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

What To Do If You Grind Your Teeth At Night

Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaw from time to time. However, teeth grinding and jaw clenching can be very damaging if it is done for an extended period of time.

Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a fairly common problem. Most people do it unknowingly while they are asleep. This condition can cause an eventual wearing down of the tooth surface or in severe cases, loosening and cracking of teeth. If left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can lead to the teeth being worn down to the gum line. In these cases, bridges, crowns, root canals or implants may be needed to restore the patient's teeth.

Additionally, bruxism can lead to jaw problems such as TMD/TMJ. This can even lead to hearing loss and a change in your facial appearance.

Thankfully, bruxism can be easy to combat by wearing a protective mouth guard during the night. If you aren't sure whether or not you grind your teeth at night, contact us to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548. We will examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, which can include jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.

One of the leading causes of teeth grinding is stress and anxiety. If you suspect your teeth grinding is a result of emotional stress, talk to your doctor or contact us about stress relief treatments. Some suggestions a doctor may provide are anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxers or perhaps counseling if you are dealing with something particularly traumatic or stressful.

Other tips for avoiding bruxism:

• Cut back on caffeine and avoid alcohol. Research suggests that grinding intensifies after consuming these substances.
• Avoid chewing gum. Chewing gum essentially gets your mouth "in the habit" of clenching your jaw.
• Be aware of your jaw during the day. If you find yourself clenching or grinding throughout the day, try positioning the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration may be linked to bruxism.
• Try to reduce your stress level, especially before bed. Do something that relaxes you before falling asleep. Avoid exercising or working right before bedtime.

For more information or to seek treatment for bruxism or TMJ, contact Dr. Simon Melcher at 919-782-0548

How to Treat Canker Sores

Nobody likes getting canker sores, but unfortunately, they are a common condition. Even if you practice good oral hygiene, you will likely get a canker sore at least once or twice in your life. Fortunately, they are fairly easy to treat.

Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers in the mouth that can cause discomfort and pain when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. They can be caused by a variety of factors, but there is no definite way to know how a canker sore develops. Tissue injury is thought to be the most common cause, while acidic foods (citrus fruits, figs, tomatoes, etc.) are thought to trigger or worsen the condition. If you have braces or dentures that aren't fitted quite right, you could experience canker sores due to the friction of the dental work against your mouth surface.

Symptoms of a canker sore include a small, painful area within the mouth, a tingling or burning sensation prior to the sore first appearing and, in the case of severe canker sore attacks, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Contrary to what some believe, cold sores and canker sores are not the same thing. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex type 1, are fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus and are very contagious.

Most canker sores will heal on their own after about a week, but to treat the pain and discomfort, a variety of over-the-counter products are available in most drug stores. If you experience canker sores that last longer than a week, seem to be getting worse, or are experiencing other medical symptoms, you should contact us at 919-782-0548.  We may prescribe a special mouth rinse or ointment to treat the sore.

Here are a few suggestions to avoid canker sores:

• Stay away from foods and drinks that irritate your mouth, including acidic fruits and veggies or spicy foods.
• Brush and floss after meals to keep your mouth free of debris that could cause a sore to develop.
• Use a soft-bristled tooth brush to minimize gum irritation.

Make sure any dental apparatus you use is well-fitted and does not cause irritation to your gums, cheeks or soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth).

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the unpleasant result of plaque reacting with sugary and starchy deposits from food. This reaction produces an acidic substance that eats away at your tooth enamel. Over time, this weakens the tooth and will eventually lead to advanced decay if left untreated. Cavities, abcsesses or gum disease are possible consequences of tooth decay.

A few symptoms of tooth decay include pain around the tooth (or teeth), bad breath, white, gray, brown or black spots on the teeth, or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us. Call 919-782-0548 for an appointment.

The best way to avoid tooth decay is to maintain a healthy oral hygeine routine. Bushing and flossing after meals (or at least twice a day) will greatly reduce your chances of tooth decay. In addition to at-home dental care, you should make every effort to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist.

By keeping up with your excellent dental hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular six-month cleanings and check-ups, you will avoid having to come see us for more serious treatments later on!

Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Open It?

A popping sensation in the jaw is not uncommon. It happens most often when people open their mouths wide or when they eat. Unless your jaw locks or you experience pain when this happens, it's probably not something you need to worry about.

The jaw bone is separated from the base of the skull by a pad or disk, similar to the pad in other joints of the body. The primary cause of popping in your jaw is when the jaw bone 'pops' off that pad or disk.

The best way to avoid popping your jaw is to refrain from overextending it and try to be aware of any tension in the jaw muscles. Sometimes that 'pop' is unavoidable and will occur even when you aren't opening very wide. There are also people who are just predisposed to it.

Although an occasional jaw popping without any pain or locking is normal, you shouldn't try to pop your jaw deliberately. This may cause discomfort and possibly serious damage.

If you have more questions about your jaw or your dental health, please contact us at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh to schedule an appointment or consultation: 919-782-0548.

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Dental Insurance at Implant and General Dentistry of Raleigh NC

At Implant and General Dentistry of Raleigh, we want to do whatever we can to make your billing experience as hassle-free as possible.

To ensure this, we do our best to inform our patients of their financial responsibilities up front. We are happy to file insurance claims as a courtesy to our patients, but we ask that they pay for services at the time of treatment.

Due to the changing and developing nature of your teeth and gums, it can be helpful to have dental insurance to help offset costs of treatments necessary to maintain your dental health. Dental insurance will usually cover a certain percentage of most treatments, but depending on your plan, some preventive care services, such as routine teeth cleaning, may be fully covered. Speak with your insurance provider or someone in our billing department for more information.

To learn more, please visit the Dental Insurance page of our website or call us directly at 919-782-0548.

Will Bleaching Damage My Teeth?

A bright, white smile is a great asset. It makes you look healthy and improves your confidence. But many people are nervous about getting their teeth whitened, mainly due the fear of putting any sort of chemical in their mouth. While this is an understandable concern, we want our patients to know that dental bleaching is a safe procedure that should NOT damage their teeth.

Here's how it works: When carbamide peroxide (the active whitening agent) comes in contact with water, hydrogen peroxide is released which whitens the teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize or weaken the teeth, as many people presume.

Of course, bleaching may not be a good choice for every patient. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not have their teeth bleached. Patients with active cavities or gum disease also should avoid whitening - at least until the other issues are resolved.

For more information on teeth whitening services in Raleigh, contact us today at 919-782-0548.