Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Your dentures were made to fit you precisely and, if they are cared for properly, they do not change shape. But you may sometimes find that they can become loose due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them. As the jawbone begins to shrink, so do the gums. If you find your dentures no longer fit properly, see your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made. Trying to change the fit of your dentures yourself can damage them and make them unrepairable so this would be a costly experiment! Ill-fitting dentures repaired at home can also irritate the gums, tongue and cheeks. In an emergency, you could use denture adhesives to keep the dentures stable until you are able to see the dentist. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, its still important to see your dentist regularly for an oral examination. The dentist will examine your mouth to check for any problem with the gum ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer. For

Many patients ask whether wisdom teeth are really necessary since so many people have them removed. The fact is that wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. However, problems can occur that sometimes make it better to have them removed. For example, when the jaw isn’t large enough, the wisdom teeth can become impacted – misaligned or unable to grow in properly. They may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. The reasons wisdom teeth may have to be extracted include: – The teeth have only partially erupted. This leaves an opening for bacteria which cause infection. – There is a chance the wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth. – A cyst forms which may destroy surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots. Ask your dentist about the health and positioning of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will tell you if there are any issues and will recommend any steps needed.

While local anesthetics are often used in dental treatment, there is sometimes a need for anti-anxiety agents – such as nitrous oxide – or sedatives to help people relax during dental visits. Dentists may use these agents to induce “minimal or moderate sedation”. In this case, the patient reaches a relaxed state during treatment but can respond to speech or touch. Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection. More complex treatments may require drugs that can induce “deep sedation”. This reduces consciousness and causes a loss of feeling which helps to reduce both pain and anxiety. Sometimes patients undergo “general anesthesia” where the drugs lead to a temporary loss of consciousness. A dentist may recommend deep sedation or general anesthesia for certain procedures with children or with adults who have severe anxiety or for people who have difficulty controlling their movements. While these techniques to control pain and a

If you have missing teeth, you dont just have to rely on crowns, conventional bridges and dentures. Many people are now choosing dental implants as the best way to restore their smile and solve dental problems. Implants are placed below the gums during a series of appointments. They fuse to the jawbone and provide a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture. As they are fused to the bone, they offer greater stability. And, because they are integrated into your jaw, your replacement teeth will feel more natural. This secure fit often also makes them more comfortable than other solutions. In order to have implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. To find out whether you could be a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist about what they could do for you.