Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Kenfield has averaged 60+ continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout her career; the minimum requirements for the state of Indiana are 20 continuing education credit hours per licensing period.

The loss of one or more permanent teeth is a serious issue. Teeth are essential for several reasons- when you smile or laugh your teeth will be the first thing people notice. Aside from playing a vital role in a persons esthetic and self-esteem, teeth are also necessary for everyday functions like chewing and talking.

There are many options for replacing teeth and trying to decide which one is best for you can be overwhelming. Our expert staff is ready and waiting to answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease. At Kenfield Dental Group in Spencer, we will walk you through the different options and advise you according to your particular situation.

No two patients are ever the same, so each patients treatment is unique. Because dental implants are, in nearly all cases, known for being the most convenient option, they tend to be the most popular.

Patients on a budget, or those missing several teeth, might go for cheaper alternatives like dental bridges or traditional dentures. However, these alternatives will never last as long as a dental implant.

Implants are a long-term investment. When properly cared for, they will last a lifetime. Implants are not just durable, they also decrease the risk of bone resorption in areas where missing teeth used to be. Because they feel and function like natural teeth, patients are free to eat and drink as they would with their natural teeth.

For those patients missing a few or all their teeth, implants can still be an excellent course of treatment. Because patients dont need an implant for every missing tooth, they only have a few implants placed along the arch. These will later support a denture. This solution is commonly known as an implant-supported or implant-retained denture. They are also known as snap-in dentures because once implants are placed in the jaw, the denture snaps onto them.

Photo above shows a model of false teeth (denture) and 4 dental implants to retain and support the snap-in denture. Dr. Kenfield can surgically place two to four dental implants in each dental arch to retain a complete set of replacement teeth. The replacement teeth can either be removable or fixed, meaning only a dentist can remove them. Either implant-supported denture wont irritate the gums or slip out of place. Eating and talking become more natural and enjoyable with implant-supported dentures!

Snap-in or snap-on dentures are a set of removable false teeth retained by dental implants screwed into the jawbone. These dentures are still removable, but they represent a more stable and secure solution than traditional dentures. Snap-in dentures can be removed and replaced, so keeping the mouth and denture clean is equally easy.

There are several treatment alternatives to deal with tooth loss. When all teeth are missing in a dental arch, full dentures are the most common choice. Patients that choose an implant-supported denture can still preserve their bone tissue, and therefore, their facial structure.

Once you have met with the doctor and have your recommended treatment plan, it is time to begin placing your dental implant! Dr. Kenfield will place four or more dental implants on the upper dental arch and two to four on the lower. It can take between four to six months before getting the permanent denture, but you will be wearing temporary dentures in the meantime. Once the implants integrate into the jawbone, the permanent dentures are fitted. You will finally eat without worrying about gum discomfort or the embarrassment of a denture slipping out of place!

Wrinkles and the alteration of facial contours are two clear signs of aging. While this can mainly be due to the lack of collagen in the skin, it can also result from tooth loss. Teeth support soft tissues, so when multiple teeth are missing, it often results in small wrinkles and a sunken appearance in the lower third of the face.

Video 00:25 | Mandibular Jaw, bone recession after losing teeth. Medically accurate dental 3D animation shows an edentulous (lacking teeth) person after several years of using dentures without implants and the resulting changes to facial appearance with jaw bone loss.

Millions of Americans lose teeth each year, mainly due to decay, trauma, and periodontal disease. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options available, and we encourage patients to look for professional advice as soon as any problem arises.

Many patients first thoughts are a full or partial denture to replace missing teeth. Although they are both a good alternative for some, especially those looking for cost-efficient options, we encourage our patients to evaluate other avenues.

When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue anchoring it loses its function. The body detects that this bone no longer has a role and triggers the resorptive process. Dental implants are the only replacement alternative that prevents bone resorption, making them the most convenient solution. If patients dont replace missing teeth on time, the bone resorption that only affects a small area in its first stages ends up affecting the jawbone as well. When the jawbone is involved, the facial appearance is altered, so we advise patients who want to conserve a youthful appearance to consider dental implants.

As soon as a tooth is lost, we advise you to contact your dentist and ask about alternatives for preserving bone in the area. The only way to save this bone tissue is to keep it in active use by placing dental implants.

The jawbones house the roots of all teeth. Those roots receive a light pressure when you chew food, and this stimulation keeps the jawbone robust. When permanent teeth are lost, the bone in that area is no longer stimulated, so the body triggers a process that breaks down the tissue. This process is known as bone resorption. If multiple teeth are missing, the resorption will compromise the jawbone over time. This causes the lower third of the face to have a weak, sunken appearance.

Traditional dentures not supported by implants will need continuous adjustments as the jawbone shrinks over time. Dentures that dont fit properly and lie on the gum tissue dont provide the stimulation required to avoid the jawbones resorption. After several adjustments, the patient will need a new denture.

Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the dentist places the implants, the surrounding bone begins a process known as osseointegration. During this process, which lasts between four and six months, the bone tissue starts healing around the titanium and fuses to the implants surface. Once the osseointegration is concluded, the implants are firmly integrated into the bone. The pressure when the patient chews transmits to the surrounding bone. By keeping the bone tissue active and healthy, the body doesnt trigger the resorption.

Apart from preventing bone resorption and keeping your jaws looking strong and healthy, there are many more benefits to getting dental implants. Implants look and feel like natural teeth, and with no other restoration, you will get the same aesthetic and functional results. After having your implants placed and correctly healed, you wont even notice that your natural teeth are missing when youre chewing, laughing, and speaking.

If you have several missing teeth and you decide to get an implant-supported denture, you wont need to worry about your denture moving or slipping out. Dental implants are the gold standard of teeth replacement.

Teeth positioning and the shape of the jawbones make the structure of the lower third of your face. Teeth play a crucial role in preventing bone resorption, which helps maintain a healthy and robust jawbone.

Apart from preserving bone tissue, teeth keep the normal distance between the tip of the nose and the chin. When teeth are missing, the upper and lower jawbones come closer together, and this causes the sunken appearance typical of older people.

Dental implants have the same effect as natural teeth, providing the height and structure required to keep the jawbones strong and in the correct position, helping to avoid premature wrinkles and sagging skin.

Teeth are responsible for the full and healthy appearance of the face. When teeth are missing, the soft tissues lose support. As a result, the face starts looking more wrinkled, collapsed, and sunken. Additionally, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to the bone resorption triggered after tooth loss.

Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth. They are firmly integrated into the jawbone and provide as much chewing force as a natural tooth. Patients with single implants restored with porcelain crowns can enjoy their favorite foods without worrying about their smiles. Those patients wearing implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, will need to be more careful and cut food into smaller pieces. But, although they should be a little cautious when eating, they will still have better retention and chewing ability than patients wearing traditional dentures.

Even though patients with snap-on dentures do not have natural teeth anymore, the team at Kenfield Dental Group advises patients wearing these types of dentures to visit the office regularly for professional cleanings and examination of the denture. It is sometimes necessary for Dr. Kenfield to remove the denture so that the hygienist can thoroughly clean the implant abutments.

We also recommend using a Waterpik (water flosser) to better clean under and around the dentures or bridges. It is vital to keep the gums healthy to prevent periodontal problems and infections that can affect the implants.

Not all patients have enough quantity and quality of bone for placing dental implants. If, after a radiographic evaluation determines that there isnt enough tissue, Dr. Kenfield will suggest performing a bone graft before the surgery.

The sinus cavities are two air-filled cavities located above the back teeth of the upper jaw. In some cases, when the bone directly under the sinus is too thin, it might be necessary to perform a type of bone graft known as a sinus lift. This technique involves placing bone graft material under the sinus lining to thicken the portion of bone tissue where the implant will be placed.

Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for. However, patients need to know that as dental implants integrate into bone and gum tissue, they are still susceptible to periodontal disease and infection. If patients dont take proper care, an implant can, just like natural teeth, be lost to periodontal disease.

Though very strong, implants are made of multiple pieces, and once in a while one of these components can break or crack. Sometimes the crown of the implant may crack, or the screw holding the abutment may come loose. Both of these are easy fixes. But sometimes, the abutment screw may be stripped and cracked, or the implant itself may fracture. These situations usually are a little more complicated to correct.

Its critical to brush and floss carefully and to attend the dental office for regular checkups and dental cleanings to ensure the tissues around the implant stay free of infection and that the implant itself is doing well.

The only way to find out if youre an eligible candidate for dental implants is to have an evaluation at the dental office. No professional can tell you over the phone exactly what treatment option will be the most suitable for you without first looking at your teeth and gums.

In the dental office, the dentist can use different resources like x-rays and 3D images to determine if implants are an appropriate option for you. If you are not a candidate for implants, Dr. Kenfield will consider the possibility of performing a bone graft or directly talk to you about other tooth replacement alternatives. All smiles are different, but theres almost always a way to achieve the results you have dreamed of.

Dental crowns, or caps, are the chosen treatment when an extensively damaged tooth needs restoring. Dr. Kenfield at Kenfield Dental Group recommends dental crowns when teeth have been severely affected by decay or trauma or when patients are looking for a dramatic enhancement in their smiles.

Crowns are thin caps that cover the visible part of a tooth. In this kind of procedure, the root remains intact, helping to support the new crown. Crowns primary objective is to restore the teeth aesthetic and function. They can be made of different materials, but the most popular are ceramic and zirconia. Materials such as gold and porcelain, combined with metal, can also be used. These all are biocompatible materials, and each of them has different benefits.

During your visit to the dental office, the dentist will help you determine which material is the most suitable for your particular case. When the crown needs to be placed on a tooth, she will choose the best shade and shape to match the surrounding teeth.

Video 01:00 | A beautiful smile is something everyone wants. If you have a tooth that is not the same size or shape as your other teeth and that needs support, your dentist may recommend a crown. Crowns are used to help make a tooth stronger, and improve a tooths appearance. They are available in a variety of materials that can blend with the shade and shape of your natural teeth. Hear more about how crowns can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth and maintain your beautiful smile.

Regular visits to the dental office for professional cleanings are strongly recommended to make sure the margins of the new crown remain clean. Under the crown, the patient still has a natural tooth structure. If the patient doesnt keep the area clean, bacteria can accumulate on its edges and cause decay on that remaining natural tooth. It is crucial to understand that keeping the crown clean is necessary to prevent cavities and lengthen the lifespan of the restoration.

Tooth-colored fillings can repair many minor problems like small cavities or chips. These fillings are made of a tooth-color composite resin, a material that closely mimics the shade and texture of natural enamel.

Nobody will notice youve had fillings done or that youve chipped a front tooth once theyve been restored using composite resins. Dr. Kenfield will find the resin that perfectly matches the rest of their smile, and she will polish the filling until she achieves seamless integration with the restored tooth. At Kenfield Dental Group, we only use tooth-colored composite for fillings to get outstanding aesthetic results.

Video 01:00 These days, theres no reason to settle for a smile thats less than ideal. Bonding is a dental technique that can improve the appearance of teeth by repairing chips, cracks, stains or gaps.

Composite resin bonding is a technique that uses a tooth-colored filling material. It can be used both to restore teeth that have been affected by decay and to repair minor imperfections that can affect your smile, like chips in the front teeth or small gaps between them. The material comes in many shades, enabling Dr. Kenfield to find the one that perfectly matches your natural teeth. Once polished, composite resin bonding is almost impossible to detect. Dr. Kenfield is an expert at creating virtually invisible fillings, ensuring perfect cosmetic results.

With proper care, these restorations can last many years. Composite resins have been a popular choice ever since their first appearance: few other materials have the same lifespan and aesthetic results. Protecting anterior cosmetic bonding from the stresses of clenching and grinding is essential in making them last. Avoid using your teeth to bite into hard things, such as opening packages, and use a night guard while sleeping to prevent breaking or chipping.

Composite fillings dont need any special attention. Your fillings will last longer if you take good care of them. It is crucial to work on your oral hygiene to keep them in good condition. Apart from brushing and flossing twice a day, we also advise patients to visit the office regularly for professional cleanings.

Porcelain veneers are the perfect option for those patients looking for a dramatic enhancement of their smiles. This cosmetic treatment can correct a wide range of dental imperfections, including discolorations, tooth wear, small gaps between teeth, or size discrepancies.

Veneers are thin shells placed over the tooths visible front part to improve its appearance. They look like natural teeth and give patients the confidence to talk, laugh, and smile in public with no limitations.

Porcelain veneers can fix multiple cosmetic problems. They are custom-made for each patient, and our dentist takes the time to design your new smile so that the color and shape of the veneers fit the rest of your teeth. Once veneers are in place, theyll look like the very best version of your natural teeth.

If youve ever felt self-conscious about your smile, consider that veneers might help you build the confidence you are now lacking. In as little as two visits, you can get a brand new smile that you can be proud to show off.

The difference between a veneer and a crown is that while a veneer only covers the front of the tooth, a crown covers the entire tooth, front, and back. The tooth preparation for a veneer is much more conservative as it leaves more natural enamel intact.

In some cases, our dentist might consider that a patient may need crowns to achieve perfect cosmetic results. Sometimes, the teeth are not strong enough to support veneers. But in most cases, porcelain veneers are a suitable option and will get patients the cosmetic look they are longing for.

If you have concerns that getting porcelain veneers will damage your teeth, do not worry! Veneers wont ruin the teeth, but they permanently alter their structure. So patients should be sure about this cosmetic enhancement before the treatment gets started.

Impressions: the dentist will take impressions of the prepared teeth and send them to the dental lab, where the veneers will be manufactured following her specific instructions. She will place temporary veneers in the meantime.

Many patients are concerned about the lifespan of the veneers. But the truth is that it largely depends on how well they take care of the restorations. Patients who dont brush correctly and floss daily will find that their porcelain veneers will only last a few years. On the other hand, patients who have good oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings, and wear a night guard will see their veneers last for decades.

We always encourage our patients to voice any concerns during their visits to the office. Our team of professionals at Kenfield Dental Group is happy to help you decide which whitening treatment is the best for you. We will take the time to walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment. Together, we will determine the best way to achieve the aesthetic results you are looking for.