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Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Cosmetic Dentistry Directory

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Long Term Study Reveals 92% Dental Implant Survival Rate

At the 27^th annual meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration, held in Phoenix in early March, a Belgian research team reported the findings of a long term study on dental implant survival rates in patients treated at the Dental Specialist Clinic in Malmo, Sweden between 1987 and 1993. It was one of the first studies to evaluate the long term success of dental implants, and its findings were very positive.

The dental implant patients participating in the study experienced a 91.5% survival rate, and there was an average follow-up time of 18.4 years for each patient. All surviving implants were still supporting a functional single dental crown, and in 75% of the cases the original crown was still in place. The majority of dental crowns that had been replaced were done for aesthetic reasons rather than due to functional issues.

This study reaffirms the widespread belief among the dental community that dental implants offer patients the most effective long term solution for tooth replacement. If nearly 92% of patients are enjoying a functional implant 16-20 years after placement, it is safe to say their procedure was an overwhelming success.

Please contact us today to find an experienced implant dentist near you.

posted by Andrew at 8:21 AM

Friday, September 21, 2012

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

One of the most common questions asked by patients considering porcelain veneers is, “How long will they last?” The simple answer is that porcelain veneers are very durable and with proper care, they can last approximately 10-15 years.

However, there are a variety of factors which may impact how long your veneers will last. One of the most important factors is the skill level of your cosmetic dentist. A highly skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist will know how to properly bond the veneers to your teeth to ensure a secure fit that will not malfunction for many years. However, when performed by a less skilled dentist, the bonding is more likely to be carried out incorrectly, increasing the risk that your veneers may pop off prematurely.

Trauma to your teeth may also shorten the lifespan of your porcelain veneers. In order to ensure this does not happen, you should always be careful when engaging in athletic activities and when appropriate, wear a mouth guard.

Finally, you will bear some responsibility in ensuring your porcelain veneers last as long as possible. It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen consisting of brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. You should also visit your dentist twice a year for your regularly scheduled teeth cleanings. This will prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease which may impact the lifespan of your porcelain veneers

Please contact us today to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.

posted by Andrew at 9:10 AM

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Maintaining Your Tooth Whitening Results

Tooth whitening can significantly brighten your smile, but your results won’t last forever. In order to maximize the duration of your results, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene practices and pay careful attention to the things you eat and drink.

It is best to minimize your consumption of foods and beverages that tend to stain your teeth. These include coffee, tea, colas, red wine, and sugary snacks. When you do drink these beverages, it is best to use a straw. This will minimize your teeth’s exposure to these staining agents and prolong the results of your tooth whitening.

Smoking also tarnishes your teeth. By quitting smoking, you can eliminate the staining caused by nicotine, tar, and the other chemical additives in cigarettes. This will not only preserve your whitening results, but it will also improve your overall health.

Maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen will also help ensure your tooth whitening lasts as long as possible. Brush your teeth after meals or snacks to remove food particles which may stain your teeth. You should also floss at least once a day and rinse with mouthwash once a day.

It is important to remember that a good daily oral hygiene regimen is only part of the equation. You will also need to visit your dentist twice a year for your regularly scheduled teeth cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings will help remove many surface stains that cannot be addressed by daily brushing. This is an important part of maintaining your tooth whitening results.

Please contact us today to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.

posted by Andrew at 1:40 PM

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most effective option to replace one or more missing teeth. Because they replace both the missing tooth and root, dental implants offer a permanent restoration that helps maintain optimal levels of oral health in the future.

Unfortunately, not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will perform a thorough oral health evaluation to determine whether you meet all the requirements of dental implant candidacy. If not, you may want to consider alternatives such as dentures or dental bridges.

In general, good dental implant candidates:

Are in good overall health
Do not suffer from advanced stages of gum disease
Have sufficient jawbone density to accommodate the dental implant
Do not suffer from uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases which may impact the implant’s ability to successfully fuse with your jawbone
Are willing to commit the extensive time necessary to complete the procedure

Failure to meet all of these criteria does not necessarily rule you out as a candidate for dental implants. For example, if you lack sufficient bone structure to accommodate the implant, your dentist may be able to perform a bone graft to correct the issue. Also, many patients with gum disease may be able to get dental implants after undergoing periodontal treatment.

Please contact us today to find a qualified implant dentist in your area.

posted by Andrew at 9:32 AM

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