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Cracked Crown on an Implant? Here’s What to Do 

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While the crowns used to finish your dental implant in Valencia, Canoga Park, and Palmdale, CA are designed to last for many years, occasionally, a crown gets damaged. If you spot a crack, chip, or other damage, it is best to speak with a dentist as soon as possible. Knowing how to handle the situation will ensure you get your crown fixed as quickly as possible. Take a look at a few questions patients tend to have regarding a cracked or damaged implant crown.

How did my implant crown get damaged?

Implant crowns can sustain damage in a number of ways, many of which are similar to ways that natural teeth get cracked or damaged. A few common reasons a dental crown can crack, chip, or break include:

  • Biting down hard on a piece of hard candy or ice
  • Accidentally striking the crown with a spoon or fork
  • Sustaining a blow to the mouth or face during an accident

It is also not impossible for crowns to crack due to stress caused by fingernail biting or chewing on objects like ink pens.

What if the crown comes off?

If your crown comes off completely, wash it in water and simply place it in a small container or plastic bag until you get to the dentist. In some cases, the crown can be repaired and replaced, which can save some money on the overall costs of the procedure. Keep in mind, however, that dental crowns with extensive damage may not have the same integrity as a new crown.

Are broken implant crowns considered a dental emergency?

Typically, a cracked or chipped implant crown is not considered a dental emergency. However, if the damaged crown has sharp edges, or you have an implant post protruding through your gums, this could be deemed an emergency situation. The risks of sustaining an oral laceration or damage to your other teeth are higher. Therefore, the situation should be addressed as soon as possible.

Talk to a Valencia, Canoga Park, or Palmdale Dentist About Dental Implant Crown Repairs

While a damaged dental implant crown can be alarming, this issue can be addressed easily by a good Valencia, Canoga Park, or Palmdale, CA dentist. Have issues with your dental implants or crowns? Reach out to the team at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers to schedule an appointment.

Should Elderly People Settle For Dentures Instead of Implants?

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Most people experience the loss of natural teeth at some time or another. If you live long enough, chances are that you’ll have age-related tooth loss. Older folks who experience tooth loss have two available options, which are dental implants or dentures. The main difference between these two solutions is that dental implants in Valencia, CA are permanent, while dentures aren’t. However, there are other striking differences between these two options that should be considered when the patient is elderly.

Dental Implants Require Oral Surgery

Dental implants require oral surgery to be installed. An FDA-approved titanium implant is embedded above the gum line. A screw, or abutment, is attached to the implant, and a crown is attached to the abutment. The fact that dental implants require surgery should be the primary deciding factor in whether an older patient should choose dental implants or dentures.

In some cases, elderly patients aren’t in peak physical shape. They may have a heart condition or another condition that makes them more susceptible to problems if they undergo surgery. And remember, oral surgery is still surgery. There will be sedation or anesthesia, associated pain and discomfort and a recovery period. The process of getting dental implants isn’t just one appointment. It typically entails multiple visits to the oral surgeon’s office. In other words, although dental implants are a wonderful option, they may not be the easiest option for elderly folks.

Dentures Are Easier

The process of getting dentures isn’t seamless, but it is a lot easier. Once the natural tooth is extracted or falls out, the dentures are custom-fitted to the palate and gums. The prosthetic is then adjusted as needed so the patient feels comfortable wearing, speaking, eating and drinking with the dentures in. There will be multiple visits to ensure a good fit, and as time goes on, a new set of dentures may be needed. However, no surgery is involved and the patient’s overall health is not a huge concern with the fitting of dentures. Almost anyone in any health condition would be able to readily get dentures.

Your dental professional will be the best person to consult with about getting dentures or dental implants in Palmdale, CA or dentures. Contact us today to find out what your best option is as an older man or woman.

How to Qualify as a Candidate For Dental Implants

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If you have one or more teeth missing, you may be wondering if you would be a good candidate for dental implants in Palmdale, CA. Becoming more popular with people who have suffered from low self-esteem and various problems related to their dental issues, today’s dental implants use the latest technology and look like real teeth. To qualify as an excellent candidate for this procedure, here are some things your dentist will look for during your consultation.

Gums and Teeth in Good Health

While you may have one or more teeth missing, your dentist will examine you to make sure your gums and remaining teeth are still healthy. This is crucial, since having a healthy jawbone will be necessary to support the implants once they are in place. Otherwise, they could become loose later on.

Don’t be a Smoker

While being a smoker won’t automatically disqualify you from being a candidate for dental implants, it won’t help your chances. Since smoking can impede the healing process once dental implants are installed, your dentist may be concerned about the increased risk you may face for developing an infection or other problems.

Excellent Oral Hygiene Routine

To really impress your Palmdale, CA dentist and put yourself high on the list of being a good candidate for dental implants, demonstrate that you already have an excellent oral hygiene routine. By brushing at least twice per day, flossing once daily, and perhaps taking a swig of mouthwash each day as well, your dentist will know the risk of infection is very low, and that you will likely follow their instructions after your procedure.

Realistic Expectations

Finally, your dentist will talk with you in-depth to find out if you have realistic expectations about dental implants in Palmdale, CA. Since the entire process can take as much as 12 months for all the implants to be installed and healed, you’ll need to not only demonstrate realistic expectations, but also the level of patience that will be required along the way.

If you feel you meet this criteria and are interested in obtaining dental implants, don’t wait any longer. Since it’s time for your regular dental checkup, make an appointment with your dentist in Palmdale, CA to find out if dental implants are a viable option.

Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge Surgery – Common FAQs

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The modern patient who needs full smile restoration is likely to consider some type of dental implant. When considering dental implants in Palmdale, CA, you have several options to consider. An option that may come up is an implant-supported fixed bridge. During this restoration process, a few implants support the full arch of teeth instead of just having a single crown on a bunch of implants. Here is a look at some of the questions prospective patients often have about implant-supported fixed bridge surgery.

How many implants will you need?

The number of implants for full-bridge support can vary depending on the patient. However, most patients will need two to four implants on both the upper and lower jaw to support the full-bridge of teeth in the most stable way. In rarer cases, when a patient has an especially unique jawline shape, more implants may be required.

Will you need bone grafts to give the implants proper support?

Bone grafts may be necessary if you do not have substantial jawbone available to anchor the implants to. This occurs when someone has had missing teeth for a long time or has a medical condition that has contributed to bone loss. However, this procedure is relatively straightforward and is a reliable way to make sure the implants that are placed give you a good, long-term solution.

What is the recovery period like after surgery?

Recovery after implant placement can take a few months, but you should see a major difference in just a few short weeks. The full healing process, which involves the new implant fusing to the bone, can take a while, but you may get to have your bridge placed as soon as the soft tissue around your new implant heals. Every patient can have their own unique experience, so make sure to fully discuss recovery with the surgeon before the procedure.

Find Your Way to a Palmdale Oral Surgeon for Help

Obtaining an implant-supported fixed bridge can be one of the most straightforward ways to restore your smile fully. If you are interested in dental implant surgery, be sure to trust a skilled Palmdale oral surgeon for help. Reach out to us at Heritage Oral Surgery and Implant Centers to schedule your appointment.

Dental Implant Maintenance: How to Take Care of Your New Tooth

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Dental implants require care, just like natural teeth. A well-maintained dental implant may last as long as 10 or 20 years. Without proper care, the dental implant may need to be replaced sooner. Knowing how to take care of your dental implant and what you can do to keep it looking and performing its best will help you avoid problems that could require your implant to be replaced. Here’s what you need to know.

Clean Your Implant Twice Daily

Dental implants need to be cleaned twice a day, just like your regular teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent your dental implant from getting scratched, and a low abrasive toothpaste as well. They make toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically for implants, which you may use. Follow your dentist’s advice!

Use Floss For Implants

Some dental floss companies make floss specifically designed for use with implants. You can use floss designed for implants, or you can just use unwaxed floss. Your dentist can show you how to floss around your implant if you have questions. Floss once per day when you floss your other teeth, or more often as needed.

Use an Oral Rinse Without Alcohol

If you use an oral rinse, read the label to find out whether your oral rinse contains alcohol. If it does, you’ll need to switch to a brand that doesn’t. If you’re not sure whether the oral rinse of your choice contains alcohol, then you should check with your dentist in Canoga Park, Valencia or Palmdale, CA to get a recommendation for the type of oral rinse that’s best.

Avoid Tooth Whitening

Your dental implant cannot be whitened, which means that if you whiten your teeth, your dental implant may stay the same color while your teeth get lighter. Avoid any tooth-whitening procedures to ensure that your teeth and implant will stay the same color. This includes at-home tooth whitening kits and dental whitening.

See the Dentist Regularly

Your dentist will be able to identify if something is going wrong with your dental implant in Valencia, Canoga Park or Palmdale, CA. Keep up with your regular dental appointments to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Call today to make an appointment for teeth cleaning.

 

What to Expect With Oral Surgery

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If you are going to be having oral surgery soon, there are some things that you’ll need to know. Oral surgery is like other surgeries, in that it should be taken very seriously. And, just like many other kinds of surgeries, it will be done by a specialist. In most cases, you’ll be consulting with your oral surgeon directly in the days leading up to your surgery. You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, but in the meantime, here is some information to get you started.

Preparing For Oral Surgery

Whether or not your oral surgery is performed as an in-patient or out-patient, you’ll want to have someone accompany you. This person will be there to support you, help navigate the process, and be there after the surgery. In the days leading up to surgery, avoid drinking, smoking, or eating in excess. Your surgeon may even ask you to fast for 12-24 hours before surgery. Include plenty of water in your day to avoid dehydration.

During Oral Surgery

If you are to be under general anesthesia, all you have to do is lie down and trust your doctors. You won’t feel anything until after you wake up. If you are to have local anesthesia, you’ll be given a sedative as well as numbing agents. You may be vaguely aware of what’s happening, but you won’t be fully alert.

Post Oral Surgery

When you first wake up, you’ll be very groggy and you may feel very heavy. You won’t feel any pain. However, as time goes on, you will start to feel pain, at which point you need to tell a nurse so you can get medication. After you’re stable enough to go home, you’ll be released to continue to recover at home. You’ll definitely need someone to drive you home afterward because the medication will make you groggy and unable to drive. You should also expect to have someone stay with you for two or three days at home to prepare meals and care for you.

Your oral surgery team will give you detailed after-care instructions so you know just what to do and what not to do. In time, you’ll fully recover and be glad to have received the oral surgery treatment that you needed.

 

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

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The loss of a permanent tooth can be upsetting in numerous ways. Initially, the individual usually has concerns related to the impact the lost tooth will have on his or her smile. While the cosmetic aspect of tooth loss is important, a lost tooth can lead to the onset of a variety of other issues and health concerns.

Reasons for Missing Permanent Teeth

While implementing a daily oral health routine can go a long way in preventing cavities and the onset of gum disease resulting in tooth loss, there are times when the loss of a tooth cannot be prevented. For example, a permanent tooth may be missing because it never developed (i.e., hypodontia) or the individual may have experienced some type of mouth trauma that led to the loss of a tooth. Despite the cause, replacing the missing tooth is not an option, but a necessity.

Replacing Missing Teeth is Vital to an Individual’s Overall Health

From shifting teeth to jawbone deterioration, there are numerous reasons that missing teeth need to be replaced.

The importance of replacing missing teeth:

To keep the teeth in alignment – Even if only one tooth is missing, over time the teeth begin to move. This movement can make it possible for oral bacteria to attack the roots of the teeth, resulting in the onset of a painful infection that has the capability of damaging the remaining teeth.

To avoid the need for lifestyle modifications – Modifying the types of foods eaten or how an individual eats certain food may be necessary following tooth loss. For example, if a front tooth has been lost, just biting into an apple can be a challenge. In addition, the rest of the digestive system counts on the ability of the teeth to chew food effectively, therefore, the absence of a tooth or several teeth can hinder the rest of the digestive process.

To prevent jawbone deterioration – The jawbone relies on the roots of the teeth to remain healthy. The pressure placed on the bone stimulates it to produce new cells. After a tooth is lost, pressure is no longer placed on that section of jawbone which means it is not being stimulated. This loss of stimulation leads to deterioration. It is this deterioration process that causes facial characteristics like sunken-in cheeks, which tend to make an individual appear older than he or she actually is.

Other issues linked to missing teeth include:

  • Speech issues.
  • Depression or anxiety.
  • Problems with self-esteem.
  • Temporomandibular jaw syndrome (TMJ).
  • Chronic headaches.
  • Poor nutrition.

If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, we can help. With dental implants, people who have lost teeth can regain the freedom they once had to eat what they want, speak well and eliminate concerns related to the shifting of a removable dental prosthesis.

To learn more, contact your closest Heritage Oral Surgery and Implant Center to make an appointment with an experienced dental implant specialist. To request an appointment using our online form, please click here.

Office Phone Numbers:

Valencia

661-253-3500

27450 Tourney Road, Suite 160, Valencia, California

West Valley

818-703-8200

22142 Sherman Way, Ste 201, Canoga Park, California

Palmdale

661-538-1400

843 Auto Center Drive, Ste B, Palmdale, California

 

Five Signs That Your Implants May Be Failing

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Dental implants are considered to be a better option among patients and their dental health care providers for a variety of reasons. Implants look and feel more like natural teeth, and patients love not having to take them out at night. Most of the time, there are little-to-no complications involved with dental implants, but every now and then, a patient has problems. The following are five signs that your implants may be failing and that you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Persistent and Noticeable Pain and Discomfort

Some pain and discomfort are normal in the days following the implant procedure, but if it persists or becomes extreme, call your dentist and ask to be seen as soon as possible. This is especially important if the pain or discomfort occurs after the implant sites have healed.

Difficulty Chewing

This is a less obvious symptom that pain or discomfort, and you might be tempted to overlook it or consider it normal. Although some difficulty chewing may be part of the picture in the days immediately following the procedure, if this condition persists, it could be a sign that a problem exists with your implants.

Swollen and/or Tender Gums

Tenderness, pain, and/or swelling of gum tissues is another sign that something may be wrong with your dental implants. Like the conditions listed above, this might occur to some extent in the days following, but if it happens after the implant sites have healed, it could indicate a serious problem.

Receding Gums

Receding gums have a variety of causes, but if you’ve had implants installed, implant failure may be among those causes. Even if the gum recession is caused by another issue, it nonetheless increases the possibility of implant failure.

Implants Coming Loose

The conditions listed above could also be signs of other issues, but if your implants are coming loose, this is probably a sure sign of implant failure. Nonetheless, there are usually preliminary symptoms involved in cases where implants begin to come loose — including all of the above conditions. If you suspect that you may be experiencing dental implant failure, contact your dentist for an appointment.

Following the advice of your dentist on how to care for your dental implants is the best way to avoid implant failure.

3 Signs You are a Good Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery

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Perhaps you have lost some or all of your natural teeth, and you are considering dental implants to restore your smile. Even though dental implants are a good fit for most individuals, some people would fare better with other tooth replacement options. Here are a few good signs you are a good candidate.

Your gums are in good health.

Good gum health is imperative during dental implant surgery. Once your new implants are placed, the gum tissue needs to close around the base of the new tooth. If you have periodontal disease or other gum health issues, this process may not happen properly. In some cases, gum grafts are taken to encourage new growth around the base of the implants, but even this requires healthy tissue to start with.

You are vigilant about good oral hygiene practices.

Do you feel like your day is never right if you forget to brush your teeth in the morning? Do you floss every day? How often do you get your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist? If you are vigilant about all of these things, you are probably going to be a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Even though the implants are made out of synthetic materials, the health of your mouth overall is what helps them stay securely in place. For example, if your lack of attention to brushing leads to gum disease, your new teeth could be at risk.

You are not a smoker.

Some cosmetic dentists will not perform dental implants on patients who are smokers, and it is for good reason. Smoking raises the temperature in your mouth considerably, according to Science Direct. The elevated temperature can make your mouth more prone to infections, which can actually prevent newly placed implants from healing. In general, smoking is bad for your oral health and should be avoided if you plan to obtain implants.

Talk to Us If You Believe You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants can change your life, and finding out you are a candidate is a big relief. If you believe you would be a good candidate for dental implants, reach out to us at Heritage Oral Surgery for an appointment.