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Dental Implants – An Overview | Litchfield MN
What is a bone graft?
If the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your dentist may place a cadaver or synthetic bone at the site in order to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. This process is referred to as alveolar bone grafting, and takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement. If the site has no bone loss, the dentist may use a different bone graft, known as “onlay bone graft” that is placed above the existing jawbone. But when there is sufficient bone tissue after tooth extraction, the implant may be placed immediately without bone grafting, in a procedure known as “immediate implant” placement.
What is sinus augmentation?
Sinus augmentation or sinus lift is a procedure that involves raising the sinus floor and performing a bone graft into the sinus (where there’s a space in the skull) to ensure there’s enough bone tissue to support the implant. This procedure may be necessary if the implant site is in the upper jaw (maxilla) in the back, where the maxillary sinus is located.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are safe, and even considered the standard of care for replacing missing teeth. The techniques used in placing dental implants have been polished for many decades. More importantly, the 98% success rate of dental implants is attributed to careful planning for each individual patient to ensure that you’re healthy enough to undergo dental surgery and heal and recover properly.
What factors do you consider when planning dental implant surgery?
When planning your dental implant placement surgery, your dental team will review all vital elements of your health, including infections, allergies, bleeding disorders, existing medical conditions, and current medications before proceeding with the treatment.
What happens if there are complications with the procedure?
Failed implants are very rare, and may occur in the unlikely event of overloading the implant, fracture of the implant, infection, damage to surrounding tissues, poor bone quality, or poor implant position. But a carefully planned procedure by a qualified dentist can help avoid all of these risks. Failures are so rare, they’d have to be evaluated individually for a solution.
For more information on dental implants in Litchfield MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.
Affordable Dental Implants Near Me, Litchfield MN
Dental implants are now the preferred option for replacing missing teeth because they use a conservative technique that doesn’t damage surrounding healthy teeth, like bridgework, and provides predictable results. However, getting a single dental implant carnage in prices depending on a variety of factors, including:
- The position of the implant site in the mouth
- The experience of the oral surgeon performing the procedure
- The location of the dental practice
Getting dental implants is also a lengthy process, so the cost will be distributed across the various steps including:
Tooth or Teeth Extraction
This is usually the first step of your dental implant surgery. Unless you had the tooth/teeth professionally removed, there is a high likelihood that the site of the dental implant will still have some pieces of the damaged tooth present. Any tooth fragments must be completely removed to allow for proper site preparation before placing the dental implant.
Bone Grafting / Sinus Lift
If the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. This takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement.
Surgical Implant Placement
When the site is ready, a dental implant (titanium post) will be placed into the bone using a special drill and tools. The surgeon will then place a “healing cap” over the implant before stitching up the gum.
Temporary Crown
You will have to wait for 2-6 months for the site to heal and the implant to integrate with the bone tissue. A temporary denture will be placed at the site for aesthetic purposes.
Abutment Placement
After successful integration of the implant to the bone, an abutment will be connected to the implant using a screw.
Crown Fabrication
A general dentist can then take an impression of the abutment and send it to the dental lab to fabricate your custom-made crown. Keep in mind that the choice of material for your crown will also affect the cost of your dental implant treatment.
Tooth Replacement – When the crown is ready, it will be secured to the abutment by cementing or with a screw
For more information on dental implants in Litchfield MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.
Dental Crowns – Your First Visit | Litchfield MN
Dental crowns can be fabricated from different materials that include porcelain, composite, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and different types of metals and alloys. Each type of crown has its unique pros and cons, so your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate one for your case depending on the strength requirements and aesthetic concerns of the tooth involved, as well as your personal preferences or allergic reactions to any of the materials.
Crowns are fabricated in a dental lab, so you will need to visit the dentist at least twice: the first time is to prepare your teeth and take measurements that will be used to prepare the crown, which can then be fitted on your second visit.
Here’s what to expect:
- On the first visit, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb your face for the duration of the procedure.
- Tooth preparation depends on your specific case, and may involve the removal of any decay and infection and filing down the tooth to maximize the retention of the crown and to ensure a good fit that doesn’t distort your smile.
- Next, a mold or impression of the tooth will be made and sent to the lab to fabricate your permanent custom crown. An impression of the opposing tooth may also be created to ensure a perfect fit with the mouth closed.
- To protect the prepared tooth, a temporary or transition crown will be placed on it. This crown is typically made from plastic material (acrylic), and is held in place using a temporary cementing medium to allow easy removal at your next visit.
- After two to three weeks you will return for fitting of the permanent crown. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean the site. The permanent crown will then be fitted and adjusted for any bite variations. If there are no issues, the crown can be cemented to your tooth.
Same-Day Crowns
It is possible to get your permanent crown prepared and installed on the same day, as is the case for zirconia crowns. The tooth is prepared the normal way. But instead of making an impression of the tooth, the dentist uses a wand scanner to capture pictures of the teeth. The images are uploaded into a computer where CAD software (computer-aided design) is used to design a 3D model that can be used to fabricate a replacement ceramic crown in about 15 minutes.
Restore Damaged Teeth Today
If you have a severely weakened tooth due to fractures, decay, or any other kind of damage, please visit your dentist to discuss whether crowns are suitable to restore the integrity of the tooth.
To ask about Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN please contact us today.
Am I Candidate for Dental Crowns? Litchfield MN
A crown is a cap that is bonded to a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its strength, function, and beauty. It can be fabricated from metals such as gold, silver, and alloys, as well as tooth-colored materials such as porcelain and composite. The most appropriate choice for your case depends on the location of the tooth in your mouth, as this determines how much strength it must be able to withstand, as well as its visibility when smiling in order to maintain a natural appearance.
Your dentist may recommend dental crowns for:
Fractured Tooth
A chipped, broken, or fractured tooth may not necessarily cause pain if the damage doesn’t reach the nerves in the tooth pulp. However, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, with the discomfort increasing as more damage occurs. In such a case, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
Weakened Filling
Dental fillings are the most common restoration for cavities. But if the cavity is too large, it may result in a weak filling with no durability. In such a case, your dentist may recommend that you get a crown instead of fillings to repair the cavity. Crowns can also be used to replace previously placed fillings to strengthen the tooth.
Infected Tooth
When you have severe decay that has infected the tooth pulp (section inside the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels), it is possible to save the tooth through root canal therapy. However, the structure of the repaired tooth will have weakened considerably, affecting its normal function. As such, your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown to encase the restored tooth to strengthen it. The crown also serves an aesthetic function as it covers up the filler material, giving your smile a natural appearance.
Tooth Replacement
Dental crowns can be used to anchor the artificial tooth to strong natural teeth when replacing missing teeth with bridgework. If you opt for dental implants, a titanium post will be implanted into the jawbone to serve as the tooth root. Once it heals, a crown will be connected to the post via an abutment, becoming your replacement tooth.
Cosmetic Reasons
Dental crowns are custom-made to restore the shape, size, and even shade of a damaged tooth if you use a tooth-colored crown. As such, your dentist may recommend crowns to enhance the appearance of imperfect teeth such as:
- Excessively or unevenly worn down – resulting in very short teeth
- Badly shaped teeth
- Severely stained teeth
- Widely gapped teeth
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an affordable and versatile dental treatment that can be used for repair or cosmetic dental applications.
To learn more about Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN please contact us today.
Natural Looking Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN
A dental crown refers to a cap that is bonded over the entire surface of a damaged tooth to encapsulate the portion of the tooth above the gums. It can be used to repair different types of tooth damage including cracked teeth, large cavities, discoloration, and misshapen teeth. They can also be used alongside other tooth restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, to strengthen the tooth, and dental bridgework to support a tooth replacement.
A cap helps to restore the size, shape, and strength of a tooth while improving its appearance. If you’re a suitable candidate for dental crowns, your dentist may recommend one of the following materials for your permanent crown:
Tooth-Colored Crowns
Tooth-colored crowns that are fabricated entirely from porcelain are referred to as all-porcelain crowns, while those made entirely from ceramic are known as all-ceramic crowns. Dental composite resin is another tooth-colored material that can give you an aesthetic restoration. Composite crowns are highly affordable, but are arguably the weakest material for crowns since they’re prone to chipping, cracking, and rapid wear.
Your dentist may also recommend Zirconium, which is a fairly new dental material that produces crowns that are as strong and durable as metal crowns and natural-looking for an aesthetic restoration. They’re also biocompatible, meaning that they won’t cause allergic reactions, and can be fabricated at the dentist’s office for same-day crown restorations.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are generally fabricated with a metal base and porcelain coating, which gives them the strength of metal crowns and the aesthetics of tooth-colored crowns. However, porcelain-metal crowns tend to be abrasive to opposing teeth, which increases their wear rate. The metal ring on the crown may also become visible in the event of gum recession.
Metal Crowns
Crowns made from metal are the strongest and most durable option, plus they’re not abrasive to opposing teeth. Different metals can be used to fabricate crowns, including gold, platinum, copper, and alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium. Most metal crowns are made from a blend of metals, like gold and the base metal alloys.
Tooth-Colored vs. Metal Crowns
Tooth-colored materials give the restoration a natural look, which makes them a popular choice for repairing front teeth in order to preserve the aesthetics of your smile. They come in different shades, so you can choose a specific color that closely matches the shade of your teeth to make the restoration unnoticeable.
Metal crowns are primarily used to repair back teeth because they’re strong and highly resistant, and they’re not visible when smiling, which makes aesthetics less of a concern. But they may not be suitable for people who’re allergic to metals or those with aesthetic concerns.
To learn more about Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN please contact us today.
Dental Cleanings: Regular (Prophy) vs Deep Cleaning | Litchfield MN
There are several types of dental cleanings that may help to remove accumulated plaque and tartar in your mouth, and improve your overall oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that prophylaxis cleanings be performed every six months by your general dentist as a part of your preventative dental care. Prophylaxis is also referred to as “teeth cleaning”, and involves the removal of accumulated plaque from the surface of your teeth above the gumline, as well as tooth polishing.
Prophylaxis is performed using fine hand instruments, as well as an ultrasonic scaler and a polishing cup and paste if there are no signs of gum disease. Generally, a good candidate for prophylaxis should have firm, pink gums with no bleeding, and the gum pockets should be within the healthy range of 1 – 3mm. Though the ADA recommends prophy cleaning every six months, people at high risk of gum disease and other oral issues may require more frequent cleaning at 8 – 16 week intervals.
Will Prophylaxis Cleaning Work for Me?
There are some cases where regular prophylaxis cleaning may not be enough to improve your oral health. Your dental professional will examine your teeth and gums and then determine the best type of alternative cleaning for your individual needs. The other types of dental cleaning include:
- Full Mouth Debridement – it is recommended for people whose teeth have not been professionally cleaned for more than a year, resulting in heavy plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up. This procedure is typically performed before an oral examination and diagnosis to ensure good visibility of the actual condition of your mouth
- Scaling and root planing – commonly referred to as “deep cleaning”, this procedure is recommended for patients who exhibit signs of periodontal disease, such as deeper gum pockets (over 3mm), inflammation and bleeding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and/or loss of bone tissue supporting the teeth.
- Periodontal maintenance – following treatment for periodontal disease, your dental professional may recommend this specialized cleaning every 8 – 12 weeks as part of your ongoing treatment for chronic periodontal disease to reduce the risk of adverse symptoms.
Please visit your dentist to discuss your dental cleaning in Litchfield MN today.
Dental Exam & Cleanings in Litchfield MN
Dental professionals agree that you should schedule a dental assessment at least once a year. This is an important examination that aids in the early diagnosis of potential oral problems, such as chips and cracks, cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Besides evaluating your dental health, dentists also perform professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and calculus or tartar, which are responsible for most common oral problems.
A dental cleaning is typically performed by a dental hygienist. But before the cleaning commences, they will first physically check your teeth, gums, tongue, and the entire mouth for any concerns using a small mirror. If there are any noticeable problems, the dental hygienist will consult the dentist to determine whether it’s safe to proceed with the cleaning.
A typical professional teeth cleaning procedure involves the following five steps:
Step 1: Plaque and Tartar Removal
Your dental professional uses a scaler to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of each tooth, targeting the area above the gums, between the teeth, and around the gum line. The duration of this step depends on how long it has been since your last cleaning.
Step 2: Polishing
When all the plaque and tartar has been removed from your teeth, the hygienist will use a special brush with a soft rubber cup. This not only removes any surface stains, but also makes your tooth surface smooth and shiny to make it harder for plaque to form.
Step 3: Expert Flossing
Professional flossing helps to thoroughly clean the area between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste from the previous steps.
Step 4: Rinsing
The dental hygienist uses a mouth rinse containing liquid fluoride to remove any debris and clean your mouth.
Step 5: Fluoride Treatment
As the final step, your dental hygienist may apply flavored fluoride by putting it in flexible trays that are then placed over your teeth for 30 seconds. This helps to strengthen your teeth and enhance the protection against plaque and calculus.
Keep in mind that this is the standard dental cleaning process. If you have gum disease, your dental hygienist may recommend deep scaling to remove plaque from your tooth roots as well. To learn more about what to expect from a routine dental exam & cleaning in Litchfield MN, please contact your dental office today.
Teeth Cleaning Near Me, Litchfield MN
There are both beneficial and harmful bacteria in your mouth. The beneficial bacteria aids in digestion, while the harmful kind is associated with gum disease, dental caries, bad breath, and many other oral issues. Through daily brushing and flossing at home, you can maintain a low level of harmful bacteria in your mouth to such a level that it doesn’t adversely affect your oral health in the short-term. Unfortunately, there are areas in your mouth that are hard to clean with a toothbrush, where bacteria may build up in your mouth and cause harm.
Professional cleaning helps to prevent this by targeting every corner of your mouth to remove built-up plaque and calculus. This offers many benefits, including:
- Reduced tooth wear and cavities from acids in the mouth – plaque, the biofilm formed by bacteria colonies living in your mouth, is responsible for producing acid that can erode your teeth, cause cavities, and damage your gums.
- Maintaining your bright smile – when plaque is not removed properly, it may calcify and mineralize into a hard substance (tartar) that not only changes the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, but also attracts more harmful bacteria. Tartar or calculus can only be removed during dental cleanings using specialized tools.
- Reduced risk of gingivitis – bacteria in your mouth can accumulate to a point where it becomes active and destructive, resulting in gum infection. The first stage of gum infection is known as gingivitis, and is characterized by gum inflammation, swelling, and reddening. Due to sensitive gums, you may also notice some blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing your mouth after brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be successfully treated with professional dental cleaning and an improved at-home oral care routine.
- Prevention of periodontitis – If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious, chronic, and irreversible case of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It affects the foundation of your teeth – the bone tissue connecting your teeth to the jaw. If not treated promptly, periodontitis can cause severe bone loss that loosens your teeth with some even falling out. Though it’s irreversible, dental professionals can help you manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.
Schedule Dental Cleaning Today
Professional dental cleaning can help you enjoy a healthy mouth and smile. Please visit your dentist for a thorough examination of your mouth and to determine the best type of dental cleaning in Litchfield MN to improve your oral health.
Laser Dentistry in Litchfield MN
Laser dentistry is one of the newest, revolutionary innovations in the dentistry. Our high-tech office is pleased to offer this state-of-the-art technology to our patients.
Laser dentistry is a safe technique that uses extremely focused beams of light to remove or alter small amounts of tissues. This mode of treatment has been used in clinical dental practice since 1989, though it started to become popular in 1994 after FDA approval. Many dental patients today prefer laser dentistry because it:
- Is minimally invasive
- Delivers more precise treatments
- Reduces or completely eliminates pain during the procedure
- Eliminates the need for anesthesia which in turn reduces recovery time.
- Reduces damage to surrounding tissues which leads to faster healing
- Promotes blood coagulation at treatment sites to eliminate or minimize the need for sutures
- Is highly effective for cavities, gum surgery, orthodontics, and many other oral issues
How laser dentistry works
If you’re a candidate for laser dentistry, the dentistry will use laser equipment to perform the procedure instead of a scalpel or other common dental tools. The artificial, amplified light energy released as a laser beam is used to separate tissue by a process known as thermal ablation. Unlike a scalpel that slices, thermal ablation causes the temperature of the target tissues to rise rapidly. As a result, those cells instantly undergo a micro-explosion referred to as spallation.
This process can be used to:
- Perform gum surgery without the need for needles and no bleeding or stitches, allowing patients to eat, drink and talk right after surgery with minimal discomfort.
- Fill teeth without the need for needles, allowing you to eat and talk and chew right after receiving dental fillings.
- Remove decay from small fillings and replace them with the natural color of your tooth.
- Perform dentistry without the need for a drill!
- Sterilize your restoration and gum tissue as it’s healing.
Schedule your laser dentistry consultation today
Compared to the use of a scalpel or drill in traditional dentistry, lasers allow for gentle and virtually painless treatment, eliminating the anxiety associated with dental treatments. Contact your dentist in Litchfield MN today for a personal consultation.
Tooth Implant Process in Litchfield MN
What tests are carried out during dental implant consultation?
1. Physical examination – The dentist will physically examine the gap in your mouth where you’re planning to get a dental implant placed
2. Digital imaging – X-rays, CT scans, and/or panoramic films are required to assess the quality and quantity of jawbone
3. Medical history review – Your dentist will also review your medical history by assessing any infections, allergies, bleeding disorders, existing medical conditions, and medications before proceeding with the treatment.
How do you manage pain during the procedure?
During all your surgical procedure appointments, the dental surgeon will administer a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site, as well as any sedatives that you may require to calm your anxiety and make you comfortable.
Can I switch from another tooth replacement to dental implants?
The other tooth replacement options are dental bridgework and removable dentures. Dental bridgework is a permanent restoration that should serve you satisfactorily for many years. But if your removable dentures keep slipping due to a poor fit, then you may consider getting implant-supported dentures to improve their stability.
If the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend bone grafting to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. If grafting is to be done in the upper jaw at the back where the sinus cavity is located, the procedure is known as sinus augmentation. Bone grafting takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement.
Can problems occur during implant placement?
The 98% success rate of dental implants is attributed to careful planning, which involves making sure that the patient is healthy enough to undergo dental surgery and heal and recover properly. But whenever a surgical procedure is involved, there is always an element of risk and potential complications to the success of the treatment or the patient. Your dentist will work with you to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
For more information on dental implants in Litchfield MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.
6 Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.
Learn more