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An infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place is known as gum disease which is common and affects millions of people throughout the world. Poor brushing and flossing habits are the primary reason for this infection that allows plaque that is a sticky film of bacteria to build upon the teeth and harden. When this condition advances it can lead to soreness in the gums along with bleeding and cause problems when chewing and even tooth loss.

The Causes of Gingivitis or Gum Disease

Our mouths are home to millions of bacteria. The bacteria combine with mucus and other particles to constantly form a colorless layer of plaque on the teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly can help to get rid of the plaque on the teeth. However, when plaque hardens into tartar it cannot be removed unless the procedure is managed by a dentist. A professional dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar with professional cleaning.

A number of risk factors can contribute to the development of gum disease but the most significant among them is smoking. This habit can make the therapy for gum disease less successful. Other risk factors that are also contributing are diabetes, hormonal changes in women and girls, medications that restrict the flow of saliva, genetic susceptibility, illnesses like AIDS and their medications.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis

Symptoms of gum diseases will include the following:

• Bad breath or halitosis that remains.
• Tender or bleeding gums.
• Swollen or red gums.
• Painful chewing.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Loose teeth.
• Receding gums making the teeth appear longer.

Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease

During a dental visit a dentist or dental hygienist will conduct the following examinations:

• Examine your gums to notice any signs of inflammation.
• Use a probe or a tiny ruler to measure any pockets and on the teeth. The depth of the pockets should usually be around 1 to 3 millimeters in a healthy mouth and the test conducted is generally painless.
• Inquire about your medical history for identifying conditions or risk factors with particular attention being paid to smoking and diabetes that can contribute to gum disease.

The dental professional may also take an x-ray to determine whether a bone loss has occurred and refer you to a periodontist who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. He or she may also provide you with treatment options not offered by the dentist.

Types of Gum Disease

There are two types of gum diseases that can affect the gums. They are gingivitis and periodontitis. Both these conditions together are referred to as periodontal disease or gum disease. Gingivitis is the moderate form of this disease which when left untreated can advance to periodontitis. However, this infection can be treated by dentists and periodontists with nonsurgical procedures in most conditions and surgery only being considered in the advanced stages.

The Treatment for Gingivitis

A professional cleaning will ensure that gingivitis gets better if you also practice proper oral hygiene at home. The condition can recur if you are not diligent with the home care recommended can fail to seek professional cleanings twice a year without exceptions. The cleaning is recommended by the dentist to remove all plaque and tartar that may have built up in a process called scaling. If your condition is severe you may need to visit the dentist for four professional cleanings every year. As mentioned earlier if this condition is left untreated it can progress to periodontitis which is more serious and can lead to the destruction of their gums, tissue, teeth, and mouth bones.

The nonsurgical treatments for gingivitis include scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. Scaling is the procedure to remove tartar and bacteria from the teeth and beneath the gums and smoothing out the root surfaces to discourage the further buildup of tartar is known as root planing. Antibiotics may be provided in different forms to control the condition.

Gum Disease Treatment at Home Is Possible

Neglecting proper oral hygiene at home would be the main reason why you may have developed gum disease. The neglect can be corrected by the following:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing every day to remove plaque from between the teeth. You can also use devices like an intra-dental cleaner or a water flosser as recommended by a dental professional.
• Visit the dentist regularly to check for signs of tooth decay and professional cleaning.
• Quit smoking.

Gum diseases are entirely preventable if you maintain your at-home dental hygiene practices in proper condition. Ignoring the suggestions made in this article will expose you to the risk of needing extensive treatment from your dentist to treat this entirely preventable condition.

Do not let your smile get spoiled because of a lost tooth. Restorative dentistry has a solution for you. You can get your smile back. The missing teeth can be replaced now. The process that can help you achieve the perfect smile is a dental implant.

Implantation is the process of getting a false tooth for filling the gap between teeth created by the loss of a tooth. You might have heard about this process before. Most people find it a very painful and time-consuming process. None of the thoughts are believable. Misconceptions prevail everywhere. Every procedure has several myths associated. Do not neglect oral health because of them.

Artificial teeth in the implant do not look odd among the natural teeth. The replaced ones look the same. The color and shape of the implant is first matched with other teeth. You will not feel the difference.

Types of Dental Implants and the Procedure

Teeth replacement does not have several types. The majority of the patients need only one or two teeth to be replaced. Some severe and rare conditions demand the replacement of four teeth. The procedure is called an All-On-4 dental implant. In this type, four teeth are replaced or implanted.

The procedure followed for the teeth replacement is the same as the replacement of one tooth. The steps of the implantation are:

X-ray and Local Anesthesia

First, your dentist will request an x-ray. He or she will be able to diagnose any other problem or the current condition of your jaw. If the jawbone does not have sufficient space for the implant, a bone augmentation procedure will be followed. This will create space on the jawbone to provide better support to the implant. If there is no need for augmentation, the site of action will be numbed with local anesthesia. You will not sleep during the process.

Placement of the Implant

It is a painless treatment because anesthesia is used for numbing. After anesthetizing, the titanium screw is placed in the jawbone and left for healing. This screw is the base of your artificial tooth so it must be strong.

Placement of the Cap

A tooth-shaped structure is placed when the implant is healing. This artificial tooth is made up of porcelain or resin so that they do not look different while you laugh or smile. This cap or tooth has the same color and the shape is precise for better results.

The procedure takes two to three visits because the dentist has to wait for the surgical site to heal after every step.

For the All-On-4 process, the above-stated procedure is followed but the time increases as there are four implants to be made.

Risks of Dental Implant Procedure

Implants have a success rate of 98 percent. You do not have to worry about the success but there are some risks that you must keep in mind before the procedure begins.

• Implant site may be infected
• Surrounding teeth or blood vessels may be affected
• Numbness may last longer than expected
• The surgical site might swell for a few hours
• During the placement of the screw, the titanium may damage some nerves or blood vessels

The recovery time varies for each person. The more you maintain a better hygiene routine, the easier and quicker recovery is.

Types of Artificial Teeth

At the clinic, the dentist will inform you about the types of false teeth. You can get fixed, removable, or mixed of both types.

Fixed Teeth

The artificial is installed in the jaw first. It is a little painful but the anesthesia has taken good control of it. The All-On-4 procedure mostly follows the fixed teeth type.

Removable Teeth

They are similar to traditional dentures. A metallic base is placed above the jaw and the false denture is placed on it.

How to Care for Implants

Implants are durable but they can last longer if they know some post-implant care tips.

• Do not brush or floss for the first two to three days
• Visit the dentist regularly
• Once healed, use brushes and flosses
• Use mouth rinses
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Reduce the intake of confectionaries

Our state of the art facility can help you with an implant. Visit our clinic and you will know the comfort level our patients have.

Living with misaligned teeth would be a gross injustice in present times when various options are available to rectify the problem without even showing off the braces in your mouth. It is suggested that you have some sympathy for yourselves and attempt to correct the problem in your mouth with Invisalign braces as this is the perfect solution for your needs.

Why Consider Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Out of the many varieties available for rectifying the problem in your mouth, these clear aligners are the leading brand and one which is most popular is what your dentist will tell you. The braces were introduced way back in 1999 and since then the manufacturers have introduced an extensive range of braces suitable for different needs. Among the popular varieties introduced by the manufacturer is Invisalign express for minor dental corrections and Invisalign teen designed especially for teenagers.

Aren’t the Clear Aligners Expensive?

Yes, the clear aligners will cost you some extra money when compared to other varieties of teeth straightening methods that are also offered on the market. However, you will receive support from your insurers and may also be offered some help from the orthodontics practitioner you contact for the braces. The practitioner will not lower the prices but may offer you a flexible payment plan making it easy for you to have clear braces to straighten your teeth.

How to Choose the Perfect Braces for Straightening Teeth?

The best way forward would be to contact an orthodontist in Anchorage, Alaska, or nearby for Invisalign braces. The orthodontist will initially examine your mouth to understand whether you are a suitable candidate for these clear aligners. If you have a significant problem with the misalignment you may be recommended traditional metal braces as the better option for straightening your teeth. However, if you are found suitable the orthodontist will begin custom-designing the clear plastic aligners for you from dental scans or impressions.

Every aligner will be customized for your mouth and you will be required to change the aligner every two weeks for a new aligner until your teeth finally shift into a new position gradually. While the clear aligners will be invisible in your mouth you need to have them for at least 9 to 18 months. Therefore, you must be prepared for the long haul for rectifying the misalignments patiently.

Why Choose Clear Aligners over Other Varieties?

Traditional metal braces and even clear braces will remain constantly in your mouth until the problem you want correcting is rectified. You will also have to visit the orthodontist for adjustments regularly. Restrictions will be placed on the type of foods and beverages you can have and may also have difficulties maintaining your routine oral hygiene.

Invisalign clear aligners need to be worn for approximately 20 to 22 hours every day giving you the flexibility of removing them for about 2 to 4 hours. This is convenient because no time has been fixed when you can remove them. It simply means that the aligners can come off whenever you want to attend a meeting, a social obligation, or even have the foods and beverages you love. You will not be restricted from having any food or beverages but will only be advised to clean your teeth after having any foodstuff. Ignoring your oral care routine will allow bacteria to accumulate within the aligners making you a candidate for dental caries and periodontal infections.

How to Care for Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Caring for clear aligners is a requirement that you can accomplish easily with some help and advice from your orthodontist. When you remove the aligners and especially after you have eaten you should initially brush and floss your teeth and even provide similar attention to the aligners by cleaning them thoroughly with a cleanser recommended by the manufacturer. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush for the cleaning before you place them back in your mouth. The orthodontist may be able to provide you the cleanser for the cleaning of the aligners because as a provider he or she would be a certified distributor of all products developed by the manufacturer.

Invisalign is providing you the best method to do away with misalignments in your mouth for leading a normal life. Using the aligners you will not be ashamed to display them before others confidently because they are barely noticeable. Invisalign is providing you a method of improving your smile secretly without the problem of wires in brackets in your mouth. Under the circumstances, you should prefer to have them right away by contacting the orthodontist nearby for the aligners that will make life easier for you in just about 18 months.

Nothing affects your confidence and dampers your smile than misaligned or crooked teeth. Furthermore, they also affect your dental structure and could provide a breeding environment for bacteria to grow.

Although traditional braces have been the primary dental treatment, most people find them an inconvenience. To those people, we say, there is something better– Invisalign® braces. These orthodontic appliances help realign the teeth without the discomfort of the metal braces.

Invisible braces are made of clear plastic and are custom-made to suit your teeth.

We know you want to get your Invisalign® set as soon as possible, but here are a few things you need to know.

1. Invisalign works the same as traditional braces

Invisible braces and traditional ones are similar only that the Invisalign® is less conspicuous. Moreover, the invisible aligners move your teeth one step a time.

You will need to wear each set of braces for 22 hours for two weeks before changing. This is because your teeth need 14 days to readjust to the new shape.

2. Not ideal for all people

Unlike the metal braces that can be worn by almost all people, clear aligners are different. They are used to correct mild to moderate dental problems. Furthermore, only teens and adults can use them.

If you have severe malocclusion or diastema, you need to use the traditional braces as Invisalign® may not be of great help. Visit our dentist in Anchorage, AK to find out if you are a candidate for the invisible braces.

3. The treatment varies

Invisible braces treatment varies from one person to the next. However, on average, the treatment can take between 10 to 24 months to fully realign the teeth. People who used braces before may take a shorter time.

4. They should be removed while eating

Yes, you need to remove the braces when eating to avoid getting the food particles stuck in the braces. Plus, you should also remove them when brushing or flossing. Make sure you wear the braces for 22 hours, anything shorter than that will affect your treatment process.

5. They can get stained

Yes, you heard that right, your invisible aligners can get stained just like your natural teeth. Excessive consumption of tea and coffee can cause them to stain, which will affect their appearance and make them visible—the very thing you are trying to prevent. So, avoid too much coffee and tea intake until the treatment is done.

6. You will experience discomfort

You will need to change the trays every two weeks, and every time you switch your teeth will get uncomfortable as they adjust. Furthermore, the currently invisible aligners need enamel ridges for extra support. Although these ridges can hasten the healing process, they can cause a little tension.

7. They need to be cared for

Invisalign® should be cleaned every time you remove them. Rinse them with cold water and not hot. Hot water can damage the plastic material used and reduce its durability. Also, avoid using a toothpaste which is very abrasive and could scratch the braces. Don’t forget to brush them to remove the dried saliva from sticking and cause bacterial growth.

8. You may need a retainer

When the braces came off, you will need a retainer to complete the healing process.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign®

Pros

• Since the clear braces are custom-fit, they rarely need readjustment and can comfortably fit in your mouth.
• Invisalign® does not have the uncomfortable metal wires that can cause irritation or bruising
• Unlike the metal braces, the invisible aligners are unnoticeable to the naked eye
• Invisible braces are removable which make it easy to clean them and prevent bacteria buildup
• Clear braces require minimal maintenance; with a simple rinsing you will get rid of food particles

Cons

• The clear braces are uncomfortable in the beginning. Furthermore, because of the enamel ridges, the braces can cause discomfort
• They are expensive compared to metal braces

Get Invisalign Treatment in Anchorage, AK

Are you ready to start your Invisalign® treatment? Contact our dentist for a dental assessment. We are always welcoming new dental patients and would be happy to create a treatment plan for you.

Dental bonding is an oral treatment offered in adhesive dentistry. The treatment involves bonding a tooth-colored resin material to a natural tooth. It is considered part of cosmetic dentistry because the resin material bonded on a tooth improves its appearance instantly. The procedure is offered under different circumstances, based on the examination of a dentist.

When Is Dental Bonding Offered?

If you are seeking dental bonding treatment, then it helps to know that the treatment is offered under some of the following conditions:

• For cavities – the tooth-colored resin material can be used to fill cavities of decayed teeth.
• To repair cracks and breakages – if one or more of your teeth are chipped, cracked, or broken, dental bonding can be used to fix them.
• For discolored teeth – dental bonding improves the appearance of a discolored tooth
• To rectify the shape of a tooth – if a tooth is deformed in shape, it can compromise the smile of a patient. Dental bonding can be used to improve the shape of that tooth and match it to the rest of the teeth.

As a patient, you do not have to be the one requesting for dental bonding in Anchorage, AK. Once your dentist examines your teeth, he/she will recommend the treatment for your condition.

What Is the Procedure for Having a Tooth Bonded?

• The preparation

The process of dental bonding differs depending on why the treatment was recommended. The preparation for the treatment may or may not involve the use of local anesthesia. If anesthesia is used, it is usually for procedures that involve the nerve of the tooth.

An excellent example of such an instance is when a tooth has to be drilled to improve its shape. Another situation is for decayed teeth that have already interfered with the pulp chamber of the tooth. Other than such instances, local anesthesia is not necessary. The initial steps of the treatment process involve selecting the perfect resin material to match your tooth. The dentist checks the shade of color that matches that of your teeth closest.

• The bonding

The surface of the target tooth is roughened up to make the bonding process achievable. To do this, the dentist etches part of your tooth on the surface. Afterward, he/she applies a conditioning liquid on the surface of the tooth to coat it. The liquid is useful in helping the composite resin material adhere to your natural tooth.

The next step involves the application of the resin material. At this point, the tooth-colored material is putty-like to make the application effortless. It is then shaped and molded into the perfect shape to match the needs of the tooth. The material has to be smoothed out to be the ideal fit for the tooth.

The dentist then used ultraviolet light or laser beams to harden the resin and bond it to the tooth. The material hardens on the tooth, making it very difficult to remove. After this, your dentist will trim off the excess of the resin material. This step ensures that the resin is in the perfect shape of what a natural tooth would look like.

• Final touches

Once the bonding process is complete, the dentist smoothens the surface. The final touch ensures that the newly treated tooth has the same shine and glare as your other teeth. It also ensures that the surface is smooth to match the feel of natural teeth.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

Dental bonding is one of the easiest cosmetic procedures to perform. It takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete the process. However, this only applies to one tooth. If you are having multiple teeth treated, then the procedure will take longer than an hour. The best part about this procedure is that it is painless, especially when tooth drilling and root canal therapy are not involved. It is why you may not always get local anesthesia for the procedure.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Dental Bonding?

Like all other dental treatments, there are risks involved with dental bonding. For one, you have to prepare for some sensitivity on your teeth after the procedure. However, this is not forever. The sensitivity should wear off after a few days.

The most important thing to be careful of with dental bonding is the strength of the tooth. The procedure is not as strong as other treatments. This means you must avoid hard things like opening cans or biting your fingernails with your newly treated tooth.

Why bone grafting? Well, if you are seeking dental implants and have significant bone loss, the dentist will recommend bone graft treatment.

Although bone grafting is an invasive surgical procedure, it is not something to be afraid of, our qualified perform these procedures all the time.

What is Bone Grafting and is It necessary?

As aforementioned bone grafting is a surgical procedure done to re-establish and rebuild your bone density.

Patients who have experienced periodontal disease may experience gum recession and tooth loss which further affects jaw bone density. With a thin bone, a dental implant can’t be fixed as the implants need sufficient bone thickness to provide long-term support.

Is it bone graft necessary? Not always. If you have healthy gums and teeth you will not require bone grafting. However, our dentists will discuss with you if they think you are a candidate for the procedure.

Bone grafting and dental implants are invasive surgeries and should be done by a certified periodontal specialist. You may be tempted to use general or family dentist to save cost, but this can do you more harm than good.

Types of Bone Grafts

Four different options are available;

• Your body (autograft). The dentist may extract the bone from your chin, hips, back, jaw, or leg. Though they may be safer, autograft requires another painful surgical procedure and can lengthen the healing process.
• A cadaver (allograft). The graft is sourced from a cadaver. The bone is treated to get rid of bacteria and other materials. When properly sterilized, it presents no risk of rejection
• Animals (xenograft). The bone matter can also be sourced from cows as they are similar to human ones, but it still undergoes treatment

The source of the bone graft will depend on your dental health and how much grafting is required.

Sizes of grafts

There are different sizes of bone grafts;

• A minor graft is where bone granules are placed into the tooth socket. A protective collagen membrane is then used to cover the socket using stitches. Within a few weeks, the natural bone will form inside the socket and maintain the original bone height.
• Medium bone grafts are used when the bone loss is significant and the height and width of the teeth needs to be restored.
• Major bone grafts are recommended when you are missing multiple teeth and have severe bone loss. With this procedure, the dentist will use blocks of bone instead of granules. This is done to provide the foundation for dental implants. It takes time for major bone grafting to heal before the implants are fixed.
• Sinus lift. This is done if you have extreme bone loss. Your dentist will perform a sinus lift to raise the sinus floor to give room and increase bone surface. The bone graft is then placed between the sinus floor and the membrane. After creating enough space, the dentist will use a collagen membrane to protect the bone. Sinus lifts take at least four months to heal.

How Long Does Grafting Take to Heal?

Bone grafting affects dental implant treatment and healing time. Dental implants procedure in itself requires multiple procedures to be completed and adding a surgery will lengthen the process.

Bone grafts can extend the healing process for several months depending on how much grafting is done, the type of graft, and where the graft is placed.

Dental implants may take months to a year to fully heal, but they have a 95% chance of success.

What Happens After the Grafting is Done?

Regardless of the length of the dental implant treatment, you will experience swelling of the gums and face, bruising on the skin, gum bleeding, pain, and discomfort.

The dentist might prescribe pain-relieving medications to help you control the pain and antibiotics to prevent gum infection.

Take caution; don’t use any remedies or treatments without the dentist’s authorization.

After the procedure;

• You will need soft foods and avoid putting stress on your teeth.
• Don’t smoke as smoking can hinder the healing process.
• Visit the dentist biannually to ensure the implant fits and healing properly

Come for A Dental Health Assessment

Bone grafting is an invasive procedure that can slow down the dental implant procedure. So, visit our dental clinic Anchorage Dental Arts for assessment of your dental health and if you are a candidate for a bone graft.