Dental implants are typically made of titanium and are a safe and effective replacement for a natural tooth root. It is surgically placed in the jawbone and, over time, fuses with the bone to become a sturdy and stable base for a reconstructed tooth.
There are two main types of dental implants available, endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal root implants are placed directly into the jawbone where they fuse over time with the living bone (known as osseointegration). This is the most common type of dental implant. These dental implants come in many shapes and sizes, from small screws to cylinders. There are standard and narrow/mini implant sizes available. Dental implant specialists are trained to help patients choose the ideal option for specific dental concerns.
During this procedure, the implant is placed into the jawbone and the gum tissue is closed with stitches. It takes two to six months to fully heal. After healing, the implant is exposed during minor surgery so that an abutment may be attached for the replacement tooth.
Plate form dental implants are an endosteal option for a narrow jawbone. This type of implant has a long, flat shape best suited to fit into a smaller jawbone. It is set into the jawbone using a similar process to the endosteal root implants and fuses with the living bone. It takes the same amount of time to heal.
Subperiosteal implants are placed beneath the gum tissue, but rest above or on top of the jawbone. This type of dental implant is custom-made and may be best for a patient who has insufficient bone height that is unsuited to either endosteal or plate form dental implants. Upper teeth located next to the sinuses can be challenging to replace with dental implants because the bone is so thin. While rebuilding the jawbone can be done, subperiosteal implants provide an alternative solution to this problem, as some patients are unable or are unwilling to undergo the procedure to strengthen the jawbone.
Dental implants dentist in Toronto
Porcelain dental veneers can radically change the look of your smile using a thin layer of tooth-colored material that is bonded directly to your natural tooth, covering the front surface completely. These thin shells can improve the color, texture, and appearance of your teeth. Porcelain veneers have many advantages:
- They come in a variety of natural tooth shades, allowing you to brighten and whiten your smile permanently.
- They are extremely stain-resistant, providing protection from foods and coffee or red wine.
- They provide a more natural tooth appearance, and refract light in a realistic way.
- They are well-tolerated by gum tissue.
- They don’t require as much shaving down and shaping as crowns, leaving more of your natural tooth intact.
- They don’t require any special care after application.
- They can solve multiple dental problems, such as gaps or misshapen teeth.
Porcelain veneers do have some disadvantages:
- They are typically not able to be repaired if they chip or crack, and will need to be replaced entirely.
- Because of the loss of the top layer of natural tooth enamel, the process is not reversible.
- Your tooth may develop a greater sensitivity to cold or hot beverages and foods.
- They may appear to be slightly different than the surrounding teeth in color or texture.
- They may become loose or fall off.
- They aren’t a good choice for people with severe decay or gum disease, or for people who grind their teeth or clench their jaws.
Typically, a porcelain dental veneer will last between five and ten years, but can last much longer with proper care. There is no special care required. Follow good oral hygiene practices, and floss and brush your teeth as you normally would before the veneers. Continue to see your dentist for regular dental cleanings.
Porcelain dental veneers may be the perfect choice for you to resolve your dental issues. Consult with your dentist today to see if they are the right option for you and your teeth.
Dr. Cruz is a dentist in Toronto Canada.
You wisely chose professional teeth whitening, now how should you best proceed to maintain your bright new smile? Proper aftercare can extend the effects of your teeth whitening treatment for years. The following tips are recommended both immediately after teeth whitening, and on a long-term basis.
- Initially, it is recommended that you avoid any staining food or drinks for a minimum of 48 hours. Ideally, try to abstain from these offenders for a full seven days to give your teeth ample time to rehydrate. During whitening, enamel pores may open so rehydration is necessary for them to close and be less susceptible to staining. Consuming “white” foods and clear beverages for this period is the safest practice.
- Drink through a straw whenever possible to reduce the contact of staining beverages with your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth and teeth with water as soon as possible after ingesting any food or drinks which might cause staining.
- Try to refrain from smoking for at least 12 to 24 hours. Cigarettes contain many ingredients that cause tooth discoloration.
- Ladies should consider switching to smudge-proof lipstick. Certain types of lipstick and glosses contain pigment that can stick to and stain teeth over time.
- Do not use home whitening kits for at least a month or more after treatment. If you do eventually decide to use one, proceed carefully as they can weaken and over-whiten teeth.
- Brush with a good whitening toothpaste and floss regularly to avoid tartar build-up that can cause decay and discoloration. Proper oral hygiene and regular cleaning with your dental professional can keep your teeth whiter for years to come.
Following these simple but effective recommendations can help you protect the investment you have made in a whiter, more vibrant smile.
Professional teeth whitening dentist in Toronto.
With current advances in dental technology, root canal treatment can save your natural tooth and allow it to remain functional for years. Root canal treatment is required to save your tooth when the living pulp inside it becomes infected or inflamed. Infection is then easily able to spread and affect the bone surrounding the tooth. When the infected pulp is removed, and the canals cleaned and treated, they become less prone to future infections.
You may wonder how a natural tooth can survive after losing the pulp that exists to keep it alive. Your tooth is attached to your bone by a living periodontal membrane, which allows the tooth to continue to function through the root canal system even without its original pulp tissue.
The sooner a diseased or damaged tooth is treated, the better the result. Studies have shown increased endurance of root canal fillings when the infection has been treated early and not allowed to advance into the bone. It is important to get treatment as soon as you are aware of the problem. This procedure includes having the tooth repaired with a permanent crown or filling after the root canal has been treated.
Studies have also shown a considerable connection between age and a tooth’s resistance to fracture. With aging, teeth usually become increasingly brittle and therefore have a greater propensity to fracture. Back teeth, which sustain more biting force, are especially susceptible. For this reason, it is important to protect teeth that have undergone root canal treatment with crowns. Protecting these teeth from unnecessary stress will extend their longevity.
It is always preferable to keep your natural teeth. Root canal treatment provides a long-lasting solution to having your teeth removed or replaced. With proper care, your root canal fillings and restorations will last for decades or even a lifetime.
If you need a root canal dentist in Toronto, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
Dental problems are something just about all of us will need to deal with at some stage in life, regardless of age. It is highly likely that at least one member of your family will need dental care at some point, and everybody should have regular checkups and hygiene appointments. As the need for dental treatment is almost inevitable, it can be hugely beneficial to find a good family dentist in Toronto who is able to take care of each of your family’s oral health requirements.
There are plenty of good general dentists around, but a family dentist is uniquely equipped to treat anyone at any age. In comparison, a general dentist might not always be able to offer this service, or will not be as comfortable doing so.
Another important benefit in choosing a family dentist is that it eliminates the need to find separate dentists for each family member. Your family dentist’s office will be able to take down all the information necessary in just one visit, and over time you will find you get to know the dental staff at the practice, and they in turn will get to know each member of your family and their individual dental health requirements. This will give you the confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing each person in your family is receiving a high level of care.
A family dentist in Toronto can help you save time, as it is often possible to make joint appointments. It is much easier simply knowing you need only go to one location for all dental treatment, and it can be very comforting to go somewhere familiar if you ever need emergency dental care.
Do you have one or more missing teeth? It is important to replace them, even if they are at the back of your mouth. When spaces are left in between teeth it can cause problems. This is because your teeth are designed to work together, and even just one missing tooth can make a difference.
The Effect of Missing Teeth on Your Remaining Teeth
When you lose a tooth then the adjacent teeth will begin drifting into the gap. This has the effect of moving your teeth out of the correct alignment and can mean new spaces will open up in between teeth, and that the way your teeth bite together will change.
As your bite changes, it can affect your jaw joints (called temporomandibular joints), putting them under additional stress and strain. This can lead to a condition called TMD, which stands for temporomandibular disorder. TMD can be very painful and may require specialized treatment or even surgery.
Teeth that have shifted out of position can be harder to clean properly. This can put you at increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay, and could even increase the risk of further tooth loss.
Tooth loss also alters the shape of your face. Your teeth provide support to your cheeks and lips, and ensure the correct dimensions are maintained between your upper and lower jaws. If teeth are missing, it can have the effect of making it look as if your face is collapsing in on itself which may be quite aging.
Ways of Replacing Missing Teeth
Luckily there are several different ways of replacing missing teeth. The most cost-effective method is to have a denture which can be made to replace just a few teeth, or all of the teeth in the upper and lower jaw. Your second option is to have a bridge that is held in place by natural teeth. An increasingly popular choice is to have dental implants as these can be used to hold a single dental crown, dental bridges or even complete dentures.
If you have missing teeth and you need a dentist in the Toronto area, contact our office today.
Dental implants are typically made of titanium and are a safe and effective replacement for a natural tooth root. It is surgically placed in the jawbone and, over time, fuses with the bone to become a sturdy and stable base for a reconstructed tooth.
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