Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Removable partial dentures usually involve replacement teeth attached to plastic bases, connected by metal framework. They attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision attachments generally look better than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns may be required on your natural teeth to improve the fit of a removable partial denture. When you first get a partial denture, it may feel awkward or bulky. But you will gradually get used to wearing it. It will also take a bit of practice to get used to inserting and removing the denture. It should fit into place easily and you should never force it. Your dentist may suggest that you wear your partial denture all the time at first. While it will be uncomfortable for a while, it will help you identify if any parts of the denture need adjustment. After making adjustments, your dentist will probably recommend that you take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning....

Although thousands of Americans die every year from oral cancer, there is a high chance it can be cured if it is caught early enough. Each year, more than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer and only half of those diagnosed survive more than five years. But nowadays, dentists have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. If it is caught early, there is a much higher chance that, with your dentists help, you could win a battle against oral cancer. The key is to know the early signs and see your dentist regularly. Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue or the palate. Other signs include: – A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal – A change in the color of the oral tissues – A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area – Pain, tenderness, or numbness ...

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 placed at the same...

Dental plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and, if it is not removed through good oral hygiene, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Over time it can ultimately form a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus, which attracts further plaque buildup. Calculus has to be removed by a trained professional such as a hygienist or dentist. They may do this by manual tooth scaling or using an ultrasonic device. If the buildup is light or moderate, the dentist or hygienist may use manual scaling instruments of various shapes and sizes. If the buildup of tartar and stains is heavy, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used. This may be followed by hand scaling. Build up of plaque can cause inflammation of the gums leading to breakdown of the connection between the teeth and the supporting structures. Root planing is a procedure to treat gum disease by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus-free surface. This treatment may require local anest...

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: Stock: These are ...

Mouth sores can be very annoying and painful and can have many causes. The causes can range from infections – bacterial, viral or fungal – to a loose orthodontic wire or a denture that doesn’t fit or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling. But mouth sores may be symptoms of an underlying disease or problem. So, if you’ve had any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, it’s a good idea to get your dentist to check it out. Here are some of the most common mouth sores: Canker sores: These are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious though they often return. Problems such as poor immune systems, viruses or fatigue and stress may be involved. They usually heal on their own after a week or two. Cold sores: Cold sores are annoying and painful. They are also known as fever blisters or Herpes simplex and are groups of fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. ...

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 the ri...