Alternatives to Dentures

If you have little to no non-restorable teeth, you may be thinking that dentures are the only option. Not so! With advances in dental treatments, many offices now provide implant and support choices for their patients.

Strategically placed implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the look and feel of real teeth.

The dental implants are small appliances that are inserted into the upper and lower jaws in order to help restore the mouth by replacing individual missing teeth or supporting an existing bridge or denture. Dental implants are becoming the popular alternative of choice to dentures, due to their many advantages.

Advantages of implants over traditional dentures:

• Reduces movement of dentures, bridges, crowns and other dental work.
• Facilitates proper chewing.
• Provide support and improved stability for removable dentures or fixed bridge work.
• More closely resembles the "feel" of natural teeth.
• Enhances the patient's self-confidence, as speech and appearance are often improved.

Although dental implants are becoming a popular alternative to traditional dentures, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. Talk to us today about your best options for tooth restoration: 919-782-0548

Healthy Dental Habits for Adults Over 60

It was once believed that people would lose their natural teeth as they aged. Nowadays, dental experts know that aging doesn't necessarily lead to tooth loss. As medical advancements continue to evolve, people are keeping their natural teeth well into their 50s, 60s and beyond. However, aging adults do require some special dental care in order to maintain a healthy smile.

Here are a few tips for dental care after 60:

Brush and Floss Daily - Although this applies to people at just about any stage of life, it is especially important for older adults. People over 60 are more susceptible to cavities. One of the reasons is dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many prescription medications.

Clean Dentures - Daily Bacteria can stick to dentures just as it sticks to natural teeth. Whether you wear full or partial dentures, be sure you are cleaning them daily with a cleaner specifically made for dentures. The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends removing your dentures for at least four hours every 24 hours in order to keep the lining of your mouth healthy.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly - This is another bit of advice that applies to everyone, but is particularly important to seniors. As we age, the nerves in our teeth actually become smaller and less sensitive. This means that if you wait until you feel pain, it could be too late. An untreated cavity could lead to the loss of a tooth. In addition to checking for cavities, your dentist will also screen you for oral cancer and gum disease.

Quit Smoking - Again, people of all ages should take this piece of advice, but senior citizens who smoke are especially prone to dental problems. Smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. It can also hinder the healing process after dental surgery and may decrease the success rate of dental implants. Many older adults feel that it's "too late" for them to quit smoking. This is not true. It's NEVER too late to quit! If you need help, talk to your doctor about prescription and non-prescription options to help you quit.

To learn more about dental hygiene and treatments for seniors and patients over 60, please contact Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh NC at 919-782-0548.

Dentures and Partial Dentures In Raleigh NC

Dentures and partial dentures are used to replace natural teeth that are missing and are designed to have the look and feel of natural teeth.  Not only will dentures help improve the structure of your mouth, they will also help improve your health and appearance.

Dentures prevent the sagging of facial muscles, which makes a person with no teeth or many missing teeth look much older. Removable Partial Dentures can be removed and reinserted without professional assistance. Partial dentures also enable you to eat and speak normally, little things often taken for granted until natural teeth are lost.

Dentures consist of replacement teeth and tissue-colored plastic bases which are connected by a metal or plastic framework. The process of creating custom dentures starts with the dentist taking impressions of your upper and lower jaw and matching the color of your existing teeth to the replacement teeth in the denture.  The impressions and other instructions are sent to a dental lab where your partial dentures are made to exact standards.  It is then returned to the practice and adjusted for comfort and fit with the patient.

Here are some tips on how to care for your mouth and gums while using dentures:

1. Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and to help remove plaque.
2. Regular dental checkups are needed so we can examine your mouth and dentures to ensure a healthy and comfortable fit.

Dr. Simon Melcher with Implant and General Dentistry has extensive experience with fitting dentures and partial dentures.  If you need dental work done, including dentures or partial dentures, then please contact Dr.Melcher with Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh today: 919-782-0548.