Implants in a Day | Dental Implant Center My Scottsdale Dentist

If you suffer from advanced dental disease requiring tooth removal, or are already missing more choppers than you'd care to admit, youre probably well practiced at avoiding your Scottsdale dentist. After all, it's daunting to think about the stages and complexity of care you might need. Fear of the unknown is a familiar obstacle, and fear of your North Scottsdale dentist trumps even that. You may dream of making one visit to a dentist, pain-free, and coming out all fixed a dazzling smile to match your dazzling personality, and strong healthy choppers to boot. One marketable procedure is this process of Immediate Teeth, Teeth in One Day or Teeth in 3-4 Days. These catch phrases refer to a process where dental implants either replace long term missing teeth, or replace teeth at the same time as they are removed. This can happen immediately, or within days which is for all intents and purposes still immediate. So what is this procedure exactly, and is the prospect of bypassing months or even years of treatment with one instant fix, too good to be true?

CONVENTIONAL DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are titanium fixtures that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as a foundation for the attachment of case-designed prosthetic teeth. Titanium is not seen as a foreign body by the bone, and bone cells actually grow onto, and attach, to its surface in a process called osseointegration. Once osseointegrated, implants act as a secure, long term and strong foundation to support teeth against the forces of chewing and the challenges of the mouth's biology. With the advent of the first dental implants, a period of approximately 6 months was given to allow this process to take place, prior to the attachment of teeth. During those months, the patient wears temporary solutions such as removable partial dentures, as we wait for the implants to become ready for the attachment of teeth. These days, depending on the design and surface of an implant, and the quality of the host bone, this process can take as little as 6-8 weeks. This means that where appropriate, teeth can be made to attach to the implants much earlier. Impressions (or digital scans) of the implants can be made within the framework of the mouth, and a laboratory fabricates the teeth under the direction of the dentist or dental specialist. A variety of materials can be used in this process to suit the case, including zirconia, precious or non-precious metals, porcelain, composite resin and acrylic. Commonly porcelain is skillfully layered and shaded as a cosmetic overlay over a stronger metal or zirconia foundation.

IMMEDIATE IMPLANTS

With modern advances in the understanding of the biology of bone and soft tissue healing in relation to implants, and the advent of bio-material and digital dentistry solutions, it has become possible to carry out implant placement and related jaw surgical procedures, and make teeth to attach to the implants, immediately before the implants have actually integrated in the bone. This has led to immediate techniques becoming the favored or default approach of some operators (including yours truly).Advantages of this approach include preserving as much of the original gum and bone anatomy of the teeth as possible, and the obvious cosmetic outcome of having a nice full smile straight away. But this approach is more technique sensitive and requires precise criteria to be met to ensure success. The patient also has to avoid the area of the immediate implant teeth in their chewing or a period of 2-3 months. If it's a full set of immediate implant teeth, then it's important that the patient sticks to a liquid-soft diet for that time. After the 3 months, a normal solid diet can be resumed and the implant teeth can be treated as capable of full normal function.

TEETH IN A DAY/TEETH IN 3-4 DAYS

This terminology is used to describe the concept of having dental implant replacement surgery and attaching new teeth to those implants on the same day, or within a few days. Generally speaking, for individual teeth a same-day approach is very sensible. But for full sets of teeth, allowing a 3-4 day process to be carried out ensures that the immediate teeth can be made in more advanced techniques, to optimize and precision design the cosmetics and longevity. Teeth that are attached on the same day are, by limitations of technique and materials, not as long lasting. One technique of replacing teeth with implants in 1-4 days is called the All-on- Four technique. This is an increasingly popular and cost effective method of reconstructing entire sets of missing or badly diseased teeth instantly, predictably and beautifully whilst avoiding the traditional pitfalls and cost/time requirements of bone and tissue grafting which prepared the jaws for implants. The All-on-Four uses specially angle dim plants (usually 4 in each jaw) positioned strategically in a manner that allows a full set of teeth to be immediately attached.

IMMEDIATE OR STAGED IMPLANT SOLUTIONS: THAT IS THE QUESTION.

The well-trained dental implant specialist at My Scottsdale Dentist would have this technique as one of many in their treatment options. The key is to assess you for your own unique conditions and circumstances, and make a well-informed decision. Despite the possibilities of immediate teeth, there are still conditions where such a solution may not be the wisest solution. Examples would be insufficient bone volume or quality (in some cases), poorly controlled diabetes, heavy grinding habits or heavy smoking. In such situations extra time, and steps, are taken to ensure a successful outcome. In many other cases, under the hands of Dr. Poulos of My Scottsdale Dentist, and with respect to the conditions required to ensure success, immediate teeth or teeth in a day can provide a predictably successful, convenient, cosmetically and even biologically superior solution. A review of the dental implant literature confirms that the experience, knowledge and skill of the operator in the process of immediate implants is an important factor in ensuring success. So as always, choosing the right doctor for the job is paramount. If instant new implant choppers are what you're after, consult the doctors at My Scottsdale Dentist who carries out immediate implant and teeth in a day/teeth in 3-4 days procedures such as the Immediate All-on-Four solution, routinely, with good out comes. My Scottsdale Dentist could advise you if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, or if practicing patience for a staged approach to treatment is better for your case.


Post Date: January 31, 2014

My Scottsdale Dentist | Oral Cancer Screening

What are symptoms of mouth cancer? Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips,tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate,sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
  • Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
  • The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
  • Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
  • Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
  • A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
  • Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice
  • Ear pain
  • A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
  • Dramatic weight loss
If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.

Who Gets Oral Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk. It's estimated that over 35,000 people in the U.S. received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2008. Risk factors for the development of oral cancer include:
  • Smoking. Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers.
  • Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek, gums, and lining of the lips.
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.
  • Family history of cancer.
  • Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.
It is important to note that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol occasionally.

What Is the Outlook for People With Oral Cancer?

The overall 1-year survival rate for patients with all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers is 81%. The 5- and 10-year survival rates are 56% and 41%, respectively.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

As part of your routine dental exam, Dr. Poulos will conduct an oral cancer screening exam. More specifically, Dr. Poulos & Dr. Stevens will feel for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and oral cavity. When examining your mouth, the professional staff at North Scottsdale & Family Cosmetic Dentistry will look for any sores or discolored tissue as well as check for any signs and symptoms mentioned above. Dr. Poulos & Dr. Stevens may perform an oral brush biopsy if he or she sees tissue in your mouth that looks suspicious. This test is painless and involves taking a small sample of the tissue and analyzing it for abnormal cells. Alternatively, if the tissue looks more suspicious, My Scottsdale Dentist may recommend a scalpel biopsy. This procedure usually requires local anesthesia and may be performed by Dr. Poulos or Dr. Stevens. These tests are necessary to detect oral cancer early, before it has had a chance to progress and spread.

Post Date: January 30, 2014

Facts on Periodontal Disease | My Scottsdale Dentist

Facts on Periodontal Disease | My Scottsdale Dentist

What is Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontal Disease is the more advanced stages of gingivitis or gum disease.

Gingivitis is caused by bacteria in plaque build-up. The bacterium causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed during tooth brushing. During this phase, the gums may bleed but the teeth themselves are not affected and no serious irreversible bone damage has been done.

If left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontal disease. When the disease get's to this point, the inner layers of the gum and bones begin to separate from the connective tissue that secures the teeth in place leaving small pockets. These small spaces collect debris and become infected. The body will fight the infection as the plaque spreads below the gum line.

Toxins or poisons -- produced by the bacteria in plaque as well as the body's "good" enzymes involved in fighting infections -- start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. When this happens, teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become loose, and tooth loss occurs. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease. These include:

  • Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
  • Illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or HIV that interfere with the immune system. Because diabetes affects the body's ability to use blood sugar, patients with this disease are at higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease and cavities.
  • Medications can affect oral health, because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums. Some drugs, such as the anticonvulsant medication Dilantin and the anti-angina drug Procardia and Adalat, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
  • Bad habits such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
  • Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing on a daily basis, make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
  • Family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. The symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.

Even if you don't notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Dr. Steve Poulos of My Scottsdale Family Dentist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.

How Does My Scottsdale Dentist Diagnose Gum Disease?

During a dental exam, Dr. Steve Poulos typically checks for these things:

  • Gum bleeding, swelling, firmness, and pocket depth (the space between the gum and tooth; the larger and deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease)
  • Teeth movement and sensitivity and proper teeth alignment
  • Your jawbone, to help detect the breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated? 

The goals of gum disease treatment are to promote reattachment of healthy gums to teeth; reduce swelling, the depth of pockets, and the risk of infection; and to stop disease progression. Treatment options depend on the stage of disease, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health. Options range from nonsurgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgery to restore supportive tissues. A full description of the various treatment options is provided in Gum Disease Treatments.

How Can Periodontal Disease Be Prevented?

Gum disease can be reversed in nearly all cases when proper plaque control is practiced. Proper plaque control consists of professional cleanings at least twice a year and daily brushing and flossing. Brushing eliminates plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that can be reached; flossing removes food particles and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Antibacterial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease, according to the American Dental Association.

Other health and lifestyle changes that will decrease the risk, severity, and speed of gum disease development include:

  • Stop smoking. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for development of periodontitis. Smokers are seven times more likely to get gum disease than nonsmokers, and smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments.
  • Reduce stress . Stress may make it difficult for your body's immune system to fight off infection.
  • Maintain a well-balanced diet. Proper nutrition helps your immune system fight infection. Eating foods with antioxidant properties -- for example, those containing vitamin E (vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli, potatoes) -- can help your body repair damaged tissue.
  • Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth. These actions may put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could increase the rate at which these tissues are destroyed.

Despite following good oral hygiene practices and making other healthy lifestyle choices, the American Academy of Periodontology says that up to 30% of Americans may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. And those who are genetically predisposed may be up to six times more likely to develop some form of gum disease. If anyone in your family has gum disease, it may mean that you are at greater risk, as well. If you are more susceptible to gum disease, Dr. Steve Poulos of My Scottsdale Dentist may recommend more frequent check-ups, cleanings, and treatments to better manage the condition.


Post Date: January 20, 2014

Flossing

Many people don't realize the importance of flossing. Flossing in between your teeth is essential for avoiding periodontal disease as well as preventing tooth decay. Periodontal disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and can be easily prevented by flossing. Studies have even shown that flossing can also help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, which is the sticky substance that forms on and in between the teeth. If the plaque isn't removed, it combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat to produce an acid that attacks tooth enamel. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, but only flossing can remove plaque that accumulates in between the teeth. Plaque can also irritate the gums. When the gums are irritated, they bleed easily and become red and tender. If the plaque is not removed from in between the teeth with dental floss, the gums can eventually start to pull away from the teeth. When this happens, bacteria and pus-filled pockets can form and the bone that supports the teeth can be destroyed. Once the bone is destroyed, the teeth will loosen or have to be removed. Flossing your teeth is essential in preventing gum disease.

Post Date: January 11, 2014