Friday, December 16, 2016

All on Four Procedure - What You Need to Know About Teeth Replacement

The All on Four method of dental implants is an outstanding option for anyone who needs their dentition restored. While other replacement options like dental bridges or dentures are also potential successes, the All on Four method, once completed, requires the least hassle and provides permanent results.

For the most functional prosthetic teeth, a quality dentist or oral surgeon will complete the All on Four procedure. The All on Four procedure, including the added restoration, can be completed in one day, unlike traditional dental implant treatments. Healing should occur following the procedure before any intense chewing can be performed on the new prosthetic teeth, but once healing is accomplished, your implant teeth will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.

All on Four

The All on Four technique uses four implants per arch to anchor sets of prosthetic teeth. Due to the angled placement of the implants, typically no bone graft will be needed for this procedure, unlike traditional dental implants. Your All on Four replacement teeth will look and feel like natural teeth, be permanent, and they should be brushed and flossed regularly. Your new teeth will not be removable, and they do not require adhesives to hold them in place. All on Four prosthetic teeth are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options. They won't put pressure on your gums or slide out of place constantly like dentures do. You will also be able to experience sensory responses in your teeth. All on Four is a fast, efficient, and attractive solution for missing teeth.

Criteria for All on Four

If you are a candidate for traditional dental implants, you will be a candidate for All on Four typically. Total edentulism (missing teeth) will be necessary for a successful All on Four procedure. If you are currently missing most of your teeth but not all, the remaining teeth will more than likely be removed. Fortunately, your new prosthetics will be more attractive and functional than what remaining teeth you have. If the majority of your teeth are remaining and healthy, you should consider a traditional implant instead. All on Four is an excellent option for people who currently wear full dentures.

Added Benefits of All on Four

With All on Four, your facial structure and muscle tone will be completely restored. You will look decades younger, feel more confident, and be able to eat the food you once loved. You may even become healthier since you will be able to consume much-needed nutrients without a problem. You won't have to worry about continued jawbone deterioration or an unattractive appearance, and your new teeth will be straight, white, and perfect.

To learn more about whether or not you are a candidate for the All on Four procedure, make an appointment with our Portsmouth office. We can provide you with a needed solution for multiple missing teeth that will better your quality of life permanently.

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Friday, December 2, 2016

Visit Us For Root Canals and Crowns After an Accident

In our Portsmouth dental office, we use root canals and crowns to save teeth that have become infected or injured.  While root canals are typically associated with a tooth that has become severely infected and is sore, they are also performed when a root has become damaged due to dental trauma.  Understandably, when a tooth is damaged in a car wreck, sporting accident, or workplace injury, the exterior of the tooth will show the damage but the interior (roots) may be irritated as well. This is one reason that we take x-rays when a dental trauma has occurred.  We need to see what is happening inside of the tooth so that we can take it into consideration and address it during the course of the treatment.

The Process of Getting Root Canals and Crowns After an Accident

After examining your tooth and determining the best course of treatment, we will numb the area.  Next, a small hole will be created in the tooth so that we can remove the infected portion of it.  If your root canal is not to remove an infection, but to smooth out the root, we can do that as well.  The key is to visit an experienced dentist that knows how to access the interior of the tooth with minimal disruption to it.  Once done, we will seal up the hole with a rubber-like substance.  This will prevent anything from entering the tooth and at times we will recommend a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.  Next, we will begin the process of restoring the tooth.

Before a crown can be placed, the tooth must be prepared.  This is done by removing a portion of the enamel from around the tooth so that when the cap (crown) is placed, it does not disturb the surrounding teeth.  To prevent any unnecessary discomfort, our Portsmouth dentist office will provide you with medication and numb the area first.  Afterwards, you can expect to feel some discomfort and sensitivity.  This can typically be controlled with ibuprofen.  Since it takes time for the dental lab to create a crown, we will place a temporary crown around the tooth to prevent anything from touching it.  This is secured in place using a removable, water-based glue, so it is important to be careful with what you eat and how you eat to prevent it from slipping out of place.  Once the permanent crown is ready, you will come back in for it to be bonded in place.  You will then be able to eat like normal.

Recovering From Root Canals and Crowns

The process of root canals and crowns is easier and more comfortable than ever before.  Still, this is a major procedure that changes the tooth.  Keeping that in mind, you should prepare to experience some level of irritation and take ibuprofen to feel better. You can also use a cold compress to reduce any swelling.  You will want to be careful with what you eat for a few days while your teeth are getting used to the crown.  For example, you may not want to eat something that requires biting down with excessive force.  This, however, is only temporary, and you will be back to normal in short order.

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