All About Acquiring Dental Implants in Arizona

People always have questions about more extensive surgeries like dental implants so this article seeks to bring light to frequently asked questions.

Dental implants in Arizona are worth every dime, but even still there are a lot of questions that can keep people up at night leading up to the surgery. If you are getting anything from a single tooth implant to the All-on-4 procedure it is nicer to know what to expect.

Pain

Just about nobody likes pain, right? When people think of an implant being placed directly into the jaw bone it can seem painful. During the procedure there is no pain. Most dental offices use anesthesia and if you have a high anxiety for dental procedures it can be done with oral sedation and an IV, but only in some offices.

So if there is no pain during then there should be a lot of pain afterwards right? Wrong. There will be some discomfort that can be easily managed with pain control techniques that your dentist will provide for you. Some dentists can even prescribe medication to alleviate the discomfort.

Time

The surgery usually only takes one to two hours, but it depends upon the number of implants needed, the location, and if any teeth need to be removed first. This is a question better left for your dentist when scheduling the appointment since they will know the specifics.

The healing process is a big concern for most patients. The healing process can take anywhere from 4 to 9 months mostly because the implant needs to become embedded into the jaw bone which can take time; however most individuals will walk out of the initial surgery with the full set of implanted teeth.

Your new set of teeth is a great investment for the amount of time they will last. If the body accepts the implant and it is cared for properly than they can last practically a lifetime. Some dentists have seen them last more than 30 years.

After Affects

If for some reason the body rejects the implant then it will have to be removed. The implants once removed will require healing before another implant can be placed.

Regardless, after the surgery your dentist will outline a special diet for the first part of the healing process. It will mostly consist of mashed vegetables, smoothies, and yogurt.

Doing your research can answer just about any other specific questions that you may have about your particular case. A beautiful smile is nothing to be afraid of.

Dental Advancements in Sun City

Sun City dentists are becoming more technologically advanced and continue to offer quality dental procedures.

As technology advances there will always be those who continue to learn and grow with it and then there are those who are content with what they already know. Dental technology has advanced rapidly in the last five years.

Some Sun City dentists have taken to the challenge of keeping up and offering the best services possible for their patients. So what should you be looking for when searching for a dentist?

Training

Training will always be one of the best qualifications to look for. Degrees like Bachelors and Masters will matter, but location can also be a contributor. All colleges are not created equal in every degree. Make sure to look for a college with a prestigious dental program.

Additional training is required as a dentist in order to keep updated on new information. However this training doesn’t always make them qualified to perform the most advanced procedures are that they have the technology that will best suit their patients.

Two things to look for are extra training and degrees from programs like MALO Clinic. The MALO Clinic is the founder of the all-on-4 dental implant surgery that is sweeping the nation. This isn’t a procedure that all doctors are qualified to perform so looking for a MALO degree is crucial.

Dr. Malo came up with all-on-4 implants which was far superior to other dental implants in many ways. It allowed for a shorter recovery time, less actual implant sites, and many other positive changes.

Technology

Without certain advancements in equipment it can inhibit the dentist’s ability to perform the surgery to their full potential. It can also increase any sort of risks involved or lengthen the recovery time.

For example Dr. Kevin Gasser has made sure to keep up with the best equipment advances and training. His recovery time on the All-on-4 surgery is exceptionally minimal and his patients walk out of the office that day with a full set of teeth.

To put it in perspective, an individual who still has a computer from 10 years ago won’t have the same quality and satisfaction with their computer than someone who bought the newest model.

Without the MALO clinic training and technology Dr. Gasser wouldn’t be qualified to offer his patients a procedure that is gaining momentum all over the world. He is now able to provide his patients with all of the latest procedures that they could ask for.

Technology will only continue to grow and those dentists who think that what they know now is enough will be overrun by more driven dentists.  Good luck finding the dentist that will best serve you.

Tooth Implants: Filling in the Missing Teeth

This article will describe all of the negative impacts that having a missing tooth can cause and how a dental implant can fix these problems.

Having a missing tooth isn’t just a strike against your appearance but also towards your oral health as a whole. There are many different medical reasons to get a missing tooth replaced with a tooth implant.

Some people know all about a full mouth implant such as the all-on-4 surgery, but it is also possible to replace a single tooth.

Why Should You Replace Your Tooth?

Before heading off to their Sun City dentist most people want to know if a dental implant is worth their time. Food intake is one of the first big reasons. Chewing efficiency declines without all of the teeth present to help chew. Food will begin to accumulate in the empty space and can become difficult to keep clean.

If food and plaque begin to build up it increases the risk for periodontal disease. Periodontal or gum disease is how you end up losing all of your other teeth to tooth decay.

Each tooth is responsible for different parts of the facial structure and how everything functions. When a tooth is missing the adjacent teeth will shift to fill the space. A tooth will grow until it reaches the other tooth above it.

Without a tooth above it a tooth can over-erupt and cause structural problems for that part of the jaw as well as create a food trap between the teeth next to it that it has been pulling away from.

If the teeth don’t shift than the cheeks and lips usually will, but it depends on which tooth is lost. If a molar, back tooth, is lost than it can even cause extra wrinkling in the face and other deformities.

Tooth Implant

Ideally the missing tooth should be replaced immediately to prevent all of these consequences. A dental implant is the most permanent and cost effective solution to tooth loss.

An implant will be placed directly into the jaw bone to be used as an anchor. This part acts as the root of a natural tooth would to hold everything in place. Once that part has healed and becomes imbedded into the jaw bone the abutment is officially attached.

The abutment is just the connecting piece to hold the porcelain cap on top. With all of these pieces it will act just like a natural tooth would. The bone loss will subside and the other teeth won’t shift at all.

This implant can be cared for as a natural tooth would. There are no food restrictions and you can basically get back to your normal life. And of course smiling will be one of your favorite things to do again.

All on 4 Step by Step

This article will describe the All on 4 procedure step by step.

Having a beautiful set of teeth is something that almost everyone wants. With the All on 4 procedure people with missing teeth can restore that sparkling smile. All on 4 is a type of dental implant surgery that is less invasive than previous implants.

Benefits

The All on 4 procedure has become the best solution to restoring full arches to the upper and lower jaws. This can sound intimidating and as though it requires a lot of work, however that isn’t the case.

It is called All on 4 because only four implants are needed to secure both sets of arches into the jaw. Two implants are on the top and two on the bottom.

Most people who are turned down for other implants wouldn’t have enough jaw bone left after bone grafting. All on 4 doesn’t require bone grafting the majority of the time. This is great news for everyone who has ever been denied.

The Build Up

The first step towards receiving your new teeth is a consultation and diagnostic appointment with the dentist so he can fully evaluate your particular case. X-rays and photos will be taken and the dentist will decide whether there needs to be any extractions first.

Impressions will be needed to create the arches for the top and bottom jaw. After this appointment you will be scheduled for implant surgery where the replacement teeth will be fitted and adjusted.

Surgery Day

On surgery day four titanium implants will be placed into the jaw bone so it can integrate with the bone and secure itself. The back implants are angled for a deeper hold making these implants as firm as a natural set of teeth.

After the implants are secure the abutments are fastened in to and attach to the arches of, usually, porcelain teeth. You will walk out with a full set of beautiful teeth that day!

Maintenance

At first frequent checkups are required just to ensure that the gums have healed properly. Once the dentist feels that they have healed fine than the usual twice a year appointments are all that is needed.

Your new set of teeth will act just like your natural ones. They still need to be brushed, flossed, and taken care of like a natural set. Other than that there isn’t any extra maintenance. If you take care of your new smile it can last a lifetime.

Providing Solid Dentistry

All dentists are not created equal. Some work harder than others and provide more services. If the time comes when you need an expertise that your dentist doesn’t offer it can cost you more money.

When searching for a Sun City dentist most people don’t think about the future work that their teeth might need. Think of it this way, 50 percent of American adults have periodontal disease. Odds are you’ll need more work done than you expect.

Patient Treatment

The majority of dentists know how to treat their patients with respect and make them feel comfortable for routine cleanings. Reading patient reviews and asking neighbors, friends, and family for recommendations is an easy way to find a popular dentist.

But this is just surface information. Learning the credentials, technology advancement and procedures offered is the other half of the equation.

Credentials

Every dentist will have a degree, doctorate mostly. Additional training isn’t always required or taken as seriously, but it can be a great indicator of professionalism and an interest in the patient’s best interest.

For certain procedures different training is almost a must to ensure safety. In the event that periodontal disease may develop causing you to lose all of your teeth, what then? Are you going to trust just any inexperienced dentist to insert implants into your mouth correctly?

The answer is no. Surgeries like all-on-4 implants are challenging and require the most advanced technology and best training. In this case you’d want to search for a dentist who has received training from the Malo Clinic.

Technology

Technology is just as valuable as information. Using outdated materials won’t always ensure the best outcomes and can cause problems for more advanced procedures. Just as a good dentist will continue to attend training for dental knowledge they should also keep up with the most updated technology.

Dr. Kevin Gasser provides the best services with the most advanced technology because he cares about his patient’s safety and well-being.

Malo Clinic’s All-On-4

Most people will do research before deciding on a surgery like All-On-4. This article will help with the origins and overall technology introduced by the Malo clinic.

When researching about the procedure All-On-4 implants it is important to figure out the origins and who has the most experience. The Malo clinic is the leader in implantology and dental aesthetics.

Founder

Professor Dr. Paulo Malo founded the Malo clinic in 1995. His strong reputation in the field and clinical research has enhanced his knowledge in surgical techniques and innovative technology.

Not only has the Malo Clinic produced breakthroughs in the fixed prosthesis area, but it is also a place of education for over 3,500 professionals. They provide an advanced training center for professionals in dentistry looking to provide operations like All-on-4 to their patients.

Breakthroughs

All-on-4 is the first of its kind for many reasons. With only four anchorage sites and the angle used for the implants it usually eliminates the need for bone grafting. No other rehabilitation method had been able the fix that problem before.

The little to no healing time required is another special feature to All-on-4. Patients are sedated to ensure their safety and to create a pain free procedure. With only mild discomfort after waking the patient is able to go home that day with their full set of teeth.

With the highest survival rate seen on a rehabilitation procedure it makes it one of the best options for just about anyone.

Professionals Near You

Some Sun City dental providers offer the All-on-4 procedure. Dr. Kevin Gasser is among those professionals and who has become a graduate of the prestigious Malo clinic.

Gasser has developed a specialty for dental implants and takes pride in providing life changing results for his patients. Since Dr. Gasser is educated in every aspect of the rehabilitation process necessary for dental implants there is no need to see m

Multiple dentists saving you time and hassle.

With over 25 years of experience and more than 1,500 hours in extra training not including his degrees, Dr. Gasser is a leading dentist for dental implants.

Whether you are considering the All-on-4 implant procedure for yourself or a loved one it is a clinically proven solution for tooth loss. After finding the dentist that is right for your surgery all you’ll need to do is just enjoy the new smile that they have created just for you.

What to Expect from All-On-4

This article will cover all of the basic questions that a patient might have about All-On-4 cosmetic surgery.

Whether you need All-on-4 dental implants because of an accidental injury or because your oral hygiene wasn’t always the best, there are many questions that should be answered before going into the surgery room.

Is My Dentist Qualified?

Not all dentists are certified to do this type of procedure. It is also best to look for someone who has the most experience. For example Dr. Kevin Gasser is a specialist in restorative work. His credentials include 25 years of professional practice, a graduate of a prestigious Malo Clinic and 1500+ hours of additional training over the years.

The Malo clinic is the innovator of the All-on-4 procedure and produces some the best knowledge and training a doctor can receive for this expertise. These are some of the finest credentials you could ask for when deciding which doctor is qualified to do your procedure.

What Makes This Procedure Different?

About 90% of people are not candidates for traditional dental implants so a frequently asked question is what makes this different for those people. All-On-4 implants are inserted at an angle and can use a much longer insert than original implants. This takes away the need for bone grafting that most candidates aren’t eligible for.

Pain and Healing

Time is a valuable thing and for most people it is not a luxury to spare. A big question asked about implants is,“How painful is the surgery and how quick is the healing process?” Pain is minimal because of the sedation during surgery and the anti-inflammatory medication prescribed.

Considering the less invasive techniques used for All-on-4 verses traditional methods there is little to no healing time required before the bridge can be placed. Most individuals will walk out with a temporary set of teeth that day. This is just until the final porcelain set is made.

Is All-On-4 My Best Option?

Most people would argue that yes it is the best option. However here are some positive benefits to ensure that this procedure is what you really want.

• Easy maintenance and care
• Restores ability to eat all types of foods
• Potentially lasts a lifetime
• Minimal recovery time
• Restores self-confidence through an amazing smile

These are just a few of the many positive outcomes that come with an All-on-4 procedure. Cost can be slightly more expensive or more cost effective based upon the dental work needed for your personal case. This is a question for your cosmetic dentist.

What is your smile worth to you? Most people would say that you can’t put a price on the confidence a good looking smile brings.

Sun City Dentist: Mouthwash, a double edged sword

Mouthwash has pros and cons just like everything, but most people don’t consider all of the possibilities. This article will point out all the benefits and risks associated with mouthwash.

Every now and again we sleep in late or miss our alarms and that makes for a fast paced morning to rush to work, school or wherever else we have to go. Some people will cut corners by rinsing with mouthwash instead of properly brushing their teeth. But what happens when the minty effects wear off?

Cover Up

Mouthwash is great for many different things however it is not designed to replace flossing. For instance, swishing mouthwash instead of brushing is like using gum after eating something with onions. The smell is masked at first but once it wears off you’re no better off than before.

Proper mouthwash technique is to be used in conjunction with a brushing and flossing routine. It is also necessary to visit your Sun City dentist at least twice a year. This will allow for the best results.

Fighting Bacteria

Not all mouthwashes have the same ingredients and they tend to focus on different problems within the oral health category. There are three main types of mouthwashes; salt water, fluoride, and alcohol based.

Saltwater rinses are very simple to make at home with table salt and warm water. Most people will use these when it is dentist recommended after surgery or other oral problems.

Alcohol or Listerine based rinses are best for fighting off bacteria that can develop into periodontal disease. Periodontal disease creates rapid tooth decay and a need for dental implants. If you have a higher risk for periodontal disease, than Listerine mouthwash is the best choice.

High fluoride rinses are the best solution for people who tend to get a lot of cavities. Dentists use fluoride during their appointments to get the plaque that brushing can’t. However their fluoride content is much higher than any mouthwash will be.

The Negatives

One con that was mentioned earlier is that it only masks the bad breath. This is not a solution to all of your oral health problems it is merely another avenue to help.

Some people will also use mouthwash to sooth their canker sores. This can help as long as the alcohol content isn’t too high.  With a higher dose of alcohol it will actually irritate the sore more so it is important to choose carefully.

Another speculation is that mouthwash use can be linked to oral cancer. Many different studies have been done to try and prove this hypothesis but nothing has been concrete.

There are certain brands with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval on them that undergo extensive tests to ensure safety. So if you are concerned about the possibility of increasing your oral cancer risk there are approved mouthwashes for you.

Overall mouthwash cannot be substituted for good oral hygiene. They are simply used to enhance your oral health.

All about Cavities from a Sun City Dentist

This article will describe all about cavities and when to see your Sun City Dentist.

Cavities are very common in this country especially in children. Cavities can also show no symptoms leaving about 19 percent of children ages 2-19 with untreated cavities.  A cavity is simply tooth decay where either damage or a hole has formed. Untreated cavities can lead to the need for a tooth implant.

Causes

Tooth decay is the second most common disorder right after the common cold. The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria will change carbs and starches into acids. Acids, foods bacteria, and saliva combine to create plaque.

Plaque is removable by brushing and can be harmless at first.Plaque begins to build up around 20 minutes after eating. If it isn’t removed tartar will form which will irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, cavities, and periodontal.

Diet is the cause for most tooth decay. Higher starch and carbohydrate diets will increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods increase the risk because they are harder to remove.

Symptoms

Most of the time there are no symptoms which is why it is important to visit your Sun City dentist regularly.

If symptoms do start to occur it is usually tooth pain or an achy feeling. These symptoms usually occur after consuming sweet, hot or cold foods and drinks. Sometimes in more advanced tooth decay there will be visible pits or holes in the teeth.

Treatment

Fortunately most cavities are caught during routine checkups. Visiting the dentist twice a year is the best thing that a person can do for their oral health. X-rays may need to be taken to see possible tooth decay between teeth.

To prevent further damage, treatments can include fillings, root canals, or crowns. A filling will removed the damaged portion of the tooth and refill it with a metal like gold, silver alloy, or porcelain. Porcelain is closer in color to a natural tooth color and is usually the preferred filling especially for front teeth.

Crowns are used for more extensive damage. They are used when too much of the tooth will need to be removed and a filling would lead to further breakage. The decayed area will be removed and repaired before the crown is made to be placed on top of what is left of the tooth.

Root canals are only used if there is damage to the nerve inside. The nerve is removed along with any decay and the root is filled with a sealing material.

Overall the best plan of attack for fighting off tooth decay is to watch your diet and visit your dentist on a regular basis to clean off what brushing cannot.

Ways to Keep a Whiter Smile

Just about everyone wants to have a beautiful white smile. From home remedies to tooth paste people will try just about anything to get their teeth even just a shade lighter. If you’re serious about getting whiter teeth and keeping them whiter here are some habits to get into and some habits to lose.

Toothpaste

Using whitening toothpaste can slightly remove surface stains caused by different foods and drinks. When choosing toothpaste it is important to read the manufacturer’s directions.

Most often than not it is safe to use whitening paste daily but checking the warnings is important because of the chemicals inside. Another factor to consider is that over time whitening paste may damage the natural enamel of the teeth so it is best to cycle on and off of them occasionally.

Oral Hygiene

Proper dental habits can keep your teeth sparkling. The recommended brushing twice a day and flossing once is to remove plaque buildup and residue. The plaque is one of the many things that can stain teeth so it is also recommended to visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings to get the plaque in places the brushing can’t.

Smoking is not in the good oral hygiene column either. Apart from all of the other reasons not to smoke, here is another. It stains your teeth and actually contributes to the bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth.

Beverages

Certain liquids can stain the teeth. Coffee, tea and red wine are among the most common. Some people cannot start their mornings without coffee, but the effects could be lowered by reducing the intake by even half.

If that isn’t a fair enough trade off then it can help to brush your teeth directly after consuming the beverage. Another alternative is to drink those liquids through a straw as to avoid staining the front teeth that show. It would be pretty funny to see someone drink red wine through a straw, but you’ll impress more people with your smile.

Treatments

With such a high demand to have whiter teeth many companies now make whitening treatments that you can buy at the department store. Whitening strips can work but need to be used very precisely and can sometimes leave an uneven coloring.

If none of this is enough to satisfy you than dental offices do have a more expensive solution. Bleaching and other whitening treatments can remove the majority of all stains and leave your teeth shining.

Even after using a bleaching treatment your teeth will start to yellow again if proper habits aren’t formed. A lifestyle change to give your teeth the best chance to remain white will be the most effective way to a smile you’re proud of.

Contact Dr. Kevin Gasser

Gasser Dental Implant Center is located in Sun City, Arizona, just east of Boswell Hospital.

(Dr. Gasser and his team will be moving the Bell Plaza soon.)

Kevin L. Gasser, D.D.S.
13000 N. 103rd Avenue, Ste. 76,
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 972-8217
Fax: (623) 972-1406

Single Tooth Implant Replacement

A single tooth implant might be a better solution than a bridge for many reasons which will be discussed in this article.

Even at a young age some people can lose a tooth for many reasons. No matter the reason there are different options to choose from for a replacement. A single tooth implant is one of the better options.

The Procedure

The single implant will be placed into the bone tissue provided that bone is still undamaged. If this is a problem it can hopefully be corrected with the modern technology of a cosmetic dentist in Arizona.

After the implant is placed it needs time to heal so a temporary crown will allow the patient to have a normal smile until the final customized tooth crown can be placed at a later date.

Once the implant has healed it almost becomes an extension of the jaw bone. This is a solution to all of the dental problems that can be caused by a missing tooth. There won’t be any bone or jaw shifting, teeth will remain where they are, and your smile will be just as beautiful as before.

Advantages

A single tooth implant allows you to treat your smile no different than you would have if it was all your natural teeth. It still needs brushed and flossed just like natural teeth, but that’s something that should be done every day regardless.

Certain sticky or tough foods won’t be any more challenging to eat with an implant. Not only is the crown durable, but it is fixed in place creating a strength that all of your other teeth naturally have.

Bridge Verses Tooth Implant

Another alternative to a tooth replacement is a bridge which requires the neighboring teeth to be shaved down to support the cemented bridge. This solution isn’t as long term. The surrounding bone will continue to deteriorate which is a major concern.

With a bridge, gums can recede and allow the metal bridge underneath to be seen ruining the natural appearance of a smile. After a while it becomes hard to keep the bridge clean and bacteria can lead to decay of the surrounding teeth.

Smiling

The best thing about a tooth implant is its ability to look just like your natural teeth. No one will even notice that you have a replacement, unless of course you tell them. Even then you’ll have complete confidence in your smile for almost a lifetime.

If a beautiful lifelong smile is a concern let a cosmetic dentist know and they can recommend the best solution to your personal problem. Be sure to ask if a single tooth implant is in your best interest.

All about Dentures

This article seeks to inform people of important aspects of dentures and the positive and negative side effects that come along with them.

As a kid some people remember their grandparents playing with their teeth or watched them take them out completely. With age, those kids learned that these are called dentures, a removable replacement for missing teeth.

A lot of people in the local area can avoid needing dentures in Arizona, but for those who do it is important to know how they function.

How they are made

The first thing a dentist will do is take impressions of the jaw to get the spacing right for the dentures to fit properly. Once they have an impression a mold will be made, such as the one in the picture above.

This mold will need to be tried on a few times to check for fit, shape, and possibly color. Once you and the dentist agree the final cast will be made allowing for adjustments just as needed.

Types of Dentures

There are different kinds of dentures available in Sun City dentistry. You will either need a partial or complete set.  Based on how many teeth are lost or need to be removed will clarify this decision for you.

People lose teeth from gum disease which affects the roots of the teeth and causes decay. If all of the teeth have been removed a complete denture can be worn 12 weeks after. A partial set can be placed almost immediately.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are more similar to a style of an implant in that it prevents the other teeth from shifting. These partial dentures have to be cemented in place in order to be effective. It is usually still removable and has internal adjustments instead of clasps.

Complete Dentures

There are two styles of complete dentures, immediate and conventional.  Conventional are the better option. This style isn’t placed until the 12 weeks after mark to accommodate the shifting of the gums as it heals from tooth removal.

Immediate dentures allow the patient to not go without teeth, but these will need to be adjusted and refitted throughout the healing process. It is recommended to use these as temporary dentures.

Problems

Most dentures rub against to gums and cause irritation and excessive discomfort. They are removable and don’t always stay in place especially when eating. This limits the foods available for denture patients to eat.

If the denture isn’t fixed in place it allows the jaw bone to shift and deforms the natural shape of the face over time. They also need to be replaced every few years at the patient’s expense because durability is an issue.

Price

They start at around $300 for a partial set and can get as expensive as $4,000 for a premium full set (approx.). Most insurances cover most to all of the cost so it’s a good idea to look into your options.

If money isn’t an issue dental implants might be an even better option to consider. This option just allows for less hassle and a one-time cost verses needing adjustments every few years.

Dentures can cause different problems but it is a relatively cheap solution to missing teeth. Talking to the dentist about your options is a great place to start.