Understanding Dental Implants

A lot of time, despite doing the best you can to take care of your oral health, you may end up losing your teeth or having chipped and broken teeth. These can be caused by issues like gum disease, aging, or accidents, and can be a source of hurt confidence. However, there are many cosmetic options available to help with this issue, and dental implants may be the perfect solution to your problem.

A dental implant is basically a metal frame or post that is surgically put into the jawbone beneath your gums. After the implant is put in, your dentist can put a replacement tooth on top it, which is what people will actually see when you smile. Every dental implant has three major parts. The implant itself is a screw, and then there is a piece called an abutment. The abutment is a permanent connector between the implant and false tooth, the crown. Generally, these are made of porcelain or zirconium.

Because of the nature of dental implants, you don’t have to just get one at a time. It’s possible to get implants done for multiple teeth or even entire rows of teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth. However, there are a few things to consider. The ideal candidate will need to be in good oral health and general health, as this is a surgical procedure. In addition, good gum health is important, as is adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. Also, compared to some of the other options available for replacement teeth, it takes a few months to get the implant completed. The bulk of this time is waiting for your jaw to heal after the initial implant surgery.

There are a variety of different benefits to getting dental implants if you are willing to deal with the expense and the amount of time it takes for them to get installed. For one thing, these are closer to feeling and looking like real teeth as opposed to alternatives like bridges or dentures. Along with aesthetics, these are also the strongest option in term of function, making it easier to eat.

Be sure to bring up dental implants as an option to your dentist, and they will help walk you through what options fit you best. In addition, also regularly visit the dentists at Pickering Square Dental to keep your teeth clean and stay on top of other oral health issues.

How Dental Veneers Have Changed Over the Years

Dentist showing porcelain crowns to the female patient.

Did you know that dental veneers have been around for about a century? And in that long span of time, dental veneers have evolved drastically. Dental veneers of today are so far from those removable tooth caps that started it all. If you think you will need veneers, it is a good idea to know more about how they have changed over the years!

Porcelain veneers have first been used in the late 1920s. Its use began in Hollywood when a dentist from California named Charles Pincus thought of a way to improve the smiles of his celebrity patients. Dr. Pincus came up with the idea of making an acrylic tooth cap and fitting it over a patient’s existing tooth. Hollywood stars would wear those caps during the filming of movie scenes and then remove them afterward. This may seem too different from the porcelain permanent veneers that we have today, but it really is the beginning of dental veneers and how they were used to perfect people’s smiles.

Regular people then began getting that particular type of dental veneers to improve their smile up until the early 1950s. This dental solution was especially popular among those who have damaged or lost teeth. In the 1950s, dentists were already bonding veneers to the surface of teeth. The problem, however, was that the veneers, which were then already made of either composite or porcelain, would not adhere properly to the teeth’s surface. It was Dr. Michael Bunocore who discovered that using a mild acid to lightly etch the surface of the tooth made bonding easier and stronger. It was during this time that veneers became a more permanent and attractive option.

It was in the early 1980s that veneers that are similar to what we have today began. Dental veneers also became more affordable, making them popular among people who wish to get improvements for cosmetic reasons.

 

Veneers of Today

Today’s veneers look very real that it is very hard to tell if someone is wearing them. Now you can choose between two options: traditional and no-preparation veneers. For traditional veneers, a small amount of enamel from your teeth will be removed to make room for the veneers. For no-preparation veneers, there is no need to modify your natural teeth as the veneers are directly fitted over your natural teeth.

While the very first veneers were temporary and for short-term use, the ones we have available today are permanent. High-quality veneers can last anywhere between 2 to 20 years.

Veneers have really come a long way and now it has reached that stage where they look just like your natural teeth. Colour- matching with your existing teeth is, of course, an important aspect and that’s where the dentist’s and the dental laboratory’s skills come into play. Being able to create a natural-looking veneer with subtle translucency and the right shape for our patients is what sets Pickering Square Dental apart from others.

Veneers can fix a lot of problems like chipped, decayed, broken, or gapped tooth. But don’t just get veneers anywhere! Choose Pickering Square Dental to make sure that you get the best veneers! Our attention to detail and meticulous veneer application ensure that you will get that gorgeous smile that you are looking for.

How to Avoid Problems with Your Dental Crown

health care, dental hygiene, people and beauty concept - smiling young man with toothbrush cleaning teeth and looking to mirror at home bathroom

If you have chipped, damaged, or decayed teeth, getting dental crowns could be an excellent solution. Dental crowns can last for many years. However, that does not mean that you should neglect them. You will have to take care of your dental crown like you would your real teeth if you want it to stay functional and beautiful for as long as possible.

 

How should you take care of your dental crown?

Right after your dental crowns are placed, you might feel some sensitivity, especially to food and drinks that are cold or hot. You may also experience a very slight irritation due to the cement. You can use sensitivity toothpaste to help with your sensitive teeth.

Because dental crowns protect the area of your tooth that is visible above the gum line, it is important that you take extra precautions and make sure that the gums and that area between the gums and the crown stays clean and healthy. Remember that even if the crown itself won’t deteriorate, the area close to the gum line where your natural tooth is still visible remains susceptible to decay.

The best way to ensure that your own teeth and your dental crown stay healthy is by committing to brushing and flossing regularly. You should also consider swishing with a fluoride rinse to help strengthen the underlying enamel and steer clear of root decay. This is even more important if you have a history of tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Even if dental crowns are very strong and can generally withstand bite pressure, there is still a small risk of fracturing, just like a real tooth. You can extend the life of your crown by not chewing on ice and extremely hard food that can be damaging.

Of course, one of the best things that you can do for your dental crown is to visit Pickering Square Dental to have your trusted dentist check your dental crown and your overall oral health. We can assess your dental crown and closely inspect if there are any signs of damage to the underlying tooth structure. This will help you avoid any potential problem before they even begin. We can also clean those hard to reach areas that you cannot get at on your own at home to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Your dental crowns can save your smile. But remember, that by taking care of your crown is key to enjoying their benefits for a really long time.

So, are you ready to have your dental crowns? Call Pickering Square Dental today!

Answering Common Dental Implant Questions

woman take tooth implant false tooth on green background

Today, no other treatment can match the promise of dental implants when it comes to tooth replacement. If you are considering getting implants, there are probably a lot of questions on your mind that you want to be answered – What does it feel like to wear implants? How long do implants last?

Because we want you to know as much as you can about implants, we listed down some of the most questions our patients ask us, and our answers to those questions.

What are implants made of?

Implants are made of medically pure titanium alloy or titanium. This material is the same one that has been used in hip implants for years. It is not known to result in any type of rejection.

Should I be worried about complications and infections?

During the surgery, we do everything to keep a completely sterile field to minimize any potential post-operative infection. As a precautionary measure, appropriate antibiotics may be prescribed. Of course, once the implants are engaged in your prosthesis, you should ensure that you’ll maintain a good oral hygiene.

What do I need to do to receive dental implants?

The first thing you need to do is to schedule a consultation with us. We will do a thorough check-up and set up the perfect care plan for you. We will also give you instructions regarding the procedure, including the visits you need to make.

How long will the dental implants last?

In general, dental implants can last you forever. There won’t be any need for a replacement or repair. Just remember to follow our suggestions on how you should care for your oral health.

Will it be too obvious that I’m wearing dental implants?

Unless, you tell them, no one will know that you are wearing implants! They’re not noticeable at all!

Will the implants be uncomfortable? Will they feel like my real teeth in time?

Dental implants are comfortable. In truth, after a short period of adjustment, you will actually forget that you’re wearing them at all! Because an implant will replace your tooth’s entirety (and a restoration will replace the tooth crown), you get to enjoy the same stability that you got from your natural tooth. You need not worry about anything because all your activities like speaking, eating, and of course smiling, will all return to normal quickly.

Get all your questions answered and gain all the information you need to consider dental implants through a consultation with our practice. Contact Pickering Square Dental today!

Implant Key Terms You Need to Understand

woman take tooth implant false tooth on green background

If you have been told that you should consider dental implants and you are not exactly sure what they are, the best thing for you to do is discuss it with your dentist. But like with other dental procedures, there might be some terms that could sound “alien” to you. That could get in the way of you fully understanding what you need to know about dental implants.

To help you decode dental lingo, here are some terms that you should know:

Abutment

It is a connector that the dentist will attach to the top of your dental implant. This will serve as the attachment for the replacement tooth, bridge, or crown, keeping it securely in place.

Abutment Teeth

This refers to the teeth that support the partial denture or bridge. The bridge is attached during a crown prep or inlay/onlay prep. If for a partial denture, clasps or rests are necessary to support the denture on the abutment tooth.

Crown

A crown or a cap, as it is also called, replaces the top portion and layer of a tooth. If you have broken or lost a tooth because of injury, infection, or decay, your dentist can fit you with a crown to replace the damaged or missing one. Crowns fit over the top of existing teeth but they must be ground down to fit or attached to the abutment of an implant.

Ceramic

This is a material used to make dental implants. It is made of clay that is hardened by heat. Some people like the aesthetic appeal of ceramic better than titanium because it gives a more natural look. It is available in ivory, which looks similar to existing roots and teeth. Ceramic implants are an option for patients with allergy to metal.

Endosteal Implant

This is the most commonly used implant type in modern dentistry. To fit this particular style of implant, small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders are placed directly into the jawbone surgically. Every implant can hold at least one prosthetic tooth.

Eposteal Implant

This type of implant receives support by directly resting on the jawbone. This is not used often today in dentistry as it is often seen as an outdated method.

 

Implant or Fixture

This is a medical device that interfaces with the jawbone to support a bridge, crown, or denture. Most dental implants last for patients’ entire lives so they are deemed better than bridges which would need replacement and dentures which can be uncomfortable for the wearer.

Titanium and Zirconia

Most dental implants these days are made of titanium. This is the preferred material of most patients because very few people are allergic to titanium. It is also very durable and lightweight. There is a small percentage of people who are allergic to titanium, and for them Zirconia is a good option. Zirconia implants have no prosthetic connections, lowering the risk of bacteria growth. Patients may also find that they have better gum health with this type of implant. Its white colour makes it look more like a natural tooth.

If you want to know more about dental implants or you’re wondering if it’s an option for you, do call Pickering Square Dental and we will set an appointment for you!


 

Real Benefits of Dental Implants

Tooth human implant (done in 3d graphics)

Your smile is an amazing thing – it brightens up your face, makes you look younger and can even make you feel really good.  Strong and healthy teeth are important if you want to achieve a great smile that you can enjoy for a lifetime. Unfortunately, not all of us are born with pearly whites that always look great and strong.

 

While a really good smile with complete and healthy teeth is everyone’s goal, that doesn’t mean you should simply let that goal go if you’re already missing one or more teeth. In fact, you should do something about it now! For missing teeth, dental implants should definitely be considered.

 

Here are some great reasons why you should consider getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth:

 

To Keep a Younger Facial Structure

Having a beautiful smile helps keep one looking younger. See, your teeth are part of your overall look – your cheeks, your lips, and your facial skin all look tauter when your teeth are intact. But when you lose teeth, you also lose that great bone structure. That’s why the skin around one’s mouth, as well as the cheeks, appear saggy and even wrinkled when a person doesn’t have teeth.

 

A lot of people who have had dental implants to replace their missing teeth also enjoy a younger and fresher appearance on top of their improved smile.  Dental implants can truly transform one’s looks and life!

 

To Enjoy Eating Without Worries

Those who are either missing some of their teeth or wearing dentures often hold back when it comes to eating, especially if they are in public. Also, they often choose food that’s softer and easier to chew, even if they are not the healthier choice. Who wants to worry whenever they have a meal? No one wants that. However, missing teeth and wearing dentures make chewing difficult. Dental implants, on the other hand, act like natural teeth because they are directly anchored into the jaw. What that also means is that this procedure has no impact at all on the surrounding teeth which are in perfect health.

 

To Achieve Your Personal or Career Goals

We cannot deny that a healthy and beautiful smile helps one create a really good first impression. Do not miss out on great career opportunities and even relationship potentials because of this.  Dental restorations can restore your lost confidence and give you the boost you need to take charge of your life once more.

 

Call Pickering Square Dental and schedule for a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific situation and treatment options.

Missing a Tooth? Here are Some Great Options !

Close up on a man smiling while he is missing a tooth.

It is quite common for a Canadian between the ages of 20 and 65 to have more than two decayed or missing teeth. It’s a real concern for many. Why does it matter, you ask? Well, even if the missing tooth is not noticeable, it still affects the way you speak and chew your food – especially if you’re missing teeth in the back, which are meant for heavy chewing. When you lose those, you have no other choice but to use your front teeth for chewing. Because they are not intended for all that hard action, there’s a high probability that they’ll break down, as well. The remaining teeth may also shift when there’s a space that’s not supposed to be there.

 

If you are missing one or more teeth, you are probably wondering what options you have for you to be able to restore your smile. We’ll help you decide!

 

PARTIAL DENTURE (removable)

It is considered the most economical way to replace missing teeth. A partial denture is removable. It has replacement teeth on a plastic base that is colored to match the patient’s gums. It is connected to adjacent teeth using metal clasps. This is how partial dentures snap in place for both support and retention.

 

FIXED BRIDGE (non-removable)

A fixed bridge is yet another good option for replacing one or more missing teeth. A bridge replaces a patient’s missing tooth by connecting to adjacent teeth. For large restorations, multiple teeth are attached. What a fixed bridge basically is a crown on supporting teeth on either end and a false tooth in the middle.

 

DENTAL IMPLANTS (non-removable)

Implants are considered by many to be the best option for replacing one or more missing teeth. With an implant, a titanium anchor is integrated into your jaw bone, similar to your natural tooth root. An aesthetic crown is then attached to that implant as a replacement for the missing tooth.   Additionally, an implant helps you keep the bone height you have and it’s very hygienic, too.

 

It is important that you take care of your oral health to avoid losing a tooth. However, if it has already happened, know that you always have the option to get a tooth replaced. To know which one is the most suitable for you, you can contact Pickering Square Dental and we’d help you choose the best option for you.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Not everyone is concerned with having healthy teeth or worried about losing a tooth or two. However, replacing a missing tooth is the right way to go. Failure to do so might result to your other teeth moving or loss of chewing function, as well.

It is common for dentists to recommend having dental implants for damaged or missing teeth, but the real question is, what are the benefits?

 

Closest to Natural Teeth

Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that are placed into one’s jaw to hold replacement teeth. Although it is artificial, technology allows these implants to look, fit, feel and function like natural teeth. One of the downsides of losing teeth is people also lose their self-esteem and self-confidence. With dental implants, however, you can eat, speak and smile just like anyone else!

 

A Long-Term Solution

Alternate options include dental crowns and tooth bridges (fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth). These usually last a minimum of 5 to 7 years, and often last more than 10 years, given the proper care. At some point, however, they would still need to be replaced. Dental implants, on the other hand, may need some adjustments from time-to-time, but can definitely last a lifetime when properly taken care of and put to place.

 

Smile like a Champion

You no longer have to worry about covering your smile in public because of a missing tooth or teeth. When someone loses a tooth, the face usually sags and might appear sad-looking. With dental implants, your face would be brought back to its natural shape.

 

No Food Limitations

Dental implants also give you the freedom to enjoy all the foods you love without having to worry about losing your teeth again. You can bite just as you did when you had natural teeth. Unlike having removable dentures, you can be sure to have the full taste of the food you eat with dental implants.

 

No More Cavities

Cavities can no longer occur in dental implants. However, gum disease still can so, following the scheduled visits to the dentist is still a must. Proper care and cleaning for the implants, your gums and mouth on a daily basis is still needed, just like with natural teeth.

 

No Falling Teeth

The common problem with dentures is the fact that they may slip while you’re eating, smiling, laughing, coughing, or worse – talking. Avoid having that public humiliation as dental implants or bridges are fixed in place.

 

Proven to be More Reliable

Dental implant treatment has proved itself to be reliable as there are many success stories by patients all around the world. It is often considered to be more predictable than other treatments when it comes to repair or replacing missing tooth or teeth. 

Advancements in Dental Technology

Dentistry has always had its eye on technology for any edge in forwarding care for teeth and gums.  Even older inventions like braces, crowns, and false teeth have seen continual updating in materials, techniques and design resulting in the more effective and elegant versions we have today.  Within the last couple of decades however significant advancements have occurred that have continued the forward march of dental health.

Lasers

The word ‘laser’ always feels vaguely futuristic for people of a certain age but the technology is well-proven at this point.  Dental laser treatment is used in a number of ways, from the removal of inflamed gum tissues to easy preparation of cavities for filling.  Laser dentistry has little pain or to no pain, virtually no bleeding, and dramatically less swelling than previous methods.   

Implants

Implants can now be used to fully replace a tooth in a way that allows it to fit naturally and with as much strength as a natural tooth.  Using a titanium implant in the jaw a tooth will be anchored to it.  Once inserted an implant is cleaned exactly the same way your regular teeth are.  You can think of it as a bionic tooth!

CEREC

The latest breakthrough takes a wide range of new technology and puts it to work for your teeth.  Older full and partial crowns would require measurement and custom creation by an outside facility – but CEREC (CEramic REConstruction) allows the entire process to be completed in the dentist’s office in a single sitting.  A high tech 3D scanner is used to get to capture three dimensional views of the affected area – this is then transferred to a computer that creates an appropriate model of the necessary crown.   Using the latest in 3D printing equipment the installation is built from ceramic on-the spot, enabling a perfectly fitting crown in less than sixty minutes.  From days to less than an hour – technology has come a long way indeed.

Dental technology moves ever forward and Pickering Square Dental continues to keep up with the advances in dentistry.  If you need to have these advancements put to work on your teeth, including CEREC, contact us today.

  

An Introduction to the Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an artificial root structure produced using titanium metal. They can be inserted into the jawbone to replace natural teeth and have become immensely popular among the population for both the comfort and the aesthetic value they provide.  Our Team of experts have great experience integrating dental implants for our patients. And within this blog, we’ll provide further insights on the lasting benefits provided by dental implant treatment.

1. A Long-Term Solution

Unlike dental bridges, dental implants can last a lifetime when maintained properly. This not only assures wearers of long-term comfort but also of the value for their dental investment.

2. Retain Natural Facial Structure

Because dental implants are designed to help imitate a patient’s natural teeth, they can help each individual retain the natural structure of their mouth and cheeks. This ensures a vibrant appeal that helps the patient maintain their confidence.

3. The Next Best Thing after Natural Teeth

Each element of the construction of dental implants is refined to ensure the closest possible alternative to natural teeth. From the structure of the dental implant to its shape and colour, patients will see how seamlessly the dental implant fits within their mouth. It’s one of the leading advantages compared with other options that may cause bone deterioration and may interfere with actions such as smiling and speaking.

4. A Track Record of Reliability

Because of the research, and the proven track record that dental implants offer, patients can be rest assured that their implant will be expertly integrated.  Patients experience few problems and have great long-term outcomes as a result of their implant treatments replacing their missing teeth.    

5. Less Impact on Other Teeth

Tooth supported bridge work may require the dentist to remove or replace other healthy teeth to complete the treatment process. However, dental implant treatment does not require the removal of nearby teeth to support the implant. This means that patients retain more of their teeth and the recovery time from dental implant treatment is reduced in comparison to other forms of restorative dentistry.

It’s a treatment option that is becoming a viable solution for a range of patients. To discover more on the benefits of dental implants, speak with a member of our Team at Pickering Square DEntal at our office today!