Dental Implants: A Long-term, Permanent Solution

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Though tooth loss may be a fairly common dental condition, it’s an experience that can be both traumatic and challenging. Tooth loss affects your smile, speech, chewing, and confidence. What’s more, it can be a costly problem. Unless you select a predictable and long-term solution such as dental implants for tooth replacement, you may be saddled with a lifetime of on-going concerns. 

Starting with an artificial tooth root, dental implants are more similar to a natural tooth than any other alternative.

Choices such as dentures and partials have relatively short lifespans and require adjustments and alterations. Without the stimulation of tooth roots, the jaw steadily resorbs, changing the fit and effectiveness of any removable appliance.

Even permanent bridges fail to provide a long-term solution for tooth loss. Since these restorations are connected to the neighboring teeth, they can pose a daily challenge in terms of brushing and flossing. In addition, bridges cannot provide adequate stimulation for the jaw bone, and are not effective at preventing bone loss.

A welcome alternative to traditional tooth replacement methods, dental implants are currently the best available long-term solution to tooth loss.

Starting with an artificial tooth root, dental implants are more similar to a natural tooth than any other alternative. Mimicking a natural tooth root, the implant is literally integrated with your jaw bone, forming a permanent bond. This bond has been clinically proven to stop and prevent bone loss. With routine dental care and thorough brushing and flossing, your dental implant is meant to last for a lifetime.

When your dentist has deemed that the implant post (artificial tooth root) has healed properly, a restoration will be selected to replace the top half of the tooth. According to your needs, this may include a dental crown, or an anchor for a denture or partial.

The final restoration will remain securely in place indefinitely. Without the assistance of adhesives, and with no need for adjustments, your dental implant will continue to maintain its position within your smile.

The long-term security and effectiveness offered by dental implants is unmatched by any other tooth replacement solution. Your dentist can teach you more about the reasons that implants may be right for you. Why not call Agathos Dentistry in London Ontario to schedule your consultation today?

Gum Disease: Signs and Symptoms

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dentist London ONGum disease is a common problem that can be easily treated if it is caught in the early stages. Our dentist will evaluate your gums for signs of gum disease and recommend treatment. If you experience any symptoms of gum disease, mention these at your next dental appointment to be sure you receive prompt and effective treatment.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Signs and symptoms of gum disease can be subtle, but some are more obvious than others. You’ll be checked for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease during your regular dental visits, but between visits, be aware of the following possible signs of gum disease:

  • Gums bleeding when you brush your teeth
  • Shiny, abnormally red gums
  • Gum sensitivity or tenderness

Other signs of gum disease are more easily determined at the dentist’s office. During your regular exam, your dentist will measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth where the gums meet the roots. In the presence of gingivitis or more severe gum disease, the pockets become deeper as the gums pull away from the tooth roots. If these pockets are deep, you will require treatment to prevent additional damage or even tooth loss.

Treatments for Gum Disease

If gum disease is diagnosed early, treatment is relatively simple. You will probably be able to brush with baking soda or a baking soda toothpaste to reduce the inflammation. With more advanced cases, more extensive treatment might be required.

Treatment for periodontal disease can involve deep cleaning techniques, such as planing and scaling, which remove plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. Your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to bring the infection under control. For advanced cases of gum disease, you might require surgery.

Preventing gum disease is the best approach to oral health care. Regular brushing and flossing will help stimulate your gums to keep them healthy and will also remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line. During your regular dental visits, more thorough cleaning will further help keep your gums from developing infection.

For more information about gum disease signs, symptoms, and treatment, please contact the office of Dr. Peter Agathos in London Ontario at 519-659-7323 for an appointment.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

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Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred tooth replacement solution.
 Almost anyone who has lost teeth is a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants can help you regain your self confidence in a perfect smile and prevent abnormal wear and tear that can result if teeth are not replaced. Our experienced dentist can evaluate your individual situation and help you decide if dental implants are right for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred tooth replacement solution. In the past, the most common way to deal with lost teeth was with dentures, bridges, or other temporary replacement methods. Implants, however, are permanent.

While dentures and bridges only replace the visible part of your tooth, implants include an artificial root that is implanted directly in the jawbone. This means your new teeth will not move around in your mouth, will not have to be removed for cleaning and, most importantly, will interact with your jawbone the same way natural tooth roots do. This keeps the bone tissue in your jaw growing, preventing long-term breakdown of the bone.

In general, implants are placed in two phases. First, the root portion is implanted in the jawbone and allowed to heal. During this healing interval, the artificial roots bond with the bone. After this crucial step, the visible portion of the teeth is added, restoring your smile.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

When your implant dentist evaluates your situation to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants, he will look for the following, as well as other indications that implants will be successful:

  • Overall good health
  • Lack of systemic issues such as diabetes
  • Healthy gums
  • Sufficient bone mass to support implants

If you suffer from gum disease or gingivitis, your dentist will probably recommend that you receive treatment before implants are placed. If you lack sufficient bone mass, a bone graft might be recommended.

If you have questions about dental implants or would like to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure, please contact Agathos Dentistry in London Ontario to schedule a consultation.

 

Restore Your Smile with Dentures

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dentures London OntarioHaving teeth missing can be painful and can change the way you look by causing lips and jaws to sink inward. You may have lost teeth through decay or injury, but the undesirable results are the same.

In addition to pain and facial appearance changes, the remaining teeth can drift, moving into the empty spaces causing changes in your speech, bite and chewing ability. All of this affects your smile and can damage self-esteem as well. Restoring your smile with dentures in London Ontario is an effective and successful way to correct these problems.

The word dentures often bring to mind a set of full dentures; that is, upper and bottom sets of teeth worn together. However, a patient doesn’t always need a full set. In these cases partial dentures might be appropriate. Partial dentures replace missing teeth while leaving the remaining natural teeth in place.

If the health of the natural teeth is compromised, a patient might opt to have the remaining teeth extracted and choose full dentures as a replacement solution. The kind of dentures required in your specific situation can be advised by your dentist by doing an oral exam and creating a plan together to reach the desired outcome.

Benefits of having dentures include facial structure improvement and muscle tone. Another benefit is greater chewing ability to aid in breaking down foods completely for better digestion.  Further, dentures will assist in speaking because the tongue and teeth work together to make certain sounds. Without some or all of your original teeth, often the ability to speak clearly has been lost.

Contact Agathos Dentistry at 519-659-7323 to learn how dentures can provide you with better dental and overall health.

 

Single Tooth Replacement: What are my options?

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The loss of even a single tooth can have a tremendous impact on your health and your self-confidence. Just like a string of pearls, every single tooth is an important part of your complete smile. There are various options for replacing a missing tooth. The appropriate tooth replacement choice depends largely on your specific needs, but many patients are finding that dental implants are the best choice under most circumstances.

Patients who have chosen dental implants in London Ontario have found that implants are barely indistinguishable from their natural teeth. The advances in implant dentistry have been outstanding, and today’s dental implants are customized to look and function just like natural teeth.

Dental implants are mainly composed of a high-grade titanium post and a dental crown, which work together to replace both the missing tooth root and the biting surface. Once in place, the implant tooth becomes permanently integrated with the jaw bone. Your new tooth is strong enough for normal biting and chewing, as fully supported by the jawbone. This relationship between the implant and the bone allows your replacement tooth to be completely independent, not relying on the adjacent teeth for support. 

Dental implants are mainly composed of a high-grade titanium post and a dental crown, which work together to replace both the missing tooth root and the biting surface.

There are other tooth replacement options which can replace the space left by your missing tooth, although there are some inherent disadvantages. Dental bridges can be a suitable solution, but tend to be far more aggressive than dental implants. Dental bridges must be anchored to at least two other natural teeth for proper support. This requires that your dentist modify the enamel on two healthy teeth in order to create a foundation for the bridge. This design increases the amount of stress on these two teeth during biting and chewing.

A removable partial denture is another option for replacing a missing tooth. This appliance, made of metal and acrylic, is designed to span the width of the entire mouth and clasp onto multiple natural teeth. The partial often rests on the gum tissue, roof of the mouth, or floor of the mouth for support. Most patients find this solution to too large and cumbersome for replacing only a single tooth.

Call Agathos Dentistry and schedule your appointment today to find out if implant dentistry is the right choice for your tooth replacement needs.

Preventive dental care: Why is it so important?

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dentist London OntarioThe emphasis on preventive dental care has gained increasing attention over the past five decades. A variety of dental services such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and routine checkups are commonly recommended to prevent a number of dental conditions. Dr. Peter Agathos, your dentist serving London Ontario, has the expertise to determine and provide the appropriate dental care for your specific needs.

During your routine preventive dental visits, Dr. Agathos and staff will educate you on how to prevent the dental diseases that may be most harmful to your health. Learning to properly brush and floss can ensure that you are effectively removing the plaque bacteria that cause tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath.

Controlling the levels of plaque bacteria can also help to prevent inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. These conditions, when left untreated, have been linked to more widespread health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.

Your dentist is very interested in the condition of your overall health in order to determine the necessary preventive dental treatment. Common conditions such as dry mouth, clenching and grinding, and the use of certain medications can have damaging effects on your dental health. Various treatments may be recommended to prevent damage and discomfort.

When tooth decay is a concern, your dentist may suggest the routine use of professional strength fluoride. In addition to the fluoride found in your toothpaste and drinking water, professionally applied fluoride strengthens your enamel to prevent decalcification and decay. Fluoride may be recommended every 3, 4, or 6 months or prescribed for daily use at home.

Consult with Dr. Agathos for advice on how to practice preventive dental care at home. Your daily lifestyle and even your diet can contribute to your dental health. Your dentist can help to determine which products are right for you, as well as educate you on the proper use of these products.

Preventive dental care is critical for protecting your dental health as well as your overall health. Contact Agathos Dentistry at 519.659.7323 today for an appointment to discuss your particular needs.