong works with the best of the best. We don’t provide any dentistry that is not good enough for any of our family members. We have also created a spa like atmosphere and cater towards clients with anxiety. We do memory free dentistry.