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Implant Supported Dentures: What You Need to Know | Tyngsboro Dentist

Having a bright, healthy smile is important. So, when we need to have a smile makeover, some major decisions need to be made. Today, there are lots of ways your flawed grin can return, from traditional dentures to dental implants. But did you know that there are dentures that are implanted into your mouth, so you no longer have to deal with the traditional care and lifestyle changes? It’s true. Here is a quick rundown of what you can expect from implant-supported dentures…

Implanted supported dentures are a type of denture made mostly for individuals who don’t have any teeth in the jaw but have enough bones in the jaw to support the implants. The whole process is a long one – it takes approximately five months for the upper jaw and seven months for the lower and includes a series of steps in order to begin this process and will need to be fully healed before the dentures are actually fitted and placed in the mouth.

These dentures will provide the same functionality as the traditional versions, however, there are a few differences. Once the dentures are fitted for the mouth, you will be able to snap them in and take them out whenever you please. No more soakings, no more extra care necessary to keep them in tip top shape. In fact, you can rest assured that your new smile will not shift while speaking or chewing because they are screwed in, making the transition as easy as possible to maintain your normal day-to-day lifestyle.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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How to Care for Implant Prosthetics | Tyngsboro Dentist

Congratulations! You finally have the smile you’ve always wanted with the help of your dental professional and some new dental implant prosthetics. Now the aftercare is up to you. Once you have your new dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly. After all, how long your implants will last based on how you look after them. To ensure that your fabulous new smile lasts as long as possible, here are a few simple suggestions for maintaining your implants:

Brush and floss twice a day. Just like your regular teeth, implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure. Doing anything you can to stay away from weakening your gums and jawbone will make your procedure a success.

Dental visits twice a year. Regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene. However, this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your implants will need thorough cleanings and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Stock up on supplies. Special germicidal mouthwash and toothbrushes specifically-designed for dental implants is often prescribed to help reduce the risk of infection.

Say no to staining. While dental implants are created to be durable and natural looking, dental implants can also stain the same as normal teeth. So, steer clear of smoking, coffee, tea, sodas and wine. Not only are they bad habits to have in general, but they can also begin to stain your teeth sooner than you think.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro, Lowell, Nashua, Dracut, Chelmsford, Dunstable and all surrounding areas.

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Full Arch Dental Implants: Which Is Best? | Tyngsboro Dentist

We all hope that our teeth will last a lifetime, but sometimes things happen, and we are left with some missing teeth. Because having missing teeth can cause additional issues, your Tyngsboro dentist will likely suggest getting dental implants. A permanent option than having to wear dentures, full arch dental implants are a great way to achieve a natural looking smile.

There are a number of options when it comes to dental implants – removable and non-removable – and both have their own advantages.

Semi-removable prosthetics means that the prosthesis (the teeth) are non-removable by the patient but can be removed by the dentist if necessary, making this variation a great option for many patients because it is so no muss, no fuss. Another advantage are the various materials that can be used. Some options include an acrylic denture with acrylic teeth, or mental reinforced porcelain gums with porcelain teeth. The semi removable option is often used when there is a lot of bone loss and extensive areas of the gums are replaced in addition to the teeth.

Full dental arch implants that are non-removable are the ultimate permanent replacement option. Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for this version because there needs to be enough bone and there needs to be enough implants to support the prosthetics. Usually each replaced tooth has an implant and crown. Bridges can also be done where some teeth are attached to the adjacent implant teeth and therefore fewer implants are required. There are many factors that influence a successful result, including bone quality and quantity, bite, opposing dentition and habits such as bruxism.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro, Lowell, Nashua, Dracut, Chelmsford, Dunstable and all surrounding areas.

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How Do Dental Implants Work? | Implant Dentist Tyngsboro

Contrary to popular belief, the dental implants actually aren’t the tooth or teeth themselves, rather, they’re the posts or frames placed into the jawbones, just right beneath your gums.  

It is to these posts or frames that either an individual tooth, implant-supported bridge or dentures are mounted on.  

How Do They Work? 

While expensive, dental implants make up for the premium cost by providing the most stable support for your artificial teeth. This means that, regardless of whether it’s a denture, a dental bridge, or an artificial tooth, you can be sure that it won’t slip or shift in any way inside your mouth.  

The secure fit is a welcome benefit that anyone who’s ever had a denture slip by accident knows is well worth the cost.  

More than saving yourself from an embarrassing situation, however, dental implants also help ensure that that the bridges or dentures placed on top feel more comfortable and natural. Also, being that not everyone can have ordinary bridges or dentures due to certain reasons, like sore sports or gagging, dental implants present a potential alternative.  

To receive implants, it is important to have healthy gums and the necessary bone to help support the implant. You also need to make sure that you’re willing to make the necessary sacrifices. 

Getting an implant means you’ll have to be very meticulous with your oral hygiene. Not only that, but regular dental visits are mandatory as well. If you don’t do that, there’s a huge chance your implants may fail, and you definitely don’t want that to happen.  

Implants are the most expensive method of tooth replacement so far. What’s even worse is that they’re not covered by most insurance companies. Even if they do, seldom is it that more than 10 percent of the cost covered. 

Benefits of Dental Implants 

  • Natural feel – As mentioned earlier, implants feel more like your natural teeth. This is because they are embedded directly into your bones, which makes them very stable.  
  • Comfort and Convenience – With implants, you no longer have to worry about using denture adhesives or your dentures slipping, clicking or even falling out whenever you speak or eat.  
  • Taste – It’s not uncommon for people with dentures to completely change their diet because they don’t fit perfectly. Also, upper dentures affect your sense of taste because they cover much of your upper palate. With implants, you don’t have to worry about all of that.  
  • Self-esteem – Because of their better and more stable fit, you don’t need to worry about your implants as much. This is huge for your self-esteem as you don’t have to think about people noticing that you have dentures or missing teeth anymore. Also, implants don’t affect your speech like dentures do, which should only make you feel much more confident when speaking.  

If you’re seriously considering implants, don’t forget that good oral health habits are key for it to be a success. Ideally, you’ll also want your dentist’s office to be just an hour’s drive away to make it easier for your regular checkups and cleaning.  

Call Tyngsboro Dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

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Dental Implants Vs Dental Bridge

dental-bridge-tyngsboro

When you’re missing a tooth, you can either opt for a dental implant or bridgework. Although dentures are technically an option, the removable appliance is reserved for those who’re missing more than just a few teeth.

Having said that, if you know or someone you know is deciding whether to get a dental implant or a dental bridge, below are a few factors to consider that may help.

The Difference Between Implants and Bridgework

With dental implants, dentists first place a small titanium cylinder in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. Over a few months, the cylinder bonds with the bone tissue, creating an artificial root. An abutment is then placed on top, and later on, the artificial tooth.

With dental bridges, crowns are first installed onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The said crowns are then used to create a bridge – hence the name – that will help hold the artificial tooth in place. While the procedure involves covering the gap, it’s worth taking note that the artificial tooth is not actually fixed to the jaw.

The Argument For Dental Implants

The best thing about dental implants is that the procedure allows the jaw bones to remain strong and healthy. This has a huge positive impact on both your oral health and the shape of your face. Aesthetically, dental implants are also considered a lot better looking and they’re able to mimic the feel and function of real teeth much better. Lastly, dental implants are made to last, having an average lifespan of 25 years.

The Case For Dental Bridgesimplant-diagram

Lots of people choose dental bridges because the procedure is relatively easy and safe. Although most cases require two visits, it’s not unusual for dentists to finish installing bridgework in a single visit. That’s a whole lot less compared to the three or more visits required for dental implants. Lastly, dental bridges are a lot cheaper compared to dental implants.

So, Which Is Which?

At first glance, dental implants certainly look like the more appealing option. But, it’s important to remember that they’re also much more expensive. Plus, the process requires multi-stage surgery and can sometimes cause complications. Healing takes much longer as well, which only increases the risk for further complications.

Meanwhile, bridgework can lead to the re-positioning of the bone tissue below the crown, creating instability and severely shortening its lifespan. As a result, most crowns need to be replaced after 7 to 10 years. Some are replaced even earlier. The process has also been shown to weaken the adjacent teeth, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay.

So, which one of the two procedures is better? It’s hard to say. Truth be told, it mainly depends on what your dentist recommends. Cost alone isn’t really that big of a deciding factor as well. Although, it’s worth mentioning that dental implants could end up being cheaper in the long run since they’re more durable and do not need replacement as often. Plus, most dentists offer flexible payment plans for implant treatment, making it easier for patients to shoulder the cost.

Regardless, it’s best that you discuss extensively with Dr. James Yankowskas the different pros and cons of each procedure to help you make a decision. Do it as soon as you can though, as leaving a missing tooth untreated for a long time can cause even worse damage to your teeth and gums.

Call Dr. Yankowskas in Tyngsboro, MA today at 978-649-7773 or visit his website at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

 

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What Are Dental Implants?

dental implants Having a missing tooth or two can be a cause for embarrassment, as well as lead to problems with chewing, speaking and even eating. It may also create other oral health problems for you.

The good news is that these days, dental implant procedures can help restore the original function and look of your teeth, giving you back your original smile.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are surgically placed in your mouth, serving as a replacement for your natural tooth’s root. They are often made out of bone-like ceramic materials, as well as titanium and are surgically fused into your jawbone to provide a stable base for artificial teeth, ensuring a secure fit.

When used in conjunction with dentures, bridges and even crowns, the implants make sure that either one of these dental appliances do not move around. This helps make them feel far more natural and less uncomfortable compared to conventional bridges, dentures and crowns.

Advantages of Implants

While usually more expensive compared to other tooth replacement methods, there are certain advantages to dental implants, such as:

  • A secure, comfortable Implants make sure that the replacement teeth fit as comfortable as possible by making sure that they do not slip or shift when you talk, chew or bite.
  • Easy to clean. As long as you’re already taking proper care of your teeth, you don’t really need to make any adjustment when it comes to implants. This means they’re easy to clean since you take care of them the same way as natural teeth and they do not have to be taken out for cleaning or soaking.
  • Preserves jawbone. The constant shifting of teeth is often associated with other tooth replacement methods. However, with dental implants, the fit is as secure as possible, preventing any shifting and preserving jawbone, helping maintain the natural contour of your face.
  • No adjustments necessary. Not only do you clean them normally as you would your natural teeth, implants also allow you to chew and speak as if you did not have a dental implant at all.

Placement of the Implants

The implant is surgically placed in your jaw during an in-office procedure. A local anesthetic is used to minimize pain and ensure maximum comfort. However, some swelling and pain is to be expected afterwards, which the dentist can help you with by prescribing pain medication.

While your jaw heals, you’ll be asked to follow a diet consisting mainly only of soft, cold food and lukewarm soups. However, your dentist may also place a temporary crown, bridge or denture, so you don’t have to make as much of an adjustment when eating or speaking.

To make sure that your new teeth are attached as securely as possible, impressions of your mouth are taken and fixtures are connected to the implants during the healing process.

Once healed, which usually takes around two to six months, the artificial tooth or crown is placed on top of the implant.

Taking Care of Your Implant

Implants are durable enough to last a lifetime, but that will only happen if you take proper care of them. This includes visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings, as well as brushing for two minutes, two times a day and flossing daily.

Remember, getting a dental implant is no small procedure and is a big decision on your part.

Make sure that you choose a dentist and a periodontist or oral surgeon that has your best interests in mind to increase the procedure’s chances for success.

If you would like to see if you’d be a good candidate for dental implants, contact Dr. James Yankowskas at 978-649-7773 or visit www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com to learn more.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Lowell, Nashua, Dracut, Chelmsford, Dunstable and surrounding areas.

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How to Care for your Dental Implants | Tyngsboro, Ma

Once you have your new dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly. Tyngsboro Cosmetic Dentistry wants to ensure the care of your implants by offering a few simple suggestions maintaining your implants.

Brush and Floss twice a day, just like your regular teeth! Implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure.

Visits us twice a year! Regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene; however this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your implants will need a thorough cleaning and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Also a special germicidal mouthwash is often prescribed by dentists for patients with dental implants. It helps reduce the risk of infection.

For more information on keeping your dental implants clean, healthy and sparkling white, contact Tyngsboro Cosmetic Dentistry at 978-649-7773. Visit their websitewww.tyngsborocosmeticdentistry.com.