Dental implants are used to replace missing roots and support replacement teeth, which may be fixed to the implant(s). Or you may be able to take them out yourself. Implants are not for everyone. You must be in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implant(s). You must be willing to see your dentist or dental specialist several times until the work is done, and take very good care of your implant(s). In addition, implants can cost more than other kinds of replacement teeth.
It’s normal for bone to shrink if it no longer has teeth to support. Because an implant sticks to bone, the bone is less likely to shrink. But if you have been missing teeth for some time, you may have lost bone. A bone graft can build up the bone so it can support an implant. When a bone graft is done, bone is added to the area where your jawbone has shrunk.
Here’s how an implant is done:
Step 1
Your dentist, oral surgeon or periodontist will put a small metal post into your jawbone.
Step 2
Over time, the post will bond with the bone around it.
Step 3
The post (or implant) will act like an anchor to hold one or more false teeth in place.
Because implants stick to the bone, false teeth attached to implants look and act much like natural teeth. But implants are not as strong as natural teeth. You must brush and floss your implant(s) very carefully. Be gentle, but make sure you brush all sides of your implant(s). A toothbrush that has longer bristles at the tip may help clean behind your implant(s).
Floss very carefully at least once a day. You will need to be gentle with the floss where the implant meets the gum (called the gumline). You may find a floss threader useful for cleaning this area.
Not only is Invisalign versatile, helping to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues, but it really works. And there are over a million smiles to back that up. But a confident smile isn’t the only benefit of correcting your dental issues with custom-made Invisalign aligners—your health can be positively impacted as well. Learn more about several common issues below that an experienced Invisalign doctor can work with you to correct.
A balanced and nutritious diet is good for your general health and your dental health. Without the right nutrients, your teeth and gums can become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Sugar is one of the main causes of dental problems. The average Canadian eats the equivalent of 40 kg of sugar each year. Here are a few ways to cut down:
* Try to choose sugar-free snacks – see the snacks listed below.
* Add less sugar to coffee or tea (or use sugar substitutes).
* Avoid sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
* Look for fruit juices and drinks with no added sugar.
* Read lists of ingredients when you’re grocery shopping. Honey, molasses, liquid invert sugar, glucose, and fructose are all types of sugar.
* When you do eat sweets, avoid sticky sweets. They cling to teeth and are harder to brush away. Eat sweets with a meal, not as a snack. The increased flow of saliva during a meal helps to wash away and dilute sugar.
* Carry a travel-size toothbrush and use it after eating sweets. If you can’t brush, at least rinse your mouth with water or eat a fibrous fruit or raw vegetables. Or chew a piece of sugarless gum.
Some great-tasting snacks that won’t harm your teeth:
* Plain milk and buttermilk
* Fruit and raw vegetables
* Plain yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese
* Hard boiled or devilled eggs
* Nuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds
* Melba toast
* Salads