Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Gum disease has two primary stages. If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented. In order to prevent gum disease,practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year.

This stage only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and the patient may not experience any discomfort. Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is the name for more advanced periodontal disease and if permitted to progress to this point, not only the gums are affected but the bone structures supporting the teeth will be compromised.

A build-up of bacteria causes Gingivitis. In its early stages, inflammation around the gums is observable, with gum tissues appearing red and swollen. Gums that are easily irritated or that bleed during tooth brushing indicate the presence of Gingivitis. Removal of the plaque buildup is necessary to prevent the development of gum disease.

As the gums become more inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces known as periodontal 'pockets.' Food, bacteria, and plaque begin to collect in the pockets, leading to infection. The surrounding bone becomes damaged both by bacterial toxins and by the immune system 'sresponse to infection.

Nowak Family Dental offers single tooth dental implants. Dental implants replace tooth roots in the mouth. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth and can aid in the prevention of bone loss in the jaw.

An implant supported bridge is a restorative solution for spaces where three or more adjacent teeth are missing. This restoration typically requires two implants to support the porcelain bridge. The bridge provides a functional and aesthetic replacement for a patients natural teeth.

For patients who are missing many or all of their teeth, implant supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. This solution requires the placement of two or more implants. In order to replace a full arch denture, a minimum of four implants is generally recommended. Eligibility for this solution is dependent upon a number of factors, with jaw bone density being one of the most significant determining factors.

Traditional dentures rely on an acrylic base that sits directly on the gums, held in place by a paste or adhesive. Using implants as supports for dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.

Implants can support both full and partial dentures as well as both fixed and removable dentures.If a removable denture is selected, the denture will snap on to the implant rather than requiring the use of denture paste or adhesives. Removable dentures can be taken out for cleaning at night.

This procedure is a unique implant solution that allows patients with a completely edentulous (toothless) upper or lower arch to replace all of the teeth in that arch using only four implants as anchors.

There are times when a full size implant is not a viable option, and in many cases an MDI may be a great solution. Small spaces or inadequate bone mass in the jaw may prevent the use of traditional implants. Mini Dental Implants are similar to regular implants but, as the name suggests, are significantly smaller in diameter. Dental implants typically take 2 visits and require a waiting period of a few months from the time of implant placement to the time the permanent replacement tooth can be placed. The placement of MDIs is minimally invasive, often requiring only local anesthetic and no sutures. For this reason, MDIs can often be placed with the final replacement toothin one day.

With this technique, specialized software is used to create custom surgical guides. These guides direct the exact location, angle, and depth of each implant placement. The use of the guide increases the accuracy, efficiency, safety, and predictability of the procedure.

Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium that are placed in the jawbone. Dental implants are the replacement of tooth roots in the mouth. Once placed, the anchors begin to fuse with the bone over the course of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.

A traditional bridge uses teeth on either side of the gap where teeth are missing for support. An implant supported bridge uses two or more dental implants rather than the adjacent teeth. When a bridge uses natural teeth for attachment, the natural teeth must be prepped for crowns and are then subject to increased stress which may be damaging - particularly if the existing tooth, roots, or surrounding bone structure are already compromised. A dental implant supported bridge replaced your missing teeth and avoids putting any additional stress on your natural teeth.

Easy to care for, this solution can simulate the look and feel of natural teeth and stay fixed in place with the implants acting as anchors. Patients will not experience the typical rocking and movement or gum irritation associated with dentures.

Dental implant placement can also help alleviate the sunken look that can occur with bone loss in the jaw by stimulating bone growth in the area around the implant. This process can also help prevent future bone loss.

MDIs are approximately half the diameter of a traditional implant and use a titanium post, rather than a screw. Instead of an abutment piece that supports the final restoration, MDIs use a ball and socket attachment system. The ball on the end of the titanium post (shown above) provides the attachment point for the o-ring in the replacement tooth.

Using a virtual 3-D model or a physical model, implant placements and the following restorative work can be simulated to create the ideal patient treatment plan. These virtual plans allow the doctor to take multiple aspects of implant placement and restoration into consideration, resulting in optimal aesthetics, function, and longevity for the patients final restoration. Working with a 3-D model also allows the patient to better understand the procedures and visualize the end result.

With proper treatment planning, we are able to keep many procedures more minimally invasive than ever before. Most patients have no pain during the procedure and minimal discomfort for a few days after. Talk to your surgeon about the appropriate post-operative plan for you and follow our recommendations for care during the recovery period for optimal success.

Usually, the cost of a dental implant is calculated by each procedure that is needed, so same-day implants are usually not more expensive. Whether they are completed all in the same visit or spread over separate visits the cost should be the same, however, discuss with your surgeon if there are any procedures that may influence one treatment option over the other for your specific case.

There are several options for temporary tooth replacement while healing during implant procedures. Some are removable and some are temporarily fixed in place. Make sure to discuss these options with your restorative dentist see what is best for you.

In very general terms (as these treatment options are not always interchangeable), an implant is permanently fixed into your jaw and is not removed and therefore once restored is similar to the space and function of a natural tooth. Most patients can perform all tasks just as they would with a natural tooth and it does not affect speech or taste like a denture can. Dentures are removable tooth replacements that have to be removed nightly and often cover your gums and other structures in your mouth. Talk to your dentist to discuss your options for treatment.

Typically an implant replaces only the missing tooth, whereas a bridge requires utilizing neighboring teeth to secure crowns that will replace the missing tooth and cover the adjacent teeth. There are differences in how these procedures are completed and how they need to be maintained. Bridges require special flossing techniques due to their architecture while implants can usually be flossed just like your natural teeth. Give us a call to determine which option is right for you.

While the health of your teeth and gums is our priority, we know that its also important to feel good about your smile. If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, cosmetic dental treatments can transform your smile and help restore your confidence.

We combine the latest dental techniques and technology with our advanced knowledge of aesthetics to help you achieve the beautiful smile youve always dreamed of. You may only need one procedure or a series of cosmetic dental treatments for a complete smile makeover.

When we get older, the enamel on our teeth begins to get thinner, making them appear more yellow than sparkling white. Starting the day with a cup of coffee or tea and ending it with a glass of red wine at dinner doesnt help either. Smoking and certain medications can also cause stains and discoloration of the teeth. Our office offers in-office teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening kits to help you smile brighter.

Many patients want straighter teeth, but dont want to draw attention to the fact that theyre undergoing orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is the ideal solution, allowing you to correct your bite and straighten your teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners instead of traditional metal braces. Invisalign is more comfortable and convenient than braces and because theyre virtually invisible, no one will even know youre wearing them. Youll move to a new set of aligners every two weeks and as you progress through them, your teeth will gradually shift to their new positions in your mouth.

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to the fronts of the teeth. Theyre carefully designed to look like your natural teeth, only better. We use veneers to correct aesthetic issues like stained and yellow teeth, minor misalignment, gaps between teeth, damage, and teeth shape. In order to place veneers, we remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth, then bond the veneer in place using a special adhesive and curing light.

Minor cosmetic imperfections like stains, cracks, gaps between teeth, and chips can be corrected using cosmetic bonding. Tooth-colored composite material is used to reshape the tooth, giving it a realistic appearance that blends in with the rest of your teeth.

The focus of cosmetic dentistry is in improving the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dental procedures usually offer little to no functional or health benefits, while the restorative procedures provided by a general dentist typically improve strength, function, and appearance.

No ones teeth are too bad to fix! Modern dental technologies and techniques mean that no case is too far gone for treatment. Our first goal will be to restore your overall oral health by treating gum disease, decay, and any other issues that are compromising the strength and function of your teeth. Once your teeth and gums are healthy, cosmetic dentistry can be used to correct any remaining aesthetic imperfections. With a thorough evaluation we can determine if your smile has just cosmetic needs or cosmetic and restorative needs; many times we can provide dental treatments that can do both.

Even a minor cosmetic dental procedure can completely transform your appearance and your self-confidenceand complete smile makeovers can be life-changing for patients who have spent years or decades feeling embarrassed about their teeth. We also know that when patients invest in cosmetic dentistry, their overall oral health improves because they practice diligent oral hygiene in order to maintain the results of their treatments.

Dental insurance does not cover most cosmetic procedures, as they offer no functional benefits and are considered elective. That said, dental treatments that provide both functional and cosmetic benefits, like dental crowns or bridges, are often at least partially covered by most dental insurance plans. Contact your insurance provider to find out more about your benefits; were also happy to sit down with you and help you understand your insurance coverage and your out-of-pocket costs.