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Four Basic Types of Dentures at Ashar Dentistry Complete or Full Dentures - Complete dentures refers to complete replacements of either upper or lower teeth, or both for the entire mouth. Partial Dentures - Partial dentures are designed to correct the gaps in a smile when only some of the teeth are missing. Metal attachments anchor the dentures to your natural teeth. Partial dentures maintain tooth alignment by preventing your remaining teeth from shifting into the space left by the missing tooth/teeth. Partial dentures can also help you prevent further tooth loss due to decay or gum disease. Overdentures - Overdentures can be full or partial dentures, and are secured to the roots of your own teeth. This type of denture provides greater stabilization during chewing. Implant-Supported Dentures - For those who choose dentures , the use of implants or implant-supported dentures are recommended if possible. Over time, people can develop problems with complete dentures. They can become loose, painful or tend to slip or move around, as the gums change. Problems can be resolved by creating a custom set of dentures for you that will stay put. They are attached to and supported by dental implants. Implant-supported dentures also offer the advantage of eliminating the need for messy denture adhesives.

Crowns and Bridges at Ashar Dentistry Crowns and bridges are two of the most common restorative dental treatments used to repair and replace damaged or missing teeth. A crown, also known as a cap, is a covering that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. A bridge, on the other hand, is a prosthetic device that is used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap left by the missing teeth. Crowns are typically used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, or a large filling. They are also used to protect a tooth that has had a root canal, to support a tooth with a large filling, and to improve the appearance of a tooth that is discolored or misshapen. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and can be matched to the color of the surrounding teeth for a natural-looking result. Bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are anchored to the natural teeth or dental implants that are on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth. Bridges can be removable or fixed and are designed to look and function like natural teeth. The procedure for placing a crown or bridge typically begins with a consultation with a dentist to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the treatment. The next step is to prepare the tooth or teeth for the crown or bridge. This may involve removing any decay or damaged areas of the tooth, or placing a dental implant to anchor the bridge. Once the tooth or teeth are prepared, an impression is taken of the area, and the crown or bridge is custom-made to fit the patient's mouth. The final step is to place the crown or bridge in the patient's mouth and make any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit. Crowns and bridges are a popular and effective solution for repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth. They are designed to look and function like natural teeth, and can greatly improve the patient's overall oral health and appearance. Additionally, with the use of advanced technology and techniques, the results of crowns and bridges are natural looking, long-lasting and highly functional.

Dental Implants at Ashar Dentistry Millions of Americans have lost no less than one tooth permanently. So, if you are going for a dental implant, know that dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement with a significant success rate. What are dental implants? A dental implant is a permanent solution for tooth replacement. The dental implant serves as a root when placed into the jawbone. A post (the abutment) has an artificial tooth (the crown), which screws into the implant. The crown is custom-made to match other teeth and look as natural as possible. Why should I consider dental implants? Appearance - The sheer beauty of implants is that they look and feel like natural teeth. The implants fuse with the jawbone and become permanent. Your teeth return to optimal function, you look and feel like yourself again. Refined speech - Poor-fitting dentures often tend to slip within the mouth. When this happens, you may have difficulty speaking and eating comfortably. With dental implants, you do not have these worries. Comfort - Another benefit is comfort. Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures. You will not be embarrassed or inconvenienced by having to remove dentures or use messy adhesives to keep them in place. Better Oral Health - When it comes to dental implants, there is no impact on other teeth, unlike a tooth-supported bridge, which affects the natural teeth on either side. Thus, more of your natural teeth are kept intact with dental implants, thereby improving long-term oral health. Individual implants enable convenient access between teeth, further improving oral hygiene. Different types of dental implants There are two dental implants treatment options, endosteal and subperiosteal. In subperiosteal, the surgeon embeds the implant into the jawbone, and each then holds one or more artificial teeth. The surgeon affixes the implant on top of the jawbone with a subperiosteal implant. Surgeons choose this option for people who have a shorter (height) jawbone than the average. The implant procedure can be one of three types depending on the situation. These are next. Replacing a single tooth: A dental (single) implant - Commonly, a dental implant is for replacing a single missing tooth. The procedure requires one post and one crown. A single tooth dental implant replaces the entire missing tooth. When one missing tooth or multiple teeth are not adjacent to one another, this procedure is your ideal option. Replacing several teeth: Implant-supported bridge - Now, when multiple missing teeth that stand adjacent to each other are missing, an implant-supported bridge is an option. A bridge typically contains two crowns on either side of the missing tooth gap, with an artificial tooth, held, in between, by those crowns. So, the implant-supported bridge has crowns connected to dental implants on either side. The process is no different from the single tooth dental implant. However, the teeth in the middle of the gap are not implanted but sit on a bridge. With that said, you need not replace every single tooth in that row. It happens all at once! The downside is possible bone mass loss over time. Replacing all your teeth: Implant-retained denture - Many people battle missing teeth. Most teeth in either the upper or the lower arch go amiss in such cases. The best possible is an implant-retained denture. A denture is an artificial arch of teeth that rests on your gum line. Traditional dentures are removable, meaning they can slip, slide and even fall out. So how does this work? The specialists begin by strategically placing four implants along the arch. While they are healing, the current denture is modified. Once completely healed, you get a new, custom denture that fastens to dental implants. The result? It is a permanent, secure denture custom-designed to fit your facial aesthetics. How much are dental implants? As for the cost, note that there is no fixed rate. Much depends on the type and time of surgery. However, keep in mind these factors: The number and types of implants Location of implants within the jaw Any additional procedures for your mouth surgery When it comes to costs, you must look at the insurance policies. Is the dental implant procedure uncomfortable?  Discuss with your dentist options for sedation and to numb the surgical site. Now, this itself considerably reduces pain and discomfort. Once numbed, the drill makes space in the jawbone for the implant. Do not fret! You might feel the pressure most, but you will not have pain from the drilling. On average, the discomfort in the treated area, face and jaw lasts about ten days. Also, some patients may have localized swelling. The dentist will sort you out with painkillers and antibiotics. The good news is that the swelling and pain begin to decrease from the third day. Within 14 days, the implant will have healed.

Root Canal Treatment at Ashar Dentistry Tooth decay is a common issue among Americans, with statistics showing that over 92% of adults have had cavities in their permanent teeth. When tooth decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, it can cause severe pain and inflammation, and a root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth. A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth and seals it to prevent further infection. What is a Root Canal Treatment? A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is used to remove infected or damaged pulp from the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain, inflammation, and even an abscess. During a root canal, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth, then fill it with a special material and seal it to prevent further infection. How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal? There are several signs that may indicate that a root canal is necessary, including: Severe tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth Darkening of the tooth A small bump or pimple on the gums near the affected tooth A persistent bad taste in the mouth or bad breath If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation. Does the Tooth Require a Crown Following a Root Canal Treatment and Why? Yes, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment will often require a dental crown. A crown is a cap that is placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage and to restore its shape and function. The tooth may become brittle after a root canal and a crown will help to protect it from breaking or cracking. Additionally, a crown can also improve the appearance of the tooth, making it look and function like a natural tooth. In conclusion, tooth decay is a common issue among Americans, and when it reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, it can cause severe pain and inflammation. A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth and seals it to prevent further infection. This treatment can save the tooth and prevent the need for a tooth extraction. It is important to visit your dentist if you experience any symptoms that may indicate a need for a root canal treatment. Also, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment will often require a dental crown to protect it from further damage and to restore its shape and function.

Screening for and Detecting Tooth Decay at Ashar Dentistry Dental procedures play a vital role in detecting and preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems that can cause significant pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss if not treated in time. To prevent the progression of tooth decay, regular dental check-ups and screenings are essential. One of the most common dental procedures for detecting tooth decay is the dental exam, in which a dentist visually inspects the mouth, checks for signs of decay, and assesses the health of the teeth and gums. During the exam, the dentist may use a small mirror to examine hard-to-see areas and a probe to feel for soft or cavitated areas on the teeth that may indicate decay. Another common procedure for detecting tooth decay is dental X-rays. X-rays allow dentists to see the inside of the teeth and surrounding tissues, making it easier to detect decay in areas that are not visible during a visual exam. The use of X-rays also helps dentists determine the extent of decay and plan the best course of treatment. Dental caries detection devices, such as laser fluorescence, are another useful tool in detecting tooth decay. These devices use a special light to highlight areas of decay, allowing dentists to detect decay in its early stages and prevent its progression. In conclusion, regular dental check-ups, dental exams, dental X-rays, and dental caries detection devices are all crucial procedures in detecting and preventing tooth decay. These procedures allow dentists to catch tooth decay early and provide prompt and effective treatment, reducing the risk of tooth loss and maintaining good oral health.

Periodontal Disease and its Link to Osteoporosis Periodontal disease is a progressive oral condition characterized by the loss of gingival tissue and jawbone support, making it a leading cause of adult tooth loss. The disease occurs due to toxins in oral plaque that inflame and irritate the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, leading to the systematic destruction of gum tissue and underlying bone. Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease, particularly in postmenopausal women, characterized by low bone mass, fragility, and decreased mineral density. Studies have shown a connection between periodontal disease and osteoporosis, with a 1995 University of New York at Buffalo study concluding that postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are 86% more likely to develop periodontal disease. Estrogen deficiency, accompanying menopause and exacerbating oral bone loss, and low mineral bone density, which weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to break down, are the primary reasons behind the connection between the two diseases. Diagnosis and Treatment  Early detection of both osteoporosis and periodontal disease is crucial, and dentists and physicians often work together to control and manage the conditions. Routine dental X-rays, estrogen supplements, and assessments of risk factors such as family history, medical history, and lifestyle factors can be used for diagnosis and treatment. Preventing and treating periodontal disease can help in managing osteoporosis, and education, support, and prescription medications can be used to manage modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, and poor diet.