Dentists In Silver Spring Talk To Us About The “All-On-4” Procedure

This article addresses questions including: What is the“All-on-4” Procedure? How does it work? And why might I need to consider it?

Millions of Americans have lost all their teeth, while tens of millions have lost up to 15 of their original teeth. Can you hear the all-knowing voice of reason stoked by the paranoia of a guilty conscience whispering in your ear? “Perhaps it’s time for a little oral TLC?” Tooth loss and ‘edentulism’ (not having any of your original adult teeth left, usually related to periodontal disease), is a reality that a significant percentage of the population faces as they enter into the celebrations and tribulations of late adulthood.

Disappointingly, many patients in need of new teeth are told by their dentists that they are not candidates for dental implants and this is typically as a result of bone loss in the jaw. But fear not for all hope is NOT lost! Dentists in Silver Spring offer a solution in the form of the revolutionary “All-On-4” dental implant technique.

In 1993, Dr. Paulo Malo developed the “All-on-4”, a procedure that is today considered one of the most significant breakthroughs to have been made in the field of fixed oral rehabilitation. Since its conception, this surgical protocol has quite literally altered the lives of tens of thousands of people suffering from a failing dentition and edentulism.

Why Should I Consider the ‘All-on-4’ Option?

Periodontal disease is the foremost cause of tooth loss and edentulism in the United States. This condition is marked by an advanced oral bacterial infection that collect in deep pockets of decay around the tooth roots. This eventually leads to tooth loss and then bone loss if timely intervention is not made. Traditional dental implant procedures typically require bone-grafting surgery before implants can be placed. This is because dental implants, just like natural teeth, require adequate bone volume in order to be supported.

Bone grafting is unfortunately very invasive and therefore painful and costly for the patient. On top of that, it also comes with a lengthy healing period. This is where the ‘All-on-4’ protocol is unique: it almost always bypasses the need for bone grafting.

How Does the ‘All-on-4’ Procedure Work?

In as little as a single dental appointment, the ‘All-on-4’ can give patients a brand new set of fixed and permanent teeth. As opposed to traditional dental implant procedures, which can often take up to eight appointments, multiple surgeries and many months, the ‘All-on-4’ is a superior solution to both these older procedures and archaic teeth replacement technologies, such as removable dentures. Consisting of four dental implants and a custom dental prosthesis (see image below); the ‘All-on-4’ is a tooth replacement solution that offers comprehensive benefits.

Silver Spring dentists use sophisticated computer imaging software and 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT scans) in order to design a highly specific, safe and minimally invasive surgical treatment plan for the patient. This drastically reduces post-operative pain and discomfort while shortening the recovery period. On the very same day, once the implants are inserted, a prosthodontist or your own dentist can fit you with the ‘All-on-4’ prosthetic dental bridge: in other words, a brand new set of fully functional and beautiful teeth! The ‘All-on-4’ can give patients instant smile results in as little as a single dental appointment!

Silver Spring Dentists Discuss Dental Implants!

This article provides a brief look at some of the more pertinent facts about dental implants as a tooth replacement technology.

At some point in time it happens… due to a number of reasons, whether it is tooth decay, periodontal disease, genetic heritage, bad dental habits or chronic illnesses such as diabetes, at some point you may need to replace a missing tooth or get a new set of teeth. Thankfully, Silver Spring dentists offer dental implants, which are a comprehensive and lasting tooth replacement solution. No matter what your age or state of oral health, dental implants can work for you. At this point you might be asking: “what exactly are Dental Implants?” Well, that’s what we’re here to answer!

Dental Implants Are...

Freestanding artificial ‘tooth roots’ made from medical grade titanium. The choice to use this particular metal was made by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who, in the 1950’s, discovered that bone tissue would readily bond to its surface. This was an incredibly unique observation and one that was consistent with no other metal or material. Titanium just so happens to also be very strong, non-toxic and does not invoke a significant inflammatory response from our bodies. To the joy of dentists around the world, titanium emerged as the perfect candidate to assume the place of a missing tooth root, bringing with it an answer to outdated and often extremely painful teeth replacement methods.

What Does the Procedure of Placing Dental Implants Entail?

Once the extent of the damage or decay has been determined, the dentist will prepare the site/s of the jawbone into which the implants will be inserted. The procedure itself is done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing. Afterwards, it takes a few months for the titanium implants to “osseointegrate” or biologically bond with the underlying bone. Don’t worry: you will be fitted with a temporary crown (single tooth replacement) or bridge (full arch replacement) while your mouth is healing to allow you to still eat and smile!

Once the implant has successfully healed, a prosthodontist or the same dentist (depending upon his or her qualifications) will attach the permanent (non-removable) tooth crown or final bridge onto the dental implants. Your new set of teeth will be able to function normally and healthily while you enjoy the compliments strewn your way as a result of your new and aesthetically pleasing oral attributes!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you keep your oral habits and hygiene care respectable, dental implants can last a lifetime! Dentists in Silver Spring utilize incredibly sophisticated technology, dental restorations, implant hardware and advanced techniques, which enable them to provide patients with replacement teeth that are made to last. This is, of course, provided you look after them with care!

Now you can feel optimistic and confident as a result of your new beautifully beaming and healthy smile. Dental implants allow you the freedom to return to a life without looking for the teeth you’ve lost, but to enjoy the ones you now have. Your artificial crowns are made to be virtually identical in color and shape to the old, damaged or missing teeth they are replacing, enabling you to eat, speak and laugh with confidence. You really need not look any further for a worthwhile and lasting solution to missing teeth!

What The Dentist In Silver Spring Has To Say About The Benefits Of Dental Implants

This article provides a brief description of dental implants, what their benefits are and why people sometimes need them.

Considered as one of the most significant advances made in the field of dental science in recent decades, dental implants offer benefits that would have you wondering why you would ever consider another option. Aside from the fact that they are virtually impossible to differentiate from natural healthy teeth, the biological fusion between the jawbone and titanium screw comprising the dental implant allows the complete tooth replacement structure to stay firmly ‘rooted’ in the jawbone and work very similar to a natural tooth!

Unfortunately, the need for dental implants can be as unavoidable as the need to take out the trash. At some point, regardless of your age, (accidents happen!) a trip to the dentist’s office will be necessary. Tooth loss can be the result of accidental trauma, tooth decay, dental caries, certain illnesses and periodontal (gum) disease. These oral afflictions are almost always the result of poor dental hygiene and a lack of professional care. Rest assured; the dentist in Silver Spring MD supplies the best solution modern dentistry has to offer patients who have lost teeth: dental implants!

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

• Minimum discomfort: Aided by sophisticated computer software and 3D Cone Beam CT scans, implant dentists are able to place dental implants using very few incisions and sutures. Since this kind of trauma is what’s responsible for most post-operative pain, recovery is hastened and made far more comfortable.

• Restoration of smile aesthetics: Gaps left by missing teeth are filled by the dental implants, thus restoring a full, healthy-looking and confident smile.

• Restoration of bite strength and function: Dental implants are strong and function like natural teeth, meaning that you can return to enjoying your favorite foods as soon as the implants have properly healed.

• Improved speech: Missing teeth can and do affect speech and one’s ability to articulate their words properly. By filling the gaps left by missing teeth, dental implants help to address this problem, returning the proper interaction between the teeth, tongue and lips during speaking.

• Fixed and non-removable: Dental implants are ‘rooted’ in the bone of the jaw and as such, they do not require support from surrounding teeth (like conventional bridges) and underlying gums (like removable dentures). This prevents them from causing irritation, damage and inflammation.

• Lasting solution: If looked after properly with good oral hygiene as well as frequent visits to your friendly dental healthcare professional, your new teeth can last several decades and even a lifetime! This makes dental implants the perfect long-term option for addressing your missing teeth misery.

It’s not as if you need more reasons to be convinced, but just in case, additional benefits of dental implants include: the promotion of dental stability, functional stimulation and preservation of bone and gum shape. When we lose teeth, the gum tissue and bone in the surrounding areas atrophies and begins to disappear, undergoing a natural remodeling process. Left untreated, this can cause many aesthetic and functional problems for the surrounding teeth. However, a Silver Spring dentist can offer solutions, complete with all the benefits mentioned above, giving you the opportunity to walk away with a beautiful, healthy and beaming smile.

What Silver Spring Dentists Have To Say About Periodontal (Gum) Disease

This article addresses questions including: what is periodontal disease, how do I know if I have it and what can be done about it?

I know what you are thinking: not another slow reading, confusing article filled with medical jargon about dental healthcare and why your bathroom habits are just not good enough. Well, it's all fun and games until someone loses a tooth!

Consider the aim of this article is to keep things simple and avoid any plaque build-up while you read about why periodontal disease is NOT your friend! This is despite the fact that many of your friends might just have some form or stage of periodontal (gum) disease. That’s right: this oral affliction is as common as it is nasty. But, not to fear, for the Silver Spring dentist provides easy-to-follow solutions to your oral healthcare woes. At this point you might find yourself asking the question...

So What Exactly is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. In its early stages, it presents itself as simple gum inflammation, swelling and mild bleeding when brushing: a condition referred to as gingivitis. In its scarier and more serious form, it is known as periodontitis, where the gums can pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets of decay between the gums and the tooth roots. Ultimately, this can lead to loose teeth, and the loss of bone tissue in the jaw. In the advanced stages of the disease, your teeth can get left behind in the sink. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health.

What are some of the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

• Bad breath or a bad taste that won't go away,
• Red and swollen gums,
• Tender or bleeding gums,
• Painful chewing,
• Loose and sensitive teeth,
• Oral lesions and sores that won’t heal,
• Gums that have pulled away from the crowns of the teeth, making you look “toothy”,
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite,
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures.

What Factors Can Lead to Gum Disease?

• Smoking and excessive alcohol use,
• Bad oral hygiene,
• Hormonal changes in girls and women, such as during pregnancy or menopause,
• Certain illnesses, such as diabetes, respiratory and heart diseases and Rheumatoid arthritis. People that suffer from these ailments tend to be at a higher risk of developing infections, including gum disease.
• Medications: Some medications cause the flow of saliva to be reduced, leaving the mouth vulnerable to oral bacteria.

So what's the good news? Well, you can do something about gum disease with a little help from a friendly dentist in Silver Spring.

Your job at home is to floss and brush your teeth regularly in order to avoid plaque build-up, but once it hardens to form “tartar” only a professional dentist or oral hygienist can help. The longer plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harmful they become and the greater your risk of gum inflammation, tooth decay and disease. Although brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent the onset of gum disease, it is recommended that you visit your friendly (not in the least bit scary) dentist at least once a year for check-ups, or more frequently if you have noticed any of the warning signs above.