Category

Restorative Dentistry

parts of dental implant

Why We Offer Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Most people think about missing teeth as an aesthetic issue, but as dental professionals, we understand that missing teeth can significantly impact a person’s oral health. Just one missing tooth puts you at a much higher risk of developing gum disease and cavities, not to mention the negative impacts it can have on your overall wellness and appearance.

A missing tooth can also cause the rest of your teeth to shift. The neighboring teeth will likely move into the empty spot, and even the tooth adjacent to it will lengthen. This creates a domino effect, and before you know it, many of your teeth have moved away from their proper positions.

Replacing the missing tooth is the only way to avoid these problems.

While there are several options for replacing missing teeth, like dental bridges and dentures, most dentists recommend dental implants.

At Magic Smiles, our compassionate dentists work with each patient to create a personalized restorative treatment plan. Here are three reasons why we recommend dental implants to our patients:

1. Dental implants replace the tooth root.

Unlike any other restorative option, dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth. This is important because the root is responsible for keeping the jawbone intact and strengthening the tooth crown.

Like a natural tooth, the implant inserts into the patient’s jawbone. The bone and the implant create a permanent bond during a natural process called osseointegration. This fusing-together process may take up to six months. Once complete, the dentist can place a crown, bridge, or denture on top of the implant and abutment.

As a result of osseointegration, the jawbone is restored to its natural strength, patients can avoid facial sagging due to atrophy, the neighboring teeth are less likely to experience decay, and their restoration should never require replacement. None of these things can be said about other dental restorations!

2. Dental implants restore function.

Having just one missing tooth makes chewing and talking much more difficult. With dental implants, these functions are fully restored as if the natural teeth were never lost.

This is mostly due to the osseointegration process we explained earlier. As the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone, it creates a long-lasting, durable anchor that frees patients of food restrictions and speech impediments.

Unlike dentures, dental implants provide comfort and stability that keeps them from moving and shifting denture patients so often complain about. This problem isn’t just uncomfortable and painful, its also embarrassing. Dental implants allow patients to avoid these issues while experiencing the complete function of their new restorations.

3. The dental implant procedure is highly successful.

Past studies have found that the dental implant procedure is 90-95 percent successful when they are placed by a skilled dentist. The importance of choosing a dentist who has years of experience with dental implants cannot be stressed enough.

These dental professionals know a good candidate for implants when they see one, and they can spot any risk of complications that may occur during or after surgery and work to avoid it.

Though unforeseen complications do arise, they are few and far between. Most can be avoided when the patient takes proper care of the surgical site during the healing process.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today

To learn if you are a candidate for dental implant surgery, contact our team to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate dentists. We can’t wait to help you gain a beautiful, fully functioning smile again!

Call (02) 6654-0650 to speak with one of our friendly dental team members.

person flossing teeth

Caring for Dental Crowns

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Teeth that are weak, damaged, or decayed can be restored with dental crowns. These restorations are custom made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, metal, and zirconia. Crowns are versatile and can restore natural teeth as well as dental implants.

Our Coffs dentists place dental crowns at Magic Smiles. Our surgery proudly serves Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, and surrounding communities. Here, our team will offer tips and tricks for prolonging the life of your new restoration.

What’s the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?

On average, crowns last between five and 15 years. However, as dental materials continue to advance, crowns are lasting longer and longer. In fact, with appropriate care and maintenance, dental crowns can last 30 years or longer.

Part of preserving your dental crown is taking good care of it. In the sections that follow, we’ll discuss how to properly clean your restorations. We’ll also offer some recommendations for reducing the risk of damage.

Cleaning Dental Crowns

Fortunately, dental crowns don’t require a lot of additional maintenance. However, there are certainly some guidelines that can help your restoration last a long time:

  • Brush two to three times a day. Whether you have restorations or not, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you have porcelain or zirconia crowns, however, it’s important to choose a toothpaste that won’t damage the surface. Some toothpaste formulas have harsh ingredients, which cause micro-scratches in the crown. It’s best to choose a formula without baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Floss daily. Clean between the teeth every day. This can be done with traditional dental floss, but there are other tools available as well, such as interproximal brushes and dental picks. If your crown is supported by a dental implant, be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate proper flossing techniques.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash. While crowns don’t decay, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable to cavities. An antibacterial rinse can help protect the teeth from harmful bacteria and promote overall oral health.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. You should see your Coffs dentist routinely for exams and cleans. During these visits, we can assess the health of your crown and ensure it’s still in good condition. Professional cleans will also remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas.

Other Maintenance Tips

In addition to oral health recommendations, there are a few other tips and tricks that will help prolong the life of your crown:

  • Avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Hard foods like nuts and popcorn can actually damage your crown. Taffy, caramels, and other sticky foods can dislodge or loosen your crown. It’s best to avoid these foods altogether. But if you must eat them, try to chew in an area that doesn’t have a crown.
  • Never use your teeth as tools. Opening packages or tearing tags off of clothing can seriously damage your crowns, not to mention your natural teeth.
  • Quit bad habits. If you chew on ice, pen caps, or pencil erasers, it can eventually damage your restorations. In the same way, biting your nails can be detrimental to your oral health.

Learn More about Dental Crowns

If you have dental crowns, proper care and maintenance is essential. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a Coffs dentist at Magic Smiles. Contact us online or call us at one of our three convenient locations.

Woolgoolga

43 Beach Street
Woolgoolga
NSW 2456
P: (02) 6654-0650
[email protected]
Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

    Coffs Harbour

    176 Pacific Hwy, Suite 2
    Coffs Harbour
    NSW 2450
    P: (02) 6652-3242
    [email protected]
    Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
    Sat: 9am-1pm
    Sun: Closed

      Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges: Which is Right for You?

      By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

      Tooth loss can be devastating to your smile and your oral health. Whenever you lose a tooth, it’s important to explore your replacement options as soon as possible. At Magic Smiles, our team offers a wide range of restorative treatments, including dental bridges and dental implants. But which one is right for you? In this informative article, we’ll compare these two treatment options and explore the pros and cons of each.

      About Dental Bridges

      A dental bridge is a multi-unit restoration carved from a solid piece of material. Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, ceramic, zirconia, and more. They consist of two dental crowns on the end with artificial teeth (pontics) in the middle. Dental bridges can replace a single missing tooth or up to three teeth in a row.

      When Are Dental Bridges Recommended?

      Dental bridges are appropriate for just about anyone who is interested in replacing missing teeth. Candidates must have at least one healthy tooth on each side of the space. These natural teeth serve as anchors, which will hold the restoration firmly in place.

      This type of treatment is nonsurgical, so it may be ideal for patients who cannot undergo oral surgery for medical reasons. Patients who consider dental bridges must also be free from gum disease. This type of infection can seriously impede treatment. Therefore, periodontal health should be addressed first.

      Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

      Dental bridges have been around for a long time. They are predictable, and in many cases, they are more affordable than dental implants.

      However, bridges only last about five to 15 years on average, so they will likely need replacing at some point. They also require the alteration of natural tooth structure, which could increase the risk of problems in the future.

      About Dental Implants

      Unlike bridges, which only replace the crowns of missing teeth, dental implants replace the roots as well. This is significant since roots play a major role in preserving bone density.

      Implants are tiny, threaded posts made from surgical-grade titanium. They are placed into the jaw during an outpatient surgical visit. During the healing process, the surrounding bone tissue fuses to the implant post, offering maximum stability. Finally, a dental crown is added. Once treatment is complete, an implant can be used just like a natural tooth.

      When Are Dental Implants Recommended?

      Dental implants are considered the longest-lasting, most successful teeth replacement option. They are recommended any time an individual loses one or more teeth.

      Implants can only be placed in individuals who have fully developed jawbones. Therefore, patients should be at least 18 years old and in good oral and overall health.

      Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

      Dental implants may have a higher up-front cost than dental bridges. However, they can last a lifetime with proper care. For this reason, implants are considered a fantastic investment.

      Unlike dental bridges, implants require oral surgery. Patients who do not want to undergo a surgical procedure may wish to pursue other options. However, most individuals agree that the benefits of dental implants far outweigh the risks.

      Contact Magic Smiles for More Information

      Is tooth loss affecting your smile and your confidence? Our team at Magic Smiles can help determine a treatment option that will meet your needs. To learn more about dental bridges or dental implants, schedule an appointment at one of our two office locations serving Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

      Woolgoolga

      43 Beach Street
      Woolgoolga
      NSW 2456
      P: (02) 6654-0650
      [email protected]
      Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
      Sat: Closed
      Sun: Closed

        Coffs Harbour

        176 Pacific Hwy, Suite 2
        Coffs Harbour
        NSW 2450
        P: (02) 6652-3242
        [email protected]
        Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
        Sat: 9am-1pm
        Sun: Closed