Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

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.

Though many of us say we brush our teeth regularly, you get the best results by making sure you brush properly. Here are the steps you should follow: First, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Then, move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke. Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. As well as brushing your teeth, you should floss them every day. Heres how to floss for best results. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Then wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your...

A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come. There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible: – Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush – Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition and the bristles are strong. You should replace it at least every three or four months – Clean between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere and bacteria can linger between the teeth so it’s important to clean between them every day using floss or an interdental cleaner – Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral examinations Your dentist will be able to give you tips on what other products you should consider to help improve your oral health. For example, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes can reduce the germs in your mouth and reduce...

Bad breath – which is also known as halitosis – is a worrying problem that can also be embarrassing. But there's no need to put up with it. If you suffer from bad breath, your dentist will be able to suggest a range of solutions. Your dentist will be able to spot problems such as gum disease, dry mouth or other disorders. That's why its important to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular visits to the dentist and have professional cleaning. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth each day using floss or interdental cleaners. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! If your dental check up shows that your mouth is healthy, your dentist may refer you to your family physician as sometimes bad breath can be a sign of other health problems. If the odor is due to periodontal (gum) disease, sometimes professional periodontal cleaning is needed to remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. And your dentist may recommend a special ant...

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. There is a very slight gap (called a sulcus) between the tooth and the gum. Periodontal diseases attack this gap and cause a breakdown in the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues. When the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket and, as the disease gets more severe, the pocket usually gets deeper. The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious, destructive form of periodontal disease. There are several factors that have been shown to increase the risk of developing periodontal disease: – Systemic diseases such as diabetes – Some types of medication – Crooked teeth – Bridges that no longer fit properly – Fillings that have become defective – Smoking – Pregnancy And there are a number o...

Chronic facial pain is a problem faced by millions of Americans. Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches. If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays. Sometimes, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed. There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJs. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. There are several ways the TMJ disorders ...

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.

If you take part in sports that carry a significant risk of injury, you should wear a mouth protector. Accidents can happen during any physical activity and, if you participate in sports such as football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics and volleyball, you might be grateful for the extra protection one day. Something as simple as a misdirected elbow in a game, or a spill off a bicycle, can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss. Mouth protectors usually cover the upper teeth and they can cushion the effect of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. In addition, if you wear dental appliances such as braces on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well. A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe. The three main types of mouth protectors are: Stoc...

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers our teeth and, when we eat something, these bacteria release acids that attack the tooth enamel. When these attacks are repeated over time, the enamel will break down and this will eventually lead to cavities. When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and cleaning it hardens into calculus or tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, brushing and cleaning between the teeth becomes more difficult. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called gingivitis and it is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself against this happening: – Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner – Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of snacks between meals – Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams – Ask your dentist about sealants these are protective ...

Oral cancer hits more than 30,000 Americans every year but you can minimize the risk by taking steps to ensure it’s caught early enough. The first indications of oral cancer may be a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore that you are not even aware of. In a routine examination, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and tongue. If they notice a flat, painless, white or red spot or a small sore, this may be completely harmless. But harmful spots or sores often look the same as harmless ones. To ensure that a spot or sore is not dangerous, your dentist may choose to perform a simple test, such as a brush test. This collects cells from the lesion which can them be analyzed. Any positive results from a brush test must usually be confirmed by a biopsy before deciding the next step. If precancerous cells are found, the lesion can be surgically removed if necessary during a separate procedure. When caught early enough, the chances of preventing the ...

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...

If you take part in sports that carry a significant risk of injury, you should wear a mouth protector. Accidents can happen during any physical activity and, if you participate in sports such as football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics and volleyball, you might be grateful for the extra protection one day. Something as simple as a misdirected elbow in a game, or a spill off a bicycle, can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss. Mouth protectors usually cover the upper teeth and they can cushion the effect of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. In addition, if you wear dental appliances such as braces on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well. A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe. The three main types of mouth protectors are: Stoc...

Some women worry about whether it’s safe to have an X-ray exam while they are pregnant. This can cause them to put off treatment they need. However, untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Sometimes this will mean an X-ray is necessary. Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low but every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. For example, a leaded apron reduces exposure to the abdomen and should be used when a dental radiograph is taken. In addition, a leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Overall there is no reason to avoid dental radiographs (X-rays) while pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant. Follow your dentist’s advice and ask questions if you have any c...

A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come. There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible: – Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush – Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition and the bristles are strong. You should replace it at least every three or four months – Clean between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere and bacteria can linger between the teeth so it’s important to clean between them every day using floss or an interdental cleaner – Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral examinations Your dentist will be able to give you tips on what other products you should consider to help improve your oral health. For example, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes can reduce the germs in your mouth and reduce...

Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults but it can be prevented or reversed if you take the right steps. It’s caused by plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. However, you can help avoid gum disease by caring properly for your teeth and having regular dental checkups. These are some steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy: Brush your teeth well twice a day: This removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent decay. Clean between your teeth every day: You need to remove the bacteria and food particles that a toothbrush can’t reach so you should clean between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners every day. Your dentist will show you how to do this properly without injuring your gums. Even if you already ...

While our teeth are normally very strong, they can crack for a number of reasons. Reasons could include tooth decay, trauma/injury, grinding of the teeth or a stress fracture. Sometimes, our jaw may be stronger than our teeth and the teeth can fracture when we bite heavily on food. We can protect our teeth in some circumstances – for example it may be advisable to wear a mouth guard during sports. Taking proper care of the teeth and regular visits to the dentist will help keep your teeth in good shape. If a tooth cracks, it may become painful if the nerve is exposed and the area can become tender. If this happens, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then call your dentist immediately. Treatment will depend on where the tooth has fractured, how close it is to the nerve and the overall condition of the tooth. A cracked tooth may be repaired with silver alloy, gold, porcelain or plastic. Or it may require a crow...

Bad breath – also known as halitosis – is an unpleasant condition that can cause a great deal of embarrassment. And, for many people, it’s made even worse by the fact they don’t even know that they have it. There are many possible causes for bad breath so, if you think you might have the problem, talk to your dentist. What you eat affects what you breathe out. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor and even dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia) which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. One of the reasons why it’s especially important to talk to your dentist about bad breath is that it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem such as respiratory tract infection or gastrointestinal problems. Persistent bad breath or a ...

Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease. Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease. We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth. Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth. – Maintain a healthy diet – Drink plenty water – Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack...