Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease  often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time and that’s one reason it is common among older adults. The longer the disease goes undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes to gums and other supporting tissues. Although periodontal disease is caused by plaque, other factors can increase the risk or severity of the condition, including: – Food left between the teeth – Tobacco use  smoking and smokeless tobacco – Badly aligned teeth – Ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures – Poor diet – Systemic diseases such as anemia Although periodontal disease is common, it can be controlled and, if caught in its early stages, it can be reversed. However, in advanced stages, it may require surgery. Look out for the following warning signs and see your dentist if you notice any of them: – Bleeding gums when you brush – Red, tender or swollen gums – Gums that have pulled away from the teeth – Pus ...

Everybody wants the best smile possible and there’s no need to have it spoiled by gaps in your teeth or by teeth that are stained or badly shaped. Whether the problem was caused by nature or by an injury, you may be able to have a veneer placed on top of your teeth to restore or improve your smile. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Your dentist will usually make a model of your teeth and the veneers will be made by a specialist dental technician. A small amount of enamel has to be removed from your teeth to accommodate the shell so having veneers is usually an irreversible process. In order to make the most of your veneer, your dentist may suggest that you avoid foods and drinks that could discolor them, such as coffee, tea or red wine. It’s also possible that veneers might chip or fracture. But, for many people, veneers are well worth it as they give them a completely new smile.

Dental implants are increasingly popular as a way to replace missing or damaged teeth. Their great advantage is that they look natural and feel secure helping you to restore your smile and eat more easily. Implants are an ideal solution for many people but they are not an option for everyone. Placing implants requires some surgery so patients must be in good health, have healthy gums and have adequate bone to support the implant. They must also be committed to taking action to maintain their oral hygiene and to visiting the dentist regularly. The process for placing implants is as follows: First, surgery is performed to place the anchor. This can take up to several hours. Following the surgery, you may need to wait up to six months for the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Sometimes follow up surgery is required to attach a post to connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. Alternatively, the anchor and post may already be attached and are place...

It would be easy to get overwhelmed by the huge range of dental care products now available. Even looking just at toothbrushes present a wide range of choices. There are hundreds of manual and powered toothbrushes to choose from. Start by looking for products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance – this is an important symbol of a the product’s safety and effectiveness. When you buy a toothbrush, replace it every three to four months. Replace it sooner if the bristles become frayed as a worn toothbrush will not clean your teeth properly. Make it easy for your children to brush their teeth by choosing a child-sized toothbrush and make it more interesting for them by selecting fun colors and designs. Often people who have difficulties with hand, arm or shoulder movements find that powered toothbrushes are the best choice. However, it’s also possible to make a few small changes to modify a manual toothbrush and make it easier to use. For example, you...