10 IMPORTANT THINGS YOUR SUN CITY DENTIST WANTS YOU TO KNOW, PART 2

This four-part article series presents 10 things every dentist would like their patients to know, from avoiding garlic before an appointment to the truth behind several myths and misconceptions about dental health.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on all the information tidbits every Sun City dentist wants their patients to know and appreciate. Previously, in Part 1 of the series, we covered the following two items:

# 1: Dental X-rays aren’t dangerous; they’re necessary.

 
# 2: Your smile (and therefore dental health) is one of the first things people notice about you.

Now, let’s move on to the next two items…

Item # 3: Your dentist won’t necessarily tell you that you have bad breath; you have to ask.

Many Sun City residents believe their dentist would tell them if their breath was bad and therefore, if they’ve come out of a dental appointment without being told, they’re in the clear. This isn’t always true…

“We won’t pointedly tell a patient that they have bad breath,” says one Sun City dentistry professional. “What we will do is highlight the presence of any tooth decay and/or gum problems and we may encourage you to brush and floss more frequently and thoroughly. If we find your oral hygiene to leave much to be desired, then you can probably assume you suffer from halitosis.

“If, however, a patient asks us about the quality of his or her breath, we will be honest. We just don’t want anyone to assume that we would tell him or her that their breath smells bad, because we try to keep things professional in the office. Plus, you’d be surprised how much offense some people can take. The last thing we want to do is embarrass our patients, because it could deter them from future dental appointments. This would prove to be a major problem for their dental health, because routine preventative care is necessary.”

Item # 4: What might look good on your favorite celebrity smile might not suit you.

“We get a lot of patients coming in with a picture of their favorite celebrity, asking to get their teeth done to look just like them,” says a Sun City dentist. “First of all, what these patients fail to take into account is that their face shape and proportions might not necessarily suit the set of teeth belonging to that particular celebrity. There are a great number of considerations that need to be made before we can simply design a patient a new set of teeth: either through porcelain veneers, crowns or even dental implants.

“Secondly, the dentist’s office doesn’t work like a hair salon and while your hair will grow back and color will fade, the work we do on your teeth is permanent. A lot of careful planning and work goes into designing a patient a beautiful new smile, so please manage your expectations. You may walk out of our office with gorgeous teeth, but don’t expect to walk out looking just like Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to find out more important facts our Sun City dentistry professionals wish we all knew.

10 Important Things Your Sun City Dental Professional Wants You To Know, PART 1

This four-part article series presents 10 things every dentist would like their patients to know, from avoiding garlic before an appointment to the truth behind several myths and misconceptions about dental health.

When it comes to the health of our teeth, there is a staggering amount of ignorance abound. All we really know is that we’re meant to brush them twice a day, but beyond that, little else. Occasionally we might visit our Sun City dental healthcare professional for a check-up if we’ve noticed anything wrong, but on the whole there is a great big gaping hole in our appreciation for good oral health and hygiene.

And so, in this four-part article series, Sun City dentists will be explaining 10 different things they wish all their patients knew. These information tidbits range from important facts we should know about dental health to the kind of appointment etiquette we’d all appreciate if we were dentists, too. At the end of the day, dentists are humans and we should learn to take our oral health as seriously as they do.

Let’s begin!

Item # 1: Dental X-rays aren’t dangerous; they’re necessary.

“So many patients turn down an annual dental X-ray because they are frightened it might cause cancer,” says one dentist in Sun City. “The reality is, just one hour in the sun exposes you to far more radiation than a set of dental X-rays and yet you don’t shy away from the beach. What you should be worrying about is what ailments, infection or decay might lurk beneath the surface of your gums, between your teeth or in your jawbone and what might happen if they remain undetected by X-ray.

“This diagnostic technology is so important in the early detection and treatment of a great variety of oral ailments. Even our highly trained eyes can’t always pick up on health issues, especially if they are located underneath the gums or inside your teeth. Early detection and treatment not only prevents permanent damage to otherwise healthy teeth; it also saves you a whole lot of money on the cost of advanced treatment for problems that have become severe due to neglect.”

Item # 2: Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you.

According to several studies and polls, your smile – and therefore, indirectly, the health of your teeth and gums – is one of the first things people notice about you. Your eyes are the first, teeth the second and hair the third. Yet, in spite of the important role your smile plays in making first impressions and in communication and social interaction, Sun City residents spend far more money on their hair than they do their teeth.

“All you need to spend money on to really care for your teeth is a professional cleaning by an oral hygienist twice per year and a dental check-up once per year,” say Sun City dentists. “If you’ve had gum problems in the past, it’s better that you see your dentist twice per year. This is, of course, in addition to the obvious toothpastes, floss and toothbrushes. It’s not a lot of money to spend on something that is of extraordinary importance to your social confidence, quality of life and ability to eat and speak properly. Yet so many people neglect their teeth.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series to find out more important facts our Sun City dental healthcare professionals wish we all knew.

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.

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.

How All on 4’s are Made

This article will describe how the All on 4’s are made and placed to keep them so durable.

For many years the easiest solution to tooth loss was dentures. Dentures are not known for their durability and even make eating certain food nearly impossible. Then All-on-4 implants arrived and are just as durable as normal teeth.  Technology truly has advanced, but what makes these implants so durable and comfortable?

Material

These implants are made of titanium which is a light but durable metal. For example, most aircrafts, missiles, golf clubs, and even body piercings are made of titanium.  All of those objects need to be exceptionally durable to function properly.

Titanium is the reason that All-On-4 implants practically last a lifetime and is comfortably light. Heavier metals would damage the bone in the jaw that holds the implant in place making it impossible to stay put.

Parts and Procedure

The reason for the name All-On-4 is that only four screws, know are roots are required for the placement of a full set of teeth. The implants are angled into the jaw bone for the firmest grip.  Four predetermined sites will receive the anchors or roots which will be inserted into the jaw bone and left alone to heal first.

During the healing phase the patient will have light weight dentures as a temporary solution. These dentures are designed to put minimal pressure on the treated area for a speedy healing process.

After the body has had time to fuse with the jaw bone and heal the surrounding tissue it will then receive the arch. There are two arches of the durable teeth, upper and bottom. The teeth themselves are made of porcelain while the framework is made of titanium.

Recovery

Once the arches are in place the procedure is over. Other then carefully following the directions of your Sun City dentist to ensure proper recovery there is no extra work required.

It is paramount to continue to brush and floss daily as you would with natural teeth. It is necessary to keep the two yearly appointments with your dentist for cleaning as well. Unless any new problems arise later down the road it won’t take any extra maintenance than natural teeth.

Overall just be sure to be truthful with your doctor during and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome with your All-on-4 implants.

Why Flossing is Important

Everyone has heard before from their dentist how important it is to floss. This article seeks to inform people of the different reasons why and what to expect from flossing. It will certainly help you spend less time at the Sun City Dentist trying to deal with tooth decay.

Every year, twice a year, people hear how important it is to floss from their dentists.  Most of the time dentists don’t even elaborate as to why we should floss.  No matter how much we’d all like them to be wrong, flossing is a big preventative step to dealing with common oral diseases.

Flossing Deters

Just like brushing, flossing is a preventive measure to insure good oral health.  Not only does bacteria and plaque buildup on teeth, but there is plenty that gets stuck between them as well.

This is the plaque to worry about.  Without frequent flossing the plaque sticks around and continues to build.  This leads to cavities and gum disease.  Cavities require drilling and fillings, but gum disease requires much more.

Gum disease causes painful inflammation and if not dealt with quickly can spread deep down into the bone root causing deterioration.  Once the tooth is lost the easiest solution to regaining your smile and jaw function is teeth implants.

Youthful

Flossing helps keep that youthful look in a quality smile.  By preventing gum disease it increases the aesthetics of your smile for a longer duration.  Although the gratification of flossing isn’t instantaneous you will notice a difference in the long run. The best way to floss is by wrapping the floss around each tooth and flossing in an up and down motion between each tooth. You may find that your gums are sore at first but with a daily routine, the inflammation will subside along with the soreness.

Things to expect

Just like any other habit it takes time to get use to flossing on a daily basis.  If you have to put a sticky note on your toothpaste every day to remind yourself then do it. A little bit of blood at first is normal because the gums are irritated from the plaque.  However if it doesn’t subside in a few days make an appointment with your Sun City dentist. Everyone should be flossing their teeth daily for the same reasons they brush them.  Not only does it keep your oral hygiene good, but it keeps you smiling and looking younger for longer.

How much would a dental implant cost?

You are frustrated with your ill-fitting dentures and you hate them all the more for the pain and discomfort that they cause you. You want to getdental implants to eat your favorite foods and to enjoy a natural and beautiful looking smile. But you are not too sure if you can afford dental implants. Find out the average cost of the implants.

A single dental implant can cost you anywhere between $1000 and $3000 +/-. This is due to the fact that there are several factors that affect the cost of dental implants.

The city or state where you live may determine the cost of the implants. If you consider the general cost of living and the available insurance (if any), the cost of dental implants would also be high.

The skill of the dentist, his personal experience, and qualification may also affect the cost of the implants. The price charged by an experienced, qualified, and renowned dentist for performing the dental implants procedure would obviously be more than what is being charged by a novice. Experienced dentists offer high quality services and for this they charge a good amount of money from their patients.

The type of dental implant used and its location also determines the cost of the treatment. If you need a single dental implant to replace your single missing teeth then the cost would be less than if you want dental implants to replace several missing teeth or a whole set of your natural teeth.

The state of your teeth and the healthof your gums also play a significant role in deciding the cost of the dental implant surgery. If you have sufficient volume of jaw bone, it would be easier for the Sun City dentist to place the implants and the treatment would be less expensive. But if you do not have the adequate amount of bone, additional procedures may be needed to place the implants, such as bone grafting. This will increase the overall cost of the treatment.

Don’t panic. A Dental implant treatment is affordable; more so than most other restorative dental treatments

Initially, a teeth implant procedure appears to be very expensive when compared to the traditional tooth replacement options. But in the long run, teeth implants prove to be highly cost effective. This is because dental implants do not require extensive repairs, maintenance, and replacement procedures to preserve the implants and to prevent additional tooth loss. If you get dentures or bridges, you may have to spend money to treat bone defects, replace the initial bridge, or treat your natural teeth that were cut down to fix the bridge. Dental implants would save you these additional expenses.

Then there are ways to save money on dental implant treatments. You can search online for the best rates for dental implants procedures. Asking friends and family can help you locate the best Sun City dentist, as well as, the best price for the implant surgery. There are many dentists who offer attractive financing options to patients who are interested in getting teeth implants. Look for one such dentist to find the dental implant plan that suits your needs and your budget.

Sun City Dentist News: Surprising Facts About Your Toothbrush, PART 1

This two-part article series explores a host of surprising facts you probably didn't know about your toothbrush and its importance to the maintenance of smile health.

You use it everyday and probably seldom think twice about it, but there is a whole lot to owning, maintaining and using a toothbrush than Sun City residents might think! Because it is something we do everyday and hopefully more than once a day, habits that are developed tend to become entrenched and what we thought might be good or beneficial, could in fact be damaging or deleterious to good oral health. We spoke to an experienced dental implants dentist in Arizona about this most essential of oral hygiene activities and the following surprising facts were revealed...

1. You should brush your teeth for two minutes at a time.

“Most people spend less than one minute brushing their teeth per day,” says the Sun City dentist. “You should brush your teeth for two minutes at a time and do so at least twice a day, morning and night. A quick scrub is not going to remove sufficient oral bacteria and food debris to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth. This could leave you far more vulnerable to cavities, tooth decay and the oral ailment that ultimately leads to tooth loss: gum disease.”

2. Those special toothbrush storage caps actually foster an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Many big brand names in oral health and hygiene sell toothbrush caps, which are designed to close over the head of the toothbrush, supposedly keeping it safe from bacteria. However, they in effect, achieve the opposite!

“Your toothbrush should be stored in a place where it has the chance to dry between uses, such as a closed, yet aired bathroom cupboard,” advises the Sun City dentist. “Storing it in a toothbrush cap is akin to leaving it on the sink in a puddle of water. Bacteria love warm, moist environments, so by not allowing your toothbrush to dry, it becomes an excellent breeding ground for the kind of organisms that can actually make you sick.”

3. Never store your toothbrush within 6 feet of a flushing toilet.

You may not see it with your own two eyes, but every time you flush the toilet, it sends an ultra-fine spray of water up into the air. And since the water in your toilet is anything but squeaky clean, everything within a 6-foot radius of the toilet can be vulnerable to contamination.

“If your bathroom is very small and if you don’t have anywhere safe to store your toothbrush, then just make sure to close the toilet lid every time you flush. This will help keep your bathroom free of biofilm, which can contain nasty pathogens,” explains the dental implants dentist in Arizona.

4. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become frayed.

With use, the ends of your toothbrush bristles become dulled and the bristles themselves can become frayed. This really affects the cleaning ability of your toothbrush, which is why Sun City dentists recommend that you replace it every three or four months. Frayed bristles are hopelessly ineffective at removing plaque and food debris from the crowns and at the gum line, so you won’t be getting the clean you need to maintain good oral hygiene and fresh breath.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part article series in which an experienced Sun City dentist gives us advice on the best and worst tooth-brushing habits.

Smile Again with Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best solution for people who have lost their teeth. There are millions of Americans who have lost either single, a few or all of their teeth owing to old age or some gum disease. All on 4 dental implants in Sun City provide a hope to people who have to manage their life without teeth.

A majority of people are going for dental implants than dentures as they are more convenient to use than dentures. As opposed to dentures, dental implants are permanently fixed, implying that you do not have to take them off every time for cleaning. Here are some of the major benefits for opting for dental implants:

• Dental implants are tough and long lasting - Dental implants are durable, making you get benefited from them for years. With proper care and maintaining a good oral regimen, you can keep your dental implants intact and in good shape.

• Dental implants improve your appearance - Dental implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth. They fuse with the bone, becoming your permanent teeth. This enhances your overall appearance.

• Dental implants improve your overall health and way of thinking - Missing teeth can result in low self esteem. Dental implants by offering you a perfect smile allow you to shun any such negative feeling of low self esteem and insecurity. When you think positively, it has huge effects on your overall health.

• Dental implants are comfortable and convenient - Unlike dentures, dental implants are fixed, and therefore, you are saved from taking them out and cleaning them. In addition, dental implants do not require any dental adhesive to keep them in place. This is much more convenient and hassle free when compared to dentures.

• Dental implants improve the way you speak - Dentures become loose and this results in slurring of the words. With dental implants, you do not have to worry about this as they are fixed permanently.

• Dental implants facilitate in eating properly - One of the biggest issues associated with dentures is that they are ill fitting and slide. This causes the person wearing them difficulty in chewing. Dental implants on the other hand fuse into the bone, making chewing easier for you.

The best part about dental implants is that they can be received in a single day and do not have any side effects on the quality of the adjacent teeth. The procedure does not involve touching other teeth and thus help in maintaining your overall oral health. Since teeth implants function and look just as good as natural teeth, having dental implants allows you to impress everyone with a sparkling smile. Easy to take care of and durable, dental implants are the best options for people who have lost their teeth. For more inquiries about dental implants, it is wise to consult a professional and experienced Sun City dentist. Get a dental implant and get back your lost self confidence.

The Sun City Dentist Talks About Tongue Health, PART 3

This four-part article series talks about the various ailments and conditions that can cause tongue problems, from unsightly discoloration to uncomfortable bumps and ridges.

Welcome to the third installment of our four-part article series on the various illness and conditions that can lead to tongue problems. In our previous two articles, we spoke to Sun City dentists about the possible causes of red or “strawberry” tongue and white tongue. Now, let’s move on to something that sounds particularly terrible and unpleasant… black hairy tongue.

What are the Causes of Black Hairy Tongue?

In spite of how awful it must sound to have your usually pink tongue turn into something that resembles a live tarantula, black hairy tongue isn't usually all that serious or dangerous, although it is linked with particularly nasty breath.

“Your tongue is covered with little bumps called papillae or taste buds,” Sun City dentist explains. “These continue to grow throughout the course of your lifetime, which is a good thing because your daily activities and eating cause them to become warn down. When this isn’t the case, they can be allowed to simply grow and grow, offering bacteria excellent shelter from your oral hygiene efforts. The accumulation of bacteria in and between taste buds that have grown particularly long can lead to the development of black hairy tongue. The “hairy” part comes from the appearance of long taste buds, which stand up out of a sea of blackish bacteria.”

Not very pleasant, is it?

The good news is that black hairy tongue is totally preventable, since it is linked with the accumulation of oral bacteria in a forest of abnormally long papillae, which, in any case, isn’t very common. It also tends to be restricted to people who aren’t good about keeping up a high standard of oral hygiene. Other risk factors include diabetes, chemotherapy and people who are taking antibiotic medication.

What you can do to Prevent Black Hairy Tongue

“The most common cause of black hairy tongue is bad oral hygiene,” says the cosmetic dentist in Arizona. “Therefore it stands to reason that upping your efforts at home will restore your tongue to its normally pink color. When you brush your teeth, make sure you include your tongue in this routine. This will discourage the growth of excessively long papillae and help to eliminate the colonies of bacteria that have taken up residence within them.

“You should also floss daily and even use an ADA-approved anti-bacterial mouth rinse. Even if you present with this condition as a result of the above-mentioned risk factors, an increase in your oral hygiene measures should help to prevent this symptom. Also, you should really seek the attention of a qualified Sun City dentist who will provide you with the appropriate diagnosis, treatment and home care advice. Black hairy tongue is wholly unpleasant and you’ll want to eliminate this condition as fast as possible.”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read more about the various conditions and illnesses that can affect your tongue, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series! Next time, we’ll be looking at the problems that can cause a sore and/or bumpy tongue.

An In-Depth Look at the Leading Cause of Tooth Loss: A Sun City Dentist Explains

This article provides an in-depth look at periodontal disease. This post explains the definition, causes, symptoms and courses of treatment for dealing with gum disease.

The statistics about general oral hygiene in America are pretty grim and the consequences thereof, even more so. In a study done amongst dental patients in the United States, nearly 60% reported that they only occasionally brush their teeth while only 16% brushed at least twice a day. The cause of tooth loss can come down to a variety of factors; however, entertaining a poor oral hygiene routine will certainly get you there quicker. The leading cause of tooth loss is periodontitis, according to a Sun City dentist, which is an acute and long term infection of the gums that gradually deteriorates the health of the bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal Disease: A Sun City Dentist Explains

Periodontitis or gum disease is a widespread infection in the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth, which leads to tooth loss. This condition can progress to the point of teeth falling out on their own, or deemed beyond repair and must be extracted. Leaving this condition untreated can actually encourage and exacerbate the development of a host of other potentially fatal ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Rheumatoid arthritis.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

First of all, there are diverse types of periodontitis. The most common class is chronic periodontitis, which affects most adults over the age of 35. However, periodontitis that sets in during childhood or early adulthood is known as aggressive periodontitis. Anyone can get periodontal disease. Even if you brush your teeth every day, failing to floss, rinse and go for regular check-ups can put you at risk of developing this nasty oral affliction. Over the years, disease-causing tartar can accumulate on your teeth and only professional care can prevent the situation from worsening.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms? A Sun City Dentist Explains

There are many signs that can alert you to the presence of periodontal (gum) disease; however it is always recommended that you seek the professional advice of a qualified dentist. The following are signs that may signify periodontal disease include:

• Swollen and sore gums
• Gums that bleed when brushed or tear easily when eating
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Tooth discoloration
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Oral sores that don’t heal easily
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

What Can Be Done To Save My Teeth? A Sun City Dentist Explains

If diagnosed in its early stages, your dentist should be able to control the infection, but this will depend entirely on the extent of your gum disease. Your dentist will most likely take an X-ray to determine whether you present with any bone loss, you may also be referred to a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Any treatment will also require the patient to maintain a good oral routine at home and change negative behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol use in order to improve the chances of complete recovery. In the case that you need to have one or more of your teeth extracted due to the damage already done, you should consider having dental implants. Dental implants promote a healthy jaw bone function and look and feel just like natural teeth.

A Final Word

As tedious as it may feel, you will truly benefit from a healthy and well-rounded oral hygiene routine at home. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that you visit your local, friendly Sun City dentist twice a year to ensure that everything is in good and healthy working order. None of these tasks are remotely as tedious as having to deal with what could be preventable oral ailments. Do the right thing!

Sun City Dental News: A Comprehensive Look at Dental Implants, PART 3

In this three-part article series, we will be explaining everything you need to know about dental implants. We will clarify what they are, how they work, when and why they are necessary. Furthermore we will compare the advantages and benefits that come with dental implants vs. traditional dentures or bridges.

Welcome back to the final post of this three part article series about dental implants. Thus far we have covered a variety of questions related to dental implants, such as: What are dental implants? How do they work? What does the procedure involve? And what are their benefits and advantages? In this post, Sun City dental experts will answer some final questions you may have about dental implants and explain why they really are the best solution available for the replacement of missing teeth. One of the most obvious concerns when preparing for any kind of surgery would be whether or not it is painful. So...

Is Getting Dental Implants Painful?

The wonderful and incredibly advanced technology that is used in modern dentistry today ensures that your surgeries are designed to be as pain, discomfort and risk free as possible. By using 3-D Cone Beam CT scans and sophisticated computer software capable of creating virtual images of the mouth, Sun city dentists are able to design the best possible surgical plan, meaning fewer incisions and sutures and minimal post-operative pain and discomfort.

In addition to a carefully planned surgery, you will be placed under either local or general anesthesia (depending upon the nature of your procedure), so you won’t experience any discomfort at all. If you are particularly anxious about your procedure, you may opt for sedation.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

Pretty much! The wonderful thing about modern dental implant procedures is that nearly everyone is a candidate. Whether you are in your late nineties or still in your teens, if you have lost a tooth, dental implants can work for you!

Who Can Do Dental Implants and Where Should I Go?

Dental implants are becoming more and more popular at dental practices around the United States, with many general dentists offering this service. Having said that, a Sun City dentist advises that it is always in your best interest to have such a procedure done by someone with a lot of experience and with advanced qualifications, such as in the administering of sedation.

How Do I Maintain and Care For My New Teeth?

One of the benefits of dental implants when compared with conventional dental bridges or removable dentures is that they do not require fancy materials and expensive tools to be cleaned. Your new teeth will require exactly what your natural teeth did. A good oral hygiene routine, meaning regular brushing, flossing and rinsing, as well as a few visits to your dentists will ensure that your new teeth are well kept.

A Final Word...

Dental implants are an incredibly smart investment to make when replacing missing teeth. They can help improve your quality of life, restore your confidence and enable you to eat all the foods you love.  When it comes to an asset as important as your smile, don’t settle for options that will keep you from enjoying your fullest life. Dental implants are made to be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth - in look, feel and function - and this allows you the freedom to live your life!

Sun City Dentistry: A Comprehensive Look at Dental Implants, PART 2

In this three part article series, we will be explaining everything you need to know about dental implants. We will clarify what they are, how they work, when and why they are necessary. Furthermore we will compare the advantages and benefits that come with dental implants vs. traditional dentures or bridges.

Welcome back to the second article of this three-part series about dental implants. In our first post, we explained what dental implants are as well as what the procedure entails, from your first consultation to your recovery period. In this article, Sun City dentistry professionals will be explaining all the benefits that come with opting for dental implants as your solution to missing teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants: Success Rate

If placed correctly by an experienced specialist, dental implants have a fantastic 98% success rate. The 2% of cases where dental implants have been noted as unsuccessful are almost always due to poor post-operative care, or factors such as negative lifestyle choices (drug abuse, alcohol abuse or smoking), advanced gum disease or chronic illness. It is always advisable that you seek the services of Sun City dentistry professionals who have complete knowledge and expertise in the field of dental implantology.

What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants come with an incredible range of benefits and advantages:

• Aesthetics: Virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth! Dental implants are used to support a synthetic crown that looks, functions and feels like the real thing.


• Functionality: You will be able to enjoy a strong and natural bite. Dental implants allow patients to enjoy all the food they love to eat, without worrying about hurting themselves or damaging their teeth.


• Permanent Solution: Dental implants are non-removable (permanent), which allows them to function and feel like natural teeth. The fact that they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, like dental bridges or removable dentures do, is a huge benefit as this is the source of much pain, discomfort and further damage.


• Short and Long Term Oral Health: Dental Implants, being rooted in the jaw, supply the necessary support for the neighboring teeth to remain stable, preventing the entire row of teeth from destabilizing and shifting. On top of this, the implants restore the significant source of motorized stimulus that the missing root used to provide the underlying jawbone. This restores healthy blood flow to the bone tissue, which in turn keeps the bone tissue alive, thus preventing further tooth loss. With dental implants, the risk of infection due to an exposed tooth socket is also minimized.


• Lasting a lifetime: On average, dental implants can have a lifetime of between 20 and 30 years. By following a good standard of oral hygiene accompanied by regular visits to your Sun City dentist, however, they could indeed last a lifetime!

Dental Implants Can Work For Almost Anyone!

For all the reasons mentioned above, dental implants are clearly the best possible solution for patients presenting with missing teeth. No matter how old you are, speak to a dental implants expert in Arizona about your options. Literally thousands of dental implant procedures have been successfully performed on people in their late adulthood, and the incredible and life-changing results have shown that age is not a factor!

Having said this, since the placement of dental implants requires surgery and anesthesia, a detailed medical history will be necessary before proceeding.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the final installment of this three part article series, in which we will be answering some final questions relating to dental implants.

Sun City Dentistry: A Comprehensive Look at Dental Implants, PART 1

In this three-part article series, we will be explaining everything you need to know about dental implants. We will clarify what they are, how they work, when and why they are necessary. Furthermore we will compare the advantages and benefits that come with dental implants vs. traditional dentures or bridges.

Welcome to the first installment of this three-part article series about dental implants.

In the United States, there are literally millions of people suffering from tooth loss. Tooth loss can occur due to any number of reasons, be it a general lack of good oral hygiene, periodontal (gum) disease, dental caries, failed tooth roots or even accidental tooth loss. The fact remains: leaving missing teeth without treatment can cause a world of problems. Thankfully, modern Sun City dentistry offers a comprehensive and long lasting solution to missing teeth in the form of dental implants. In this article series, we will be answering a wide-ranging list of questions related to this fantastic teeth replacement technology.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are in effect artificial, freestanding tooth roots and they are constructed from the incredibly strong and lightweight metal titanium. The use of titanium metal came as a result of the breakthrough findings in the 1950’s by Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark and his clinical research team. It was discovered that titanium was able to support biological bonds with bone tissue in a process termed “osseointegration”. In addition to this quality, the fact that titanium metal is so tough, lightweight and does not rust or corrode, makes it the ideal candidate for assuming the function of a tooth root.

What Does Getting Dental Implants Involve?

First things first, you will need to go visit your friendly Sun City dentist! Many people are wary of the dentist, but they are there to help you. Afterwards, you will most likely wonder why you delayed that visit in the first place! During your initial consultation, you will receive a careful clinical evaluation of your oral health in order to establish the cause and extent of the damage or decay related to your missing tooth/teeth. If your dentist finds that your tooth loss is a consequence of decay, dental caries or gum disease then the priority will be to treat the infection before continuing with teeth replacement.

Sun City Dentistry: The Surgery

Once your assessment and preparation has been complete, the implant site will be professionally cleaned and prepared to receive the implant. This is typically done on a different day, during a different appointment. The dentist will place a small titanium screw into the jawbone at the established missing tooth/teeth sites. While it takes several weeks and even months for osseointegration to take place, your dentist can supply you with a temporary ceramic tooth crown, so that you can carry on with your life as normal while you heal.

Sun City Dentistry: Recovery

While the bone tissue bonds with the titanium dental implant, it is imperative for you to rest your jaw as much as possible and keep from eating hard, crunchy or tough foods. The exact time it will take for the healing to successfully take place can vary from case to case. If you follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, while staying healthy and enjoying a balanced diet, the process should take between one and three months.

Sun City Dentistry: Finishing Touch

During your follow-up appointments, your Sun City dentist will establish whether you’re healing nicely. When the jawbone is ready and your implants properly healed, you will be fitted with your new, permanent tooth crown, which has been made to function, look and feel like a natural tooth. You will immediately be able to return to your normal lifestyle and enjoy all your favorite foods with a beautiful new set of pearly whites!

Stay Tuned for Part 2!

Dental implants are by far the most effective, comprehensive and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. Join us for the second installment of this three-part article series, in which the Sun City dentist will be explaining their wonderful benefits.