Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

As people are living longer and enjoying good health for many years, dentists are increasingly offering improved services to recognize the special needs of older adults. This growing segment of the population is wearing fewer dentures and they are keeping their natural teeth longer. They are also concerned to maintain good health and a great smile for many years. However, patients in this group sometimes require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult. And certain medical conditions and impairment may make them more anxious when visiting the dentist. For example, problems with vision or hearing loss may cause worry. Always let the dentist and staff know if you have any concerns so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs. Older patients can sometimes put up with problems such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures because they are not aware of the wide range of treatments and techniques

The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay. Thats why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks can take a toll on teeth. This is particularly true for children as their eating patterns and food choices affect how quickly they develop tooth decay. Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. However, almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar. Many of them also contain important nutrients that are an important part in our diet. To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries often contain added sugars.

When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may create problems that lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. Your teeth are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. After you eat food that contains sugars or starches, the bacteria react with these sugars to release acids that attack tooth enamel. This can cause the enamel to break down and may eventually result in cavities. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove decay-causing plaque. Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to clean thoroughly between teeth. This can lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth. Because diabetes reduces the bodys resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in

X-rays are extremely valuable for helping dentists identify issues that may not show up on normal oral examination. The three most common types of dental X-rays are the bitewing, periapical and panoramic X-rays. Panoramic X-rays give a broad overview of the entire mouth – supplying information about the teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses, and other hard and soft tissues of the head and neck. Unlike other X-rays, where the film is placed inside the patients mouth, the panoramic film is contained in a machine that moves around the patient’s head. So they are very easy to use. Panoramic X-rays are often used to check wisdom teeth but they will also reveal deep cavities and gum disease. They are also useful to help patients with past or present jaw problems or those who require full or partial removable dentures, dental implants, or braces. They can also be valuable in assisting people who are suspected of having oral cancer or have had recent trauma to the face or teeth. Panoramic X-