7 Things You Want Your Implant Surgeon to Know About

Set yourself up for dental implant success by talking to your implant surgeon.

Dental implants impact a whole lot more than just your smile. As a solid tooth restoration option, they affect many other aspects of your oral health. If you are considering dental implants, there are a few things your implant surgeon should be aware of.

If you have been visiting the dentist regularly, these conditions should be documented in your dental records. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to bring them up in a discussion with your dental implant surgeon to learn how your implants could interact with them.

1. Overall and Preventive Dental Health

Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement options in existence. The implant is rooted solidly in your mouth, performing the function of a real tooth in almost exactly the same way. No other teeth are affected by the implant and no special care is required.

However, patients generally need to have good dental health in order to get dental implants. Your implant surgeon will probably already be able to tell if you haven’t been keeping up on your preventive dental health. Even so, be honest about your hygiene habits. It could have a significant impact on the success of the procedure.

2. TMJ and Alignment

Do you suffer from jaw pain? You may have a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This is the hinged joint that connects your jawbone to your skull.

TMJ problems can be exacerbated by missing teeth. Without the necessary support, it’s easy for the bone to become misaligned. If you suffer from a TMJ disorder or suffer from undiagnosed jaw pain, discuss this with your surgeon. It’s very possible that dental implants will help diminish or even eliminate TMJ pain by helping to realign your jawbone properly.

3. Chronic Medical Conditions

This one is important because chronic medical conditions could affect the success of the implant procedure and they won’t necessarily appear in your dental file.

After implantation, the jaw is given time to heal and the bone should fuse to the titanium post. Unfortunately, some inflammatory conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) impede this process. Discuss any chronic medical issues with your surgeon to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure.

4. Gum Disease

For the same reason as above, dental implants cannot be placed if you are having problems with gum disease. The inflammation in your gums can inhibit the implant from healing and fusing properly to the bone.

Your surgeon will probably notice if you have gum disease but be sure to mention it anyway. If you don’t have an active flare-up, but struggle with gum disease often, it’s good to let your surgeon know about that too.

5. Smoking

Smoking is horrible for your dental health. The habit yellows your teeth and leaves you more vulnerable to gum disease. It also keeps you from healing as quickly or effectively as you should.

If you are a smoker, you should seriously try to quit before you get dental implants. While implants will not fail in 100% of smokers, the likelihood of implant failure is higher.

6. Bone Conditions

Another major factor in predicting implant failure is the health of your jawbone. You need to have enough healthy bone to properly support and fuse with the implant.

Your dental surgeon will, of course, evaluate the health of your bone at the proposed implant site; however, if you have any of the following conditions, you should make sure your surgeon is aware of them:

7. The Uniqueness of Your Smile

Finally, your dental surgeon should know what you love about your smile—what makes it uniquely yours. This is particularly important when you are getting full dental implants because you’re replacing all your teeth.

Some people might have a particular quirk or look to their smile that they don’t want to lose during the procedure. However, your surgeon won’t know to preserve that look unless you’ve told them!

Finding the Best Dental Implants

Dental implants have become a fairly routine procedure. They are an excellent tooth replacement method and most people are eligible for them.

You can control some of the risk factors for implant failure—such as smoking or poor dental hygiene; however, one of the major factors is the experience level of the surgeon. That’s why a casual Google search for “all-on-4 dental implants near me” is not the best way to choose your surgeon. Instead, look for someone with plenty of experience and a good track record with successful implants.

Give us a call today to learn more about the people who offer the best dental implants in East Norriton, PA, or book your first visit today!

10 Ways Monitoring Overall Health Can Support Your Dental Health

Preventive Dental Care

Your oral and overall health are intimately linked.

Did you know that your dental health and physical health are intrinsically linked? When you take the time to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, you aren’t only keeping your smile bright and healthy, but you’re also contributing to your general wellness.

Today, we’re discussing that connection in greater detail. Read on to discover 10 ways monitoring your overall and dental health can keep you feeling great and looking your best.

1. Keeps Inflammation Low

Inflammation is your body’s natural protection against outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. It can occur in your mouth, as well as other areas throughout your body, including your lungs and digestive tract. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep your inflammation levels low. These include eating healthy, anti-inflammatory foods and reducing your consumption of refined sugars and trans fats.

This same approach can also help you ward off inflammation in your mouth, keeping your gums healthy. Loading up on fruits and vegetables and reducing your sugar intake are great steps for your dental health!

2. Lowers Stress Levels

When you’re stressed, it can affect your physical, mental, and dental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might notice the following signs in your body:

Racing heartbeat
Excessive sweating
Headache
Blurry vision
Chest pain
Stomach or digestive issues
Dizziness

At the same time, stress can also take its toll on your teeth and gums. Oral conditions linked to stress include:

Jaw issues
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Cold sores
Poor oral hygiene

Stress can also lower your body’s natural immune response, which can make you more susceptible to periodontitis. Finding accessible ways to lower your stress levels is a great move for your overall wellness.

3. Facilitates a Healthy Diet

You already know that certain foods are better for you than others. In your quest to be as healthy as possible, you may decide to stick to fruits, veggies, dairy, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Coincidentally, these are foods your teeth love! They’re full of nutritious vitamins and minerals that can strengthen your enamel and keep your teeth strong. By eating a diet that prioritizes your physical health, you can also keep your mouth strong and healthy.

4. Supports Healthy Recovery

Ongoing prevention is necessary both before and after any type of surgery. Just as you would prepare yourself prior to any type of invasive medical procedure, you should also take the necessary precautions before a dental treatment.

Take dental implants, for example. Before receiving implants, it’s important to take care of the surrounding area and keep it clean. Likewise, you’ll treat it as a natural tooth after it’s in place, brushing and flossing it with care.

Taking care of your teeth and your body can help make sure any treatment you undergo is as successful as possible.

5. Prioritizes Sleep

Your body has a powerful way of letting you know when you’re not getting enough rest. Physical effects of sleep deprivation include:

Complexion issues
Weight gain
Mood swings
Aches and pains
Memory lapses
Lack of concentration

Likewise, a lack of sleep (or poor sleep quality) can also affect your dental health. Studies show that the amount of shut-eye you get every night is connected to your risk of periodontitis. In general, less sleep can heighten the levels of inflammation in your gums because your body produces more inflammatory hormones when it’s running on fumes.

6. Increases Your Water Intake

Each person requires a different amount of water each day to stay healthy. The different factors that contribute this number include:

Your weight
Your activity level
Your diet
Your location
Your overall health

In general, experts recommend around 15.5 cups of fluids a day for men and 11.5 cups for women. Water helps eliminate waste, regulate your body temperature, lubricate your joints, and protect your sensitive tissues.

It’s also great for your teeth and gums! When you focus on getting enough water per day, you help keep your gums hydrated and comfortable. You also help your mouth produce more saliva, which rinses away food and neutralizes bacterial acids, preventing cavities and gingivitis. So, drink up!

7. Keeps Drugs and Tobacco Away

If you’re on a mission to improve your physical health, you know that drugs and tobacco are substances to avoid. Not only can they attack and damage your internal systems, but they can also be addictive, leading to long-term health battles.

Your oral health will also thank you when you kick these unhealthy habits to the curb. Tobacco and abusive drugs are linked to a host of dental issues, including:

Dry mouth
Teeth grinding
Increased rate of periodontitis
Increased risk of oral cancer

This is one of the first steps you can take when you’re ready to get your health back on track.

8. Helps You Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity increases your risk of developing many chronic health conditions, including:

High blood pressure
High LDL cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Osteoarthritis
Stroke

Did you also know that weight management is an important part of dental care? Studies have shown a link between obesity indicators and those with poor oral health. Specifically, researchers found that this condition increases your risk of developing gum disease.

Finding safe, healthy ways to manage your weight is key to optimizing your overall wellness. Light exercise and a healthy diet are excellent ways to stay on track.

9. Increases Physical Activity

You don’t have to run a marathon every year, but engaging in about 30 minutes of low-impact activity every day is great for your health! From walking and dancing to yoga and sports, there are plenty of ways to stay active.

When you make this a priority, you’re also doing your mouth a favor. First, it keeps inflammation low and helps ward off periodontitis. It also keeps your BMI levels in check, which can lower your risk of developing dental health issues.

10. Minimizes Processed Foods

As you monitor your overall health, you’ll likely cut out many processed junk foods. While these foods might delight you, keep in mind that they achieve this effect by purposefully triggering the “pleasure centers” in your brain.

In reality, they’re low in fiber and protein and high in unhealthy ingredients, like refined grains and added sugars. By minimizing these foods in your diet, you can reduce the amounts of processed sugars and carbohydrates you eat. This can minimize your risk of developing a cavity. Bacteria love to feed on food particles from sugary or starchy foods if they’re left unbrushed in your mouth!

The Value of Monitoring Overall Health

The 10 steps above can help you keep your physical health in check. They’re also critical to your oral health! By monitoring your overall health and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your whole body feeling great, including your teeth and gums. As you take these next steps, our office is here for your family.

Review our website to learn more about the treatments and services we offer, and contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What Is the Difference Between a Prosthodontist and a Regular Dentist?

Restorative Dental Care

There are many dental professionals that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

A doctor who specializes in teeth is a dentist, right? Since the teeth are such a small part of your body, it might surprise you to know that there are various specialties in dental care. For example, there are distinct differences between a prosthodontist and a general dentist and specific situations in which you would want to see one or the other.

Curious about the difference? If you’ve got one or more missing teeth, you’ll especially want to know. Read on to find out when you should visit a prosthodontist instead of your regular dentist.

A Prostho-What?

First, let’s discuss what this funny word is all about. “Prostho” means replacement. You may recognize it from other words, such as “prosthetics.” The “dontist” part means it has something to do with your teeth.

Really, it’s right there in the word. A prosthodontist is someone who specializes in tooth replacement and restorations from anything as basic as one tooth to replacing all your teeth and gums. They work with a variety of procedures, including dental crowns, implants, bridges, dentures, and more.

What’s the difference between a prosthodontist and a regular dentist?

You may know that most general dentists offer some of these services, like crowns, bridges, and implants. This may lead you to wonder why you should visit a prosthodontist. Well, there are a couple of distinct differences that make a prosthodontist a better choice, particularly for difficult restorations.

More Education

First up, prosthodontists have more education. On top of regular dental school, they spend another three years training and studying in a CODA-accredited graduate program. These folks are the experts when it comes to dental reconstruction and restoration.

A regular dentist may be able to fashion a bridge and install a dental implant, but when you have significant bone loss or other factors that make your situation more complex, you’ll definitely want the extra knowledge of a prosthodontist on your case.

More Training

On top of more extensive dental education, prosthodontists also spend more time in rigorous training. Prosthodontists learn everything there is to know about state-of-the-art dental technology and techniques. They spend countless hours learning about the human jaw, the dynamics of smiling, and other topics in order to treat complex dental conditions.

To be certified, a prosthodontist must pass an in-depth exam conducted by the American Board of Prosthodontics. Dental technology moves quickly, so they are also required to keep up with new technologies as they emerge. To ensure they are remaining current in their fields, prosthodontists must recertify every eight years.

A General Dentist’s Focus

As you can see, a prosthodontist spends more time learning and has more practice designing and creating complex restorations. A general dentist’s goal is to maintain your oral health. While they can install bridges and implants, their primary focus is on keeping your entire mouth healthy.

They spend more time cleaning your teeth, filling cavities, checking for abnormalities, and performing other routine tasks, so they don’t necessarily acquire the specialized expertise of a prosthodontist. However, if you need your teeth cleaned, whitened, or need to have a cavity filled, a general dentist is the perfect dental professional.

When should you see a prosthodontist?

Seeing a general dentist for a simple dental crown or implant is totally fine. However, if your situation is more complicated, it’s better to choose a prosthodontist. It’s also likely that your dentist will refer you to one rather than take on a project that is out of their area of expertise.

A prosthodontist will be better able to create a restoration that will be comfortable, look natural, and stay strong for many years. They can also perform jaw surgery and create prosthodontics to replace or reinforce your jawbone after bone loss or an injury. A regular dentist doesn’t work with the highly specialized technology and techniques that are required in complex cases such as these.

Are you in need of prosthodontic care?

Whether you’re dealing with tooth loss, a dental issue you’ve had since birth, an injury, or TMJ, prosthodontics can help. With the right care, you can improve your smile and your overall health.

If you’re suffering from any of the above conditions and you’re in need of prosthodontic care, Bentz Dental can help. We offer everything from bridges and dentures to implants and full mouth reconstruction. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services.

10 Advantages of Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants

Restorative Dental Care

Are All-on-4 dental implants right for you?

Did you know that approximately 30% of Americans between 65 and 74 years old have no natural teeth left? But older adults aren’t the only ones whose teeth might need some extra care. Over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million have no teeth at all. But is there more than one way to replace a tooth? You may have heard of implants, All-on-4, or implant-supported dentures and wondered why there are multiple options. You just want your teeth back!

The truth is many factors go into deciding which option is best for you, and an experienced implant surgeon like Dr. Bentz can help you understand your best options. Your overall health and dental health, how many teeth you need replaced, and other factors help your doctor guide you to the best option for you.

For many people who have lost all their teeth, All-on-4 dental implants are a great tooth replacement option. Let’s look at 10 advantages you can expect from All-on-4 dental implants.

What are All-on-4 dental implants?

A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is inserted into your jawbone. This post is allowed to fuse with the bone and provides an excellent replacement for your tooth’s natural root.

When you have lost all your teeth, replacing them one by one with individual implants can be time-consuming and costly. However, All-on-4 implants consist of an entire customized arch mounted on just four posts.

1. Teeth That Look and Feel Natural

Perhaps the number one selling point for All-on-4 dental implants is their natural look and feel. The “root” gives them the same strength as natural teeth and helps to support your jawbone and facial structure.

No one looking at you will be able to tell that all your teeth are fake — unless you tell them. Plus, they are so comfortable that you might even forget after a while!

2. Eat What You Like

With dentures and other tooth replacement options, you often have to be aware of what you eat. Sticky or crunchy foods are a particular challenge, and accidents can happen. However, All-on-4 teeth are firmly rooted in your jawbone.

You won’t want to go overboard and chew on ice cubes every day, but you can generally enjoy all the foods you love without worrying about your teeth.

3. Easy Maintenance

Do you brush and floss your teeth daily? Great! That’s all you have to do to maintain your implants.

It’s impossible to get cavities in the false teeth themselves, but that doesn’t mean you can be lax about your dental hygiene. Brush and floss to ensure that bacteria doesn’t build up in your mouth and cause gum disease.

4. Avoid Health Issues

A solid tooth replacement option like All-on-4 implants helps fend off periodontal disease. While you typically might worry about periodontal disease as it concerns your oral health, it can also affect other parts of your body. For example, there is a link between periodontal disease and major health problems, like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

5. Support for the Jawbone

Your jawbone needs teeth to support it. Without this support, the bone will begin to degrade. As the bone wears away, it will cause the face to sag, resulting in that iconic droopy face look you sometimes see in older adults.

6. Prevent Bone Loss

Implants are an excellent way to support the jawbone and prevent bone loss. Furthermore, implanting the titanium posts can stimulate the regrowth of lost bone.

Some people may have lost enough bone that they’ll need bone grafts to provide enough healthy bone to support the implant. Others can simply have the implants installed and allow the bone to repair itself.

7. Take Years Off Your Smile

Gaps in your smile and the resulting bone loss can make your face sag. This is a visual cue to how old you are, even if we don’t realize it overtly. Want to appear younger? Get some implants to fill the gaps and support your facial structure.

8. Self-Esteem Boost

It doesn’t do much for your self-esteem to walk around with a gap in your smile. It’s even worse when most or all of your teeth are missing. All-on-4 dental implants instantly give you a self-esteem boost by restoring your smile to its former glory (or becoming even better).

9. Permanent Solution

Dental implants mimic natural teeth and are rooted firmly in your mouth. As long as you take proper care of your implants, you can expect them to be a permanent solution to your dental woes. Most people do not have to have their implants redone over the course of their lives.

10. Cost-Effective

At first, All-on-4 dental implants can seem more expensive than other tooth replacement options like dentures. However, as we just mentioned, implants can last your whole life. Dentures will wear out and need to be replaced every few years. You might pay a little more up front for your implants, but you’ll pay a lot more over the course of your life if you have to replace your dentures several times.

The Best Dental Implants

By now, you might be Googling “how much do All-on-4 dental implants cost near me?” This option offers an amazing array of benefits but only if they’re installed correctly. Reach out to the dental experts at the Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center. We’ll help you decide on the perfect tooth replacement option for your situation.

June 2021