Dental implants can change the look of a smile that has been compromised due to missing teeth or from damage or decay. For those who suffer from insecurity or an inability to eat or speak normally, replacing teeth with dental implants is a life-changer. Whether a patient is missing one tooth or multiple teeth, the Lifetime Dental Health team can make a difference by discussing the option of dental implants and getting the ball rolling towards a better looking and functioning smile.
For those who are curious about what dental implants are all about or are ready to make a change for the better and get started with this solution, here is more information to get you better informed about the process. We have been replacing teeth with dental implants for a long time, and patients have been extremely satisfied with the stunning results. Natural-looking and comfortable, dental implants are a real game-changer for those seeking repair and renewal.
Will anyone notice my dental implants?
Dental implants are remarkable. They look just like natural teeth and feel that way to the wearer too. Unless you tell them, no one will ever know they are not your real teeth. The color, shape, structure, and size are all designed to look best for the individual; every dental implant is specifically crafted to suit the patient. All anyone will notice is how lovely your smile looks.
How are dental implants put in? Are they removable?
Dental implants are placed in one of two ways. Either they are directly attached to the jawbone like your real roots would be or we will have custom-made metal frameworks made which will be anchored by mini dental implants. The second route is recommended for those with thin bone. In most cases, the former process is put in place. That said, dental implants are not removable. They stay put just like regular teeth. They are strong, secure, and stable. Unlike dentures, they stay in 24/7.
How long does the process take?
The entire process can take several months from your first consultation through the healing process to the final placement of the dental implants. First, we must place the artificial tooth root (made of biocompatible materials – bone-like ceramic and metals) into the jawbone. Screws and posts are fitted, and then we must wait for the gums to heal as the roots fuse with the jawbone. This can take up to six months to heal satisfactorily. Once healed, the implants are fitted. The wait may seem long but it’s the only safe and secure way to go about this procedure. Believe us, it’s worth the wait!
Will the process be painful?
You will be under local anesthetic while we do the dental implant procedure, so the pain won’t be a concern.
Will you have to remove any of my healthy teeth in order to fit me for dental implants?
Dental implant placement does not require any removal of healthy teeth. Each implant is separate from the rest, so there is no need to make space to secure one in place. We may need to remove decayed or damaged teeth for replacement, but those will be the teeth that will be replaced by the implant.
How do I properly care for my dental implants? Is there anything special I will need to do once they are placed?
Consider them as you would your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly and maintain good oral hygiene. And don’t forget to keep up with your regular cleaning appointments.
How long will my dental implants last?
Dental implants are remarkably strong and durable. For some patients, they can last a lifetime.
Will the implants be uncomfortable?
Dental implants are designed for comfort. You may need a little time to get used to them when they are first placed, but before long, they will feel just like your natural teeth…only better.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
During your consultation, we will examine your teeth and mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for receiving dental implants. If you have missing teeth, damage, or decay, you are already a prime candidate. But every patient is different, so we’ll discuss your particular concerns during your appointment.
If you are concerned about the cost, we’ll work with you regarding financing options in-house. Our goal is to provide solutions for your smile. Affordability is achievable, so don’t dismiss this process if you think you’ll be unable to pay.
Are you interested in getting dental implants? The first step is to call Lifetime Dental Health and book a consultation. Our number is 614-451-2234. Dental implants can transform your smile and self-confidence. Why struggle with missing teeth, irreparable damage or decay, or live in fear of flashing your smile? There’s a solid solution in dental implants.
Microneedling at the dentist? It may sound strange to some, but this cosmetic procedure is something we proudly offer at Lifetime Dental Health, along with our array of cosmetic dentistry services which vastly improve your smile. Your skin is the first thing people see, so your self-confidence may stem from its tone and texture. Let’s lift your spirits with smoother and silkier skin, right from the comfort of the dentist’s chair with the magic of microneedling.
Fine lines and wrinkles are going to affect us all (if they haven’t already). And for those with minimal scarring (like the red spots you may see from old acne scars), this process is a healing hope. If you are seeing aging or otherwise compromised skin that could use a beneficial boost, microneedling is the answer. By getting just below the skin’s surface, this in-office process heals as it helps. The difference is noticeable and you will be pleased by the nearly pain-free process. Here is what you should know about microneedling and what you can expect should you choose to make the most of your Lifetime Dental Health experience by booking a microneedling appointment with us.
Does microneedling hurt?
You will certainly feel the procedure, but it doesn’t exactly hurt. Think of it as tiny pinpricks just touching the skin and delving just beneath the surface. So, it’s not like a major needle injected into the body; it’s much less pressure and therefore less pain. Some people don’t mind the feeling at all, while others are more sensitive. But you’ll get through it, as it’s minimally invasive and relatively quick to complete.
How long will the microneedling process take?
Expect the session to last about 30 minutes, give or take, depending upon the area being treated.
How does microneedling work?
All those tiny pricks/punctures actually injure the skin, but the “injury” won’t last long or look that way. What happens is that the skin self-repairs from the inside out, stimulating cell growth as well as collagen and elastin renewal. This natural process makes the skin look far healthier, with a fresh-faced glow that you will see right away. As the skin heals, the effects are long lasting, as the cells are now healthier, ready to ward off fine lines and wrinkles and replace the scarred skin with new cells.
Will my skin bleed during the procedure?
There will be slight bleeding, but it won’t last long. The pricks do go beneath the surface of the skin, so naturally, it will cause mild bleeding. We will take care of the bleeding before you go home and you’ll feel OK to do so.
How do I care for my skin post-microneedling?
Your skin will be sensitive at first, so you may not want to go about your normal routine. We will provide tips for you to follow post-procedure and let you know which sorts of products are safe to use. It’s also advisable to stay out of the sun. Follow instructions until your skin is fully repaired.
Aside from wrinkles and scarring, is microneedling helpful in clearing up any other skin conditions/concerns?
Microneedling has been effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, cellulite, and reduces the appearance of large pores. It can tighten skin that sags too. Some studies have found that it can stimulate hair growth as well. This all-around skin saver is something many people are satisfied with.
Am I a good candidate for microneedling?
Just like any other procedure, not every patient is a prime candidate for microneedling. If you have an infection, severe acne, keloids, or a bleeding disorder, we’d likely advise that you do not consider microneedling. We won’t perform the procedure on anyone we think is a poor candidate. Your safety comes first. We assess every individual during a consultation to be sure if microneedling is a smart choice.
Are you interested in microneedling? It’s not the first thing you may have thought of when you made your appointment at Lifetime Dental Health, but it’s something we offer that can make an improvement in your appearance. We care for your smile, so why not your skin? Many patients have left the office with a glorious glow after receiving a microneedling treatment. It is effective and easy to do; all you need to do is sit back, relax, and let us rejuvenate you.
For more information regarding microneedling and our other cosmetic offerings, give Lifetime Dental Health a call at 614-333-8605. Our caring and well-informed staff will answer all they can over the phone, and Drs. Barry and Love can get into more detail when you see one of them in person during a consultation or exam.
You will be impressed with the ravishing results of microneedling. Just like the dazzling smiles we deliver, we can make your skin shine too!
Crowns, also known as caps, have been around for decades serving as a solution for cracked, chipped, broken or fragile teeth. Crowns are a type of tooth covering that fits over the entire tooth, including the chewing surface. They’re an effective way to protect and strengthen a tooth that has become weakened or has undergone dental trauma. Crowns also fit over and protect teeth that have had a root canal. Crowns can even make an excellent cosmetic treatment for discolored teeth that are too severely stained or malformed to be whitened or bonded. We prefer to use CEREC Same-Day Crowns.
Getting a traditional dental crown takes several visits to the dentist. First, your dentist would prepare the tooth and take impressions. Those impressions would be sent to a lab where they’d form the basis of a permanent crown. In the meantime, you’d wear a temporary crown before finally having the permanent crown placed. There are a lot of steps involved in getting a traditional crown, so it’s not a one-visit procedure. It can take weeks, even months, before you’re finally finished with the traditional method of getting a crown.
What is CEREC technology?
CEREC technology adds convenience, precision, and comfort to the process of getting a crown. CEREC (Ceramic Restoration, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) is an integrated 3D scanning and milling system that lets you get a dental crown in one visit. Same-day crowns are created by CEREC and uses computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to make your crown in one day. The convenience of CEREC is simply unparalleled.
The CEREC system digitally scans your tooth, using a special intraoral camera to create a refined digital impression that’s sent to a milling machine. The digital image is transferred to the milling machine, which gets to work making your crown. The CEREC milling machine that forms your crown from a single block of tooth-colored ceramic is phenomenally precise, capturing every last detail that needs to be replicated for a perfect fit.
All the equipment, from the scanner to the milling machine, is right there in the same office, where any adjustments required can be made by your dentist immediately. Your crown is custom-fitted for your needs and fabricated in one place. Your dentist will make all the fine adjustments in that same visit, including cementing the crown in place and getting you on your way.
What are the benefits of CEREC? Are there drawbacks?
The main benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns are convenience and time saved for patients. Getting a crown fitted and placed in a single day, in a single visit, is light-years ahead of the traditional method. In the more traditional method of crown placement, you would need at least two visits to have a crown created and placed. It could take weeks or longer for a crown to be perfectly fitted to your needs, where CEREC needs only one day.
Traditional crowns require you to wear a temporary crown between the initial and final visits, but you won’t have to deal with temporary crowns with CEREC. The crown you get is the first and final crown.
While there are no major drawbacks to the CEREC system, traditional metal crowns can be a better choice in cases where the tooth’s roots are very fragile and need extensive reinforcement.
How long do CEREC crowns last?
CEREC crowns are made from a single block of high-density porcelain and last from 10 to 15 years. They can last far longer than that, but habits like tooth grinding can shorten their effective lifespans.
Who can have CEREC crowns?
In most situations where a traditional crown is called for, a CEREC crown can be used. In other words, most patients are good candidates for CEREC crowns. They can strengthen brittle or fragile teeth, as well as teeth that have been weakened by large amalgam fillings.
If you’re looking for a same-day restoration solution, CEREC crowns are the way to go. The accuracy of the restoration combined with the convenience of getting the crown placed in one visit is an unbeatable combination.
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of the dental arts and sciences that is focused on delivering the most attractive smile to patients. Like all the branches of dentistry, there can be some overlap between function and aesthetics; that is, cosmetic treatment may also restore some function to a tooth or teeth, although the main objective of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. Teeth can be improved in terms of color, shape, and alignment to create a more appealing smile.
What can cosmetic dentistry do for me?
Cosmetic dentistry improves the look of your teeth and smile, and there are many procedures under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. Below we describe some of the most popular and how they can help you reach your smile goals.
Teeth Whitening
A professional teeth whitening session is the easiest and often quickest of all cosmetic dental procedures. Performed in the office, teeth whitening uses a professional, prescription-strength hydrogen and carbamide peroxide gel that penetrates and saturates into the tooth’s enamel, getting deep into the microtubules that permeate teeth. The peroxide lifts away stains and discolorations, lightening your teeth three to five shades, sometimes more.
Laser whitening is also available. Laser whitening uses a very powerful whitening agent that is around 40% peroxide. After the whitening gel is placed on the teeth, the laser’s heat boosts the process along. Although laser whitening must be done in the dental office, there are many products available over-the-counter for more conventional whitening. These products don’t work as rapidly as a professional whitening procedure; neither are they as effective, but they do make an excellent supplement to professional teeth whitening.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored materials such as ceramic porcelain laminate or composite resin. Veneers fit over the surface of teeth and hide stains and discolorations that teeth whitening cannot remove. Veneers can help fix misshapen or misaligned teeth to restore functionality and create a better-looking smile as well. A dentist must shave the outer layer of the teeth so that they will fit properly, and then will attach the veneers. Veneers normally last for years and will perfectly match your other teeth so that no one will even know they are there.
Dental Bonding
A dentist uses dental bonding to fix cracked, chipped, misshapen or discolored teeth. A special tooth-colored enamel-like composite resin is applied to the teeth, then shaped to fit, polished and hardened through the use of a special blue light that causes chemicals in the resin to harden and fuse to the tooth. The result is a smooth, natural-looking tooth surface.
Reshaping
Reshaping contours the enamel of the tooth until it’s in a more aesthetically pleasing form. Sometimes this is an ideal choice for misshapen teeth, requiring less time than veneers or bonding. A sanding drill is used to reshape the tooth until imperfections are removed. The process rarely requires sedation and is painless.
Bridges
Dental Bridges are a cosmetic solution that can also help a person chew, eat and talk better. Bridges replace missing teeth by being anchored to natural teeth on either side of the gap formed by the missing teeth. In this way, bridges ‘bridge’ the space left by missing teeth. Unlike partial dentures, bridges are fixed in place and cannot be removed, except by a dentist.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth and provide a natural-looking, permanent solution. They help patients to chew, eat and speak naturally, and help to prevent bone loss. Implants are composed of three pieces: a titanium post, an abutment, and the artificial tooth. The titanium post is set directly into the jawbone, where it helps stimulate blood flow to the bone tissue. The abutment is an attachment point affixed directly to the post, and the artificial tooth, colored to match your natural teeth, then sits on top of the abutment.
Gum lifts or Gum shaping
Gums can be too high on the tooth line or too low. A gum lift reshapes the gums to help teeth look longer and straighter.
Braces and Orthodontic Appliances
Braces realign crooked or misaligned teeth, making smiles straighter and more appealing. They also improve the bite by correcting overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, and/or gaps. Modern dental appliances no longer have to be made of metal as well. Clear aligners can also be a great option, as they are not very noticeable and allow you to straighten your teeth with aligners you can take off. Although most severe instances of malocclusion must still be treated with traditional metal braces, many cases of mild to moderate misalignment can be addressed with clear braces.
Any general dentist can perform most cosmetic dental services, and many only take only a couple of visits to complete. If you’re curious about how we can improve your smile, give us a call today! You may be surprised at how easy it is to get a bright, white smile!
Snoring is often poked fun at, but it’s no laughing matter. Around 90 million Americans experience snoring nightly. For half of those people, snoring may be a sign of a dangerous sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea always causes loud snoring, but loud snoring isn’t always a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring in the absence of OSA is referred to as primary snoring. Snoring due to OSA is bad news by any measure.
What causes snoring?
Snoring is caused when the tissues in the back of the throat relax to an extreme degree. These tissues slide partially into the airway, where they vibrate when air passes across them. The severity of a person’s snoring is affected by their build, weight and many other factors.
How is snoring due to sleep apnea different?
In Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a person’s breathing slows or even stops. “Apnea” itself refers to a temporary halt in breathing. The brain senses a sharp, rapid rise in carbon dioxide and rouses the sleeper briefly, so briefly that there’s no memory of the sleep interruption. Sleep returns immediately upon the resumption of normal breathing. This pattern occurs over and over during the night, from a few times to hundreds of instances. Unlike primary snoring, sleep apnea is caused by a fundamental failure of a primary life sustaining function—in this case, breathing.
Snoring in OSA sounds different from primary snoring. Snoring in OSA is very loud, followed by silence due to the airway being choked off by the back of the tongue and tissues in the lower oral cavity. Next, loud gasping and choking noises following, sometimes accompanied by snorting or half-formed vocalizations.
Sleep quality with OSA is abysmal. OSA causes the release of stress hormones that put immense pressure on the heart and major blood vessels. OSA contributes to high blood pressure, daytime tiredness, chronic fatigue, and even depression. People with OSA tend to gain weight, which makes their situation even worse. OSA leads to metabolic syndrome, in which nutrients aren’t efficiently processed or absorbed by the body. Work performance suffers because of OSA and interpersonal relationships suffer. OSA also may lead to congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and stroke. The above disorders are all primary risks of OSA.
Sometimes OSA causes breathing to stop for more than a minute. Lack of fresh oxygen injures organs and tissues on a microscopic but cumulative level. The brain uses almost one-quarter of the freshly oxygenated blood in the body at any given time. A drop in oxygen impairs brain function, causing impairments in memory, mental clarity, and retention of information.
There are more concerns. Lack of consistent, restful, regenerative sleep leads to a marked drop in concentration and coordination, which can cause accidents. People may nod off in episodes of micro-sleep
How is primary snoring treated? What about OSA?
Primary snoring can be treated by over-the-counter nasal strips and sleeping in different positions. Reducing alcohol intake sometimes relieves primary snoring. In cases of OSA, several options are available. In the case of an obese patient, weight loss can relieve pressure on throat tissue. Large tonsils and adenoidal tissues can be removed to open up air passages. The CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device is the most common and best treatment. CPAP uses a small air blower, which forces a steady stream of air onto the face of the wearer via tubing and a mask. Although CPAP treatment is effective, sleeping with a CPAP machine is challenging. Many people find it awkward and uncomfortable.
There are newer devices on the market that use different technology to alleviate sleep apnea, such as the Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure device (EPAP). Provent, an EPAP system, uses nasal plugs with tiny valves that partially close during exhalation, generating pressure in the airway that keeps it from closing. Provent requires no masks, no electricity and is portable. Provent requires a prescription.
Mouthpieces are also available that treat OSA. They help your throat to stay open by gently moving your jaw forward, which in some cases is enough to relieve obstructive sleep apnea. If you want to try this
approach, you’ll be referred to a dentist who specializes in sleep medicine to be custom-fitted for a mouthguard.
EPAP and primary snoring
The FDA has approved the Theravent snore therapy system for use as an over-the-counter primary snoring treatment. Theravent devices fit over the nostril, creating positive pressure that keeps the airway open when exhaling.
Get help for OSA
No one should dismiss snoring as an unavoidable annoyance. There’s at least a fifty percent chance a snorer has obstructive sleep apnea. A physician can make an accurate diagnosis, most often through a sleep study. There’s no reason to give up on getting the best sleep of your life. With diagnosis and treatment, all the harm from OSA can be prevented.
Consult our professionals at Lifetime Dental Health if you are a snorer, and we can discuss possible next steps to get you the sleep you deserve!
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. During National Children’s Dental Health Month, dental professionals, dental educators, and parents promote the many benefits of good oral hygiene to kids. It’s vital that children learn early in life to make dental hygiene part of their daily routine. Keeping teeth healthy is much easier and more convenient than replacing them, so the earlier kids learn to stick to great oral health habits, the better.
How do I promote and encourage good oral health for my children?
The first way to encourage your kids to learn good oral hygiene is to model it. Show your kids the behaviors you want them to emulate and set a good example of the habits you want your kids to learn. Make brushing fun and involve your kids. Even toddlers need to be taught about the importance of dental health. Help them pick out their very own toothbrush and choose a toothpaste that’s ADA approved and great-tasting for kids. Different fun flavors are plentiful. Just make sure it’s a fluoride toothpaste.
Teach your kids the following habits:
Brush twice a day. Make sure to use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. When kids are just a little older than toddlers, teach them about how plaque is a sticky film that sticks to teeth, full of bacteria that damage everyone’s teeth, kids and adults alike.
Floss at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque from above and below the gumline. It’s crucial to good oral health to get rid of as much plaque as possible before it gets the chance to harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar accumulate on children’s teeth just like on adults’ teeth. Once tartar has formed, only a dentist can remove it during a professional teeth cleaning. Floss your child’s teeth for them around age 4. By age 7 or 8, they can start flossing on their own. You may need to visit a pediatric dentist to learn how to effectively floss your child’s teeth.
Make sure your kids have fluoridated water. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens and reinforces tooth enamel. It’s is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to fight tooth decay. Fluoride is included in the water system in many municipalities. If your local water supply doesn’t contain fluoride, your dentist may be able to prescribe oral fluoride supplements, including gels and mouthwashes.
Help your child get comfortable visiting the dentist
Choose a pediatric dentist for your little one’s dental needs. A pediatric dentist has specialized training in the unique needs of children. They provide a comprehensive range of services, including:
Infant oral health exams
Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments, if necessary. Going to the dentist for painless preventive dental care is a great way to reinforce that there’s no need to be scared of going to the dentist
Assessment of conditions like malocclusion and crooked teeth, as well as treatment for those conditions.
Tooth fillings
Dental sealants. Dental sealants are tough but thin plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of a child’s teeth, particularly their back teeth, where cavities are common. Getting sealants applied doesn’t hurt.
Pediatric dentists can also perform frenectomies, which are minor surgical procedures that correct problems like a young child being “tongue-tied”
Make sure to limit or eliminate sugary, starchy snacks. Even healthy foods like fresh fruit, dried fruit, and granola contain sugars that attract enamel-damaging bacteria. Teach your children to practice brushing after eating sugary foods.
Your pediatric dentist can also come to the rescue if your child damages or knocks out a tooth. The sooneryou get to your child’s dentist, the better. Give your child over-the-counter pain relievers and get to the dentist immediately. Even if it’s a baby tooth that’s been knocked out, place it in water or milk and go to the dentist. Baby teeth serve an essential function and can be re-implanted.
National Children’s Dental Health Month helps bring attention to the oral health needs of kids across the nation. It’s all too easy to presume that simply because a child isn’t complaining of tooth pain, they’re fine. Childhood is the best time to engrain good health habits that will last a lifetime. In February, celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month and teach your kids about the value of good oral hygiene. For any further questions about how to help your child kickstart their oral hygiene, give us a call at Lifetime Dental Health!
