For decades, dentures (not dental implants) have been the most cost-effective way to replace large numbers of badly damaged or missing teeth. Today traditional dentures have their drawbacks, the most notable being that they lack the chewing strength of natural teeth (about 20% of your original biting force) and aren’t entirely stable, which can make speech difficult and one feel self-conscious. Today, the closest replacement to natural teeth is fixed dental implants, a permanent solution that is not removable.

Topics: Getting started with dental implants, dental implant research, Choosing an implant dentist, dental implant process, what to know about implants, Dental implant procedure, Implant-Retained Dentures

 

When I was a kid, one of the coolest shows on TV was MacGyver. For those not of my generation, “Mac” traveled around the world and helped people in need solve their problems. He was always there for the underdog and his methods were, whenever possible, non-violent and non-lethal. At the end of each episode, he always found himself in a challenging situation and used his brains and whatever he had on hand to get out of the predicament. He was a science nerd who could fix most anything.

Topics: Getting started with dental implants, dental implant research, Choosing an implant dentist, dental implant process, timeline for implants, what to know about implants, overall health, Board Certified Implant Dentist, Credentialed Implant Dentist, Dental implant procedure

Consider this scenario: you’ve lost a couple teeth and after thorough research, you have decided to replace them with dental implants. You imagine that these dental implants will last decades or maybe even the rest of your life, but you’ve heard that sometimes implants can fail. What causes implants to fail in some people, but be successful in others?

A lot of it has to do with how you take care of your teeth. While it is rare, dental implants fail for primarily 3 reasons:

Topics: what to know about implants, health connection

 

If you’re missing teeth, enjoying the simple things in life can be a bit more challenging. Do you find yourself hiding your smile or laughing less? Do you have trouble eating your favorite foods or speaking clearly? Do you dislike having your photo taken?

While there are several tooth replacement options to consider, one stands out above the rest: dental implants. They can make a world of difference in your life and help you get back to smiling confidently and enjoying life.

That’s why September is Dental Implant Awareness Month: to spread awareness about the benefits of dental implants as well as how to find a qualified expert to give you the smile you deserve.

The theme for 2021 is “Eat, laugh, live again!” It celebrates how dental implants help you return to living life to the fullest and how they drastically improve confidence and joy.

 

After getting dental implants, here are 5 benefits you will notice in your day-to-day life:

Topics: Getting started with dental implants, Choosing an implant dentist, what to know about implants, health connection, overall health, Dental Implant Awareness Month

Have you been told that you don’t have enough bone for dental implants or that dentures are your only option? Some people may stop their research at this point, but there are some revolutionary procedures made for patients just like you.

First, it’s vital to do your due diligence and find a dentist with extensive expertise, training and experience beyond basic dental implant education. Dental implants are not one size fits all – they are complex, sophisticated devices requiring specialized training to fit and place properly.

At my practice, I treat patients with the most severe bone loss and have the experience and surgical skills to provide these procedures.

Topics: Getting started with dental implants, what to know about implants, Dental implant procedure

For many years, dentures had been a traditional way to replace missing teeth. However, many patients are not happy with their dentures or simply may not know about other options. 

One of the biggest disadvantages of dentures is they can be uncomfortable and slip out of place when speaking, eating, smiling, yawning or coughing. Additionally, missing teeth and dentures cause jawbone deterioration over time due to constant pressure from chewing food or clenching.

Topics: what to know about implants, health connection, mini dental implants

Are you missing one or more teeth and wondering what the right replacement option is for you? Have you heard of alternative options to standard implants?

I have placed dental implants since 1985 and many patients have asked me about mini dental implants and how they compare to normal-sized dental implants.

In this blog post, I will walk you through the difference between mini implants and standard dental implants and how to decide what is right for you.

Topics: what to know about implants, health connection, Board Certified Implant Dentist, mini dental implants

Whether you are considering having a dental implant as a tooth replacement option or you have had your dental implant for some time, a common question that I hear from my patients is regarding an old habit... Smoking! 

Nearly one quarter of the U.S. population smokes cigarettes. Although the number of smokers is significantly less than it was 50 years ago, the question still comes up from a large portion of my patients.

Topics: what to know about implants, health connection, overall health

Are you wondering how to clean your dental implants?

If you currently have dental implants or are contemplating scheduling an initial consultation with a dental implant expert, consider this: when it comes to your oral health, cleaning your dental implants is just as important as brushing and flossing your natural teeth.

Many people are surprised to learn that they actually have been cleaning their teeth the wrong way for years, let alone their dental implants. I often hear, ”I have always done it this way.”

Cleaning teeth and dental implants the wrong way may lead to additional oral health problems.

In this blog post, I will teach you how to clean your dental implants the right way so you will protect both your teeth and your dental implants and reap the benefits for many years to come.

Topics: what to know about implants, health connection, overall health

Replace those bridges to nowhere. 

Aging dental bridges are a maintenance headache and a recipe for oral-health disaster. They are difficult to floss, often decay, and require replacement with longer bridges. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), these bridges to nowhere should be replaced with permanent dental implants.    

“Many of us have had the same bridges in our mouths for 20 years or more. They were put in at a time when bridgework was considered to be the norm for replacing missing or compromised teeth,” said Dr. Olivia Palmer of Charleston, South Carolina, a fellow of the AAID and diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology.    

Topics: Getting started with dental implants, dental implant research, what to know about implants