5 Factors in Successful Dental Implant Surgery

When it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth and restoring your oral health, dental implants are tough to beat. In fact, they are considered by many to be the superior prosthetic tooth option available today.

Despite myths about dental implants still floating around, the demand for this restorative procedure continues to grow as their many benefits become more widely known. Millions of dental implants are placed annually and the long-term success rates remain well over 90%. You might already be aware of these advantages and that’s triggered your interest in getting dental implants to transform your smile.

If you find yourself dreaming of beautiful dental implants and a full, youthful smile, here’s what you should consider.

1. Number of Teeth That Need to Be Replaced

How many teeth do you need replaced with dental implants? Dental implants can replace teeth individually, meaning one implant post per missing tooth, or they can be used to replace consecutively missing teeth or an entire arch.

Single dental implants are a complete system made up of three parts:  the titanium implant post, an abutment, and a dental crown. They can be used for patients who only have one missing tooth or, if they have a few missing teeth, in different areas of their mouth. When a person has extensive or complete tooth loss, a better solution is to opt for an implant-supported appliance. This allows a prosthodontist to place fewer implant posts per arch while still visually replacing all missing teeth.

2. All-on-4® vs. Traditional Arch Replacement

Extensive tooth loss is a common problem, especially as we get older. Dentures have long been the go-to solution for restoring smiles, but they aren’t without their disadvantages. Prosthodontists now have a few options for helping patients in these situations permanently restore their smile without a high number of implants being needed.

Traditional arch replacement requires healthy jawbone density as anywhere from six to eight or more implant posts will be used to support the prosthetic. The prosthetic used is similar to what a dental bridge pontic resembles, meaning it replicates just the teeth and not the gum tissue.

Another alternative, and one that Dr. Bentz offers, is called All-on-4. This treatment option utilizes only four individual posts on each arch. These implants will support a denture-like prosthetic that beautifully replicates teeth and gum tissue. The advantage of this option is there’s a wider acceptance for candidacy, surgery is quicker and can be done in a single visit. During that single visit, you’ll also have the denture placed, which means you’ll have your new smile in one day.

You’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of traditional vs. All-on-4 treatment with the help of Dr. Bentz. He’ll go over why he believes one is a better choice for you over the other and you’ll come to a decision together.

3. Picking a Prosthodontist to Work With

The single most important thing you can do to ensure your dental implant surgery is successful is to choose the best prosthodontists that you can. Every facet of your dental implant restorations rides on the skills and experience of the prosthodontist, from the initial consultation to your long-term oral health.

Look for a prosthodontist who is board-certified and has extensive positive reviews for their practice. Visit their website and see what education the prosthodontist has accomplished. For example, Dr. Bentz has had additional training in dental implant placement and many years of success in this field of restorative care. He is also an active member of renowned dentistry associations, showing that he has a passion for prosthodontics and remains up-to-date with the newest developments.

After finding a promising prosthodontist, schedule a consultation or initial new patient visit to get to know them in person. Ask questions, discuss your smile goals, and see how you get along. It’s important to choose a prosthodontist that makes you feel relaxed, comfortable, and—most importantly—heard and respected.

4. Preventing Infection While Healing

After your dental implant surgery is complete, it’s essential to do everything you can to take care of the surgery site and your overall oral health to prevent infection. Though infection and rejection of a dental implant are pretty rare, they can occur when oral hygiene is poor. This could happen if you begin smoking or drinking alcohol, eat hard foods that irritate the implant post, or don’t keep your mouth clean between meals.

Your prosthodontist will give you strict guidelines on how to care for your smile post-surgery. This includes what oral care products to use, how to clean around the implant, and what foods you can and can’t eat. Immediately after surgery, you will need to be very careful with your diet, eating only soft foods and staying hydrated.

5. Maintaining Long-Term Oral Hygiene and Health

Achieving and maintaining optimal oral health is what will help ensure your dental implant restoration will last.

Eat a nutritious, varied diet, drink plenty of water, and limit your daily sugar consumption. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes per session and floss daily. Use oral care products recommended by your dentist and be sure to continue seeing them for checkups and cleanings every six months.

Also, be aware of your gum health. Peri-implantitis—a form of periodontitis unique to dental implants—can lead to implant failure. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, you notice chronic bad breath, or your gums feel tender, consult your prosthodontist right away.

Best Dental Implants Near Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Bentz is a board-certified prosthodontist near Philadelphia, PA, who specializes in dental implant restorations. We also provide comprehensive dental care to meet all of our patients’ needs: from routine preventive appointments to the best in cosmetic dentistry services.

Our welcoming East Norriton, PA, office is outfitted with the latest in advanced dental technology to ensure you have as comfortable an experience as possible. If you’re interested in learning how dental implants can benefit your smile, we invite you to visit our practice for a consultation.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bentz today by calling our office or requesting a visit online.

Facts About Jawbone Health and Implant Surgery

Dental implants are a marvel of modern-day dentistry. They allow prosthodontists to replicate the feel and function of a natural tooth in a prosthetic form with a high success rate and minimal care requirements post-healing.

If you’re interested in dental implant surgery, you’re likely aware that dental implant surgery involves a lengthy healing period that lasts for months. You’ll eagerly anticipate the end of this recovery phase since it marks your surgery’s success. Still, some fascinating things happen during the six months post-surgery, such as osseointegration and bone remodeling.

Here are a few facts about bone health and growth after dental implant surgery.

1. Osseointegration begins immediately after an implant post is placed.

Our bodies are adept at healing themselves. From a papercut on a finger to a broken bone, our bodies begin to heal injuries immediately, even though we can’t necessarily see or feel these things happening at first. The same effect happens after dental implant surgery.

Osseointegration is the process in which your jawbone begins to integrate or fuse with the implant post. The process starts right after the implant post is placed, and in as soon as four days, bone formation is already occurring. Although bone does take longer to completely heal and reform than soft tissue, our bodies take action to trigger the process just as quickly.

2. Titanium is used because it’s uniquely capable of osseointegration.

Dental implant posts are made of medical-grade titanium. Although the posts themselves may vary in design or size, the popularity of titanium remains consistent.

Titanium is favored for dental implants and other medical use because it’s super strong and biocompatible, meaning the likelihood of your body rejecting it is very low. It is also more resistant to the harsh environment inside your body and therefore less likely to erode over time. This, plus its ability to osseointegrate with bone, are the main reasons it remains dentists’ material of choice for implants.

3. Bone grafts may be necessary before dental implants if you lack jawbone density.

Tooth loss from decay or periodontal disease doesn’t just leave a gap in your smile. It also leaves space in the jawbone where the tooth root would typically be anchored. Without the tooth present, the jawbone begins the process of resorption.

Bone resorption happens when the body breaks down bone and reabsorbs it as calcium into the bloodstream. This causes the jawbone to shrink. Unfortunately, this can leave the bone too fragile or shallow for a dental implant. When this happens, a prosthodontist can offer a bone graft before surgery.

Bone grafts use human or animal bone, and sometimes a synthetic material, to build back jaw density. Osseointegration occurs, and the remaining bone fuses with the graft. Afterward, dental implant surgery can move forward as usual.

4. The bone healing process has two distinct phases that take roughly three months.

It takes about six months for the average dental implant to integrate with the jawbone fully.

The bone is healing during the first three months but remains in an “immature” state. The bone will be actively growing and rebuilding, but the initial new bone growth is spongy. As osseointegration advances and the bone fuses with the implant, bone remodeling happens.

Bone remodeling is the process of the body reshaping and rebuilding injured bone or immature, spongy bone. The second three-month phase of bone healing is finalized with a complete remodeling, resulting in a dental implant with mature, dense bone growth.

5. Dental implants stimulate healthy bone structure and natural bone remodeling.

Your dental implant will be considered fully healed after six months, but the bone will continue to mature and strengthen over time.

Most importantly, your dental implant will stimulate your jaw bone, like natural teeth, encouraging healthy bone remodeling and preventing bone resorption. Simply put, your dental implant will keep your jawbone strong through normal oral functions, like chewing.

The benefit of jawbone stimulation also applies to the All-on-4 implant system! Compared to traditional dentures, your All-on-4 smile will be healthier and stronger, with minimized risk of bone resorption.

Lifelong dental implant success begins with choosing the right prosthodontist.

Maintaining a healthy, stable dental implant for life depends on prioritizing oral hygiene, reducing risks of oral disease, and regular dental checkups. But getting to this point is impossible without a knowledgeable prosthodontist.

Choosing a prosthodontist specializing in dental implant surgery, and who continues to expand their education in this field, is the most valuable factor in the success of your treatment.

Their skilled hands will place your implant post precisely using the latest dental technology and tools. Following surgery, they’ll guide you through every step of the healing process and provide support whenever you have questions or concerns. They’ll also have you return for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure osseointegration is on the right track.

Dr. Bentz, a distinguished prosthodontist near Philadelphia, provides this level of superior care.

Schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Bentz today by calling our East Norriton, PA office or requesting a visit online.

What You Eat Can Worsen or Heal Gingivitis

If you have gingivitis, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, nearly 48% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, like gingivitis. Managing gingivitis can be a struggle, but working with dental specialists like the pros at Bentz Dental Implant and Prosthodontic Center can make it easier to keep gingivitis under control and even heal from it.

Professional dental cleanings and dental care are a must for treating gingivitis—so is good oral hygiene, and that includes brushing twice a day and flossing every day. But what you eat also plays a big role in the severity of your gingivitis. When you combine regular dental care with good daily oral hygiene and a healthy gingivitis-fighting diet, you increase your chances of beating gingivitis and preventing periodontal disease and tooth loss.

What you put in your mouth plays a big role in your oral health, so knowing what to eat and what not to eat to heal gingivitis can make a big difference.

What not to eat to heal gingivitis.

There are three primary categories of foods and drinks that you should avoid at all costs if you want to heal your gingivitis. These foods and drinks cause bacteria to grow at very fast rates, and that can make gingivitis worse. If you have gingivitis you should be avoiding the following.

Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can make gingivitis worse because the acid in the food wears down the enamel of your teeth and allows bacteria to thrive. Some acidic foods seem healthy, like citrus fruit or fruit juice, which does contain healthy vitamins, but the acidic qualities makes those foods risky for anyone with gingivitis. Acidic foods that you should avoid if you have gingivitis are:

• Alcohol.
• Any pickled foods or pickles.
• Citrus fruit and citrus fruit juice.
• Coffee.
• Black tea.
• Sodas, including diet soda.

Sugary Foods

If you want to keep your gingivitis under control—or get rid of it completely—then you also need to stop eating sugary foods. This can be tough for some people, but sugar is something that can make gingivitis and periodontal disease much worse. The bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease live on sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more bacteria you will have in your mouth. If you have a massive sweet tooth and you can’t give up sweets, then at least eat sweets that are made with sugar substitutes . But you should try to give up sugar altogether, even if means giving up foods like:

• Candy.
• Cookies and cakes.
• Drinks that contain sugar like smoothies, sodas, and milkshakes.
• Sauces that contain sugars.
• Donuts and pastries.

Even some types of gum contain sugar, so always read the product label before buying a pack of gum and opt for sugar-free options containing xylitol.

Foods and drinks that dry your mouth out.

When your mouth is dry, it can make gingivitis worse. To avoid dry mouth you should stay away from things like:

• Crackers and chips.
• Coffee or caffeinated beverages.
• Energy drinks.

Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated.

What you should eat to heal gingivitis.

It might seem like there’s a pretty long list of foods and drinks that you need to avoid if you want to heal gingivitis. But the good news is that there are still plenty of foods and drinks that you can eat that will help heal gingivitis. You should be eating a lot of these foods to get rid of gingivitis.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 Fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and boost your body’s immune system, which will help your mouth kill the unhealthy bacteria that cause gingivitis. Some foods that are packed with Omega 3 Fatty Acids are:

• Fish.
• Nuts.
• Peanut butter.
• Eggs.
• Yogurt.
• Flaxseed.
• Kale.
• Broccoli.

Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene is another powerful anti-inflammatory. It also gives your body what it needs to make Vitamin A, which in some studies has been shown to heal gingivitis. Foods that contain a lot of beta carotene are:

• Carrots.
• Spinach.
• Lettuce.
• Broccoli.
• Sweet Potatoes.
• Squash.
• Leafy greens.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for good oral health. It also provides a strong boost to the body’s immune system. Citrus fruit is what most people eat to get Vitamin C, but it’s not the only source of Vitamin C. Because citrus fruit can be acidic, people with gingivitis should limit their intake of citrus fruit and eat more:

• White potatoes.
• Bell peppers.
• Strawberries.
• Brussel sprouts.
• Cabbage.

You can also drink herbal teas that have Vitamin C in them.

Regular dental care is also important.

Experts recommend taking a three-pronged approach to managing gum disease. You need to eat the right foods, practice good oral hygiene, and get regular professional dental cleanings and evaluations. For help managing your gingivitis, and the best dental care in Philadelphia, book an appointment with Bentz Dental Implant and Prosthetic Center today.

Our teeth are an integral part of our overall health.

Tooth decay. Gum disease. These things eventually lead to tooth loss. Apart from your physical appearance and how you feel about yourself, tooth loss causes problems with chewing, speaking, eating, and can even affect your health systemically. Tooth loss is linked to medical problems ranging from nutritional deficiencies to diabetes and heart disease. And when a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone quickly starts to deteriorate.

If you’re one of the 120 million Americans who suffers from tooth loss, you have likely started to explore your tooth replacement options. You may have decided on an All-on-4 implant as only four implants are needed to place an entire arch of teeth. Restorative implants will preserve the bone density in the surrounding areas, and help you get your healthy smile back. So what can be expected during this process?

The Placement Process

At Bentz Dental Implant and Prosthodontic Center, a skilled prosthodontist will do the All-on-4 placement procedure. After you are given sedation, the surgery will begin. Any remaining teeth are removed, your bone is smoothed down, and the prosthodontist will place four small titanium screws into your upper or lower arch, depending on which one is being done. The prosthesis is then fitted onto the implants. The entire process takes 2½ hours, and your new set of teeth will be fitted on the same day.

Recovering from the Procedure

It will take a few days for your mouth to heal. It is important to put as little pressure on the site as possible, so don’t spit and don’t drink from straws.

When it comes to pain, you may be wondering what to expect. Everyone is individual in how much pain they experience. Some only need a little ibuprofen; others will need a hydrocortisone prescription. Oozing from the site in the first 24 hours and some bruising and swelling is to be expected. If you have a lot of abnormal bleeding, or begin developing a dry socket—where the blood clot dislodges from the tooth extraction site—contact your surgeon.

You may find that for the first three days, a cold compress and consuming cold liquids/ smoothies help to relieve that pain and swelling. After day three, switch to heat—warm foods and warm compresses.

When it comes to diet, stick to soft foods for the first few days. Avoid foods that are spicy, crunchy, or have seeds in them. After a few weeks, you can start eating whatever you like.

You have good things to look forward to.

After your restorative All-on-4 implant has been placed, you will begin to enjoy the freedom that comes with having a functioning set of teeth. These implants function very similarly to natural teeth, so the stability of the bones surrounding your teeth will be maintained.

With a full set of teeth, problematic speaking and chewing will be a thing of the past.

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of your restorative implants is that you will be able to eat whatever you want. Because All-on-4 implants are strong and secure, there really are no restrictions to what you can and cannot eat.

But before you even get a chance to use your new teeth, you will be aware of the best thing about this All-on-4 implant—your smile. You will have a beautiful new smile that will boost your confidence, make you feel good about yourself, and transform your entire world.

Caring for Your New Teeth

Preventative maintenance is crucial for the success of your implants. While caring for an All-on-4 implant is quite similar to caring for natural teeth, there will be some notable differences in your oral hygiene routine.

The material is less prone to decay compared with natural teeth, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need brushing. You can use any soft-bristled brush and be sure to brush for two minutes. Gum care is especially important. Stimulate your gums to encourage a tight seal. Rubber tip stimulators and water picks are good tools for this; use the water pick every day at the gumline.

When it comes to cleaning in between the teeth, you can floss, however, it’s very important to floss gently and not as deeply as you would on regular teeth. Tiny shreds of the floss can become lodged in the gumline, weakening the seal of your implant. Use interdental brushes and your water pick to dislodge those tiny particles of food between your teeth.

You will still need to get your routine dental exams, go in for your regular cleanings, and maintain X-rays as directed by your dentist. It is very important that the bone density around the gums is monitored. Most of all, don’t forget to smile. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

Are you wondering if All-on-4 might be right for your smile? The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bentz to discuss your options. He can help you find the smile solution for you!

The Lesser-known Uses for Botox

While most people have heard of Botox, it’s usually discussed in the context of cosmetic treatments and Hollywood celebrities. This is because it’s incredibly popular for its ability to smooth out wrinkles, giving skin a younger appearance. But did you know that Botox is also incredibly good at relieving migraine headaches and jaw pain? It might sound strange, but it’s absolutely true! If you’re just learning about this use for Botox, you might not know much about why this treatment is used this way or how it works. To make learning this information as easy as possible, we’ve put together the basics of Botox and how it could relieve your symptoms.

Botox has been relieving headaches for over a decade.

Botox was actually first introduced as a treatment for migraines in 2000 because multiple patients receiving it for cosmetic purposes reported that they’d experienced an improvement in their headaches. The FDA approved Botox for migraine treatment in 2010 after multiple medical studies showed the efficacy of the treatment. And the studies really do speak for themselves! In one study, adult participants reported that the treatment gave them more pain-free days each month and cut down on the severity of their headaches on the days that they had them. Another study noted that after five rounds of Botox treatment, 70% of participants reported that the number of days they usually got headaches each month was cut in half! That’s a huge difference—more than enough to transform someone’s daily life.

But how does Botox manage this? Doctors or trained dentists inject Botox around nerve endings, or pain fibers, that are involved in sending pain signals to your brain during a headache. Once it reaches your nerve endings, Botox blocks the neurotransmitters that send these pain signals. While Botox doesn’t treat the underlying condition that causes migraines, the result is still transformative for many people because it reduces the severity and frequency of headaches and migraines.

It’s also often used to relieve jaw pain.

In some cases, Botox can also be a treatment option if you’re experiencing TMD or severe pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) from clenching or grinding your teeth. Recent studies have shown that the treatment can yield significant results in preventing bruxism, including sleep bruxism, and relieving related TMD symptoms like jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, dental injuries, and more. Botox manages this in the same way that it smooths wrinkles—by relaxing and partially paralyzing certain muscles in your face and jaw, limiting their ability to contract. Much like the way it blocks pain from migraines, Botox does this by blocking nerve impulses.

When you receive this treatment, your dentist targets specific muscles like the masseter muscle, which is involved in chewing. By forcing these muscles to relax, Botox treatments reduce clenching and grinding, which in turn cuts down on the pressure that’s placed on your jaw and teeth. This helps relieve pain in your jaw and teeth, but the reduction in muscle tension can also relieve symptoms like tension headaches and muscle soreness in your face, neck, and shoulders.

Despite the significant difference this treatment can make in your TMJ pain and other TMD symptoms, there are other treatments that you can try before resorting to it. Treatment options like nightguards and orthodontics can improve or resolve symptoms as well. Everyone has different treatment needs and wants, but it may be best to look into these options first. If you have any questions about your treatment options or what might be best for you, you can always schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options.

Botox requires regular treatments for full effectiveness.

While Botox can be incredibly effective for many people, you’ll need regular injections for the best results. You likely won’t experience its full benefits until you’ve received several rounds of treatment. In the same study where 70% of patients saw their headaches cut in half after five rounds of treatment, a little less than half of the patients had seen the same improvement after just two rounds. This just goes to show that sticking with the treatment for a little while to give it a chance is a good idea! Everyone’s treatment needs are different, however, so how often you’ll need to receive Botox will depend on your unique case and symptoms.

Your dentist is a good choice for Botox treatments.

When you think about getting Botox treatments, going to a dentist might not be your first thought. Despite this, a dentist who is trained to deliver injections can actually be a very good choice for this type of treatment. Dentists have extensive training in facial anatomy, so they understand the functions and relationships between the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels in your face. When paired with the considerable training necessary to provide Botox treatments, this knowledge helps them understand exactly where they need to inject Botox and why that location is best, helping them give you the best results possible. When you’re choosing a dentist or doctor to provide treatments, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their training and experience. These kinds of questions are normal—even expected—so a good dentist or doctor won’t mind answering them.

Nowadays, Botox isn’t just a cosmetic treatment for the Hollywood elite—it’s a medical treatment that can transform your daily life by allowing you to experience more pain-free days. Whether you need it for migraines or jaw pain, this kind of transformation can give you the freedom you need to live your life to the fullest again! If you’d like to learn more about Botox, what it can do for you, or Dr. Bentz’s qualifications, feel free to schedule a consultation with us at any time.

Give your mouth time to heal after your dental implant surgery.

In many ways, getting a dental implant is like restoring your missing tooth. They restore the natural appearance, function, and feeling of your missing tooth because with implant surgery they even restore even your tooth’s root. This gives your new tooth natural, deep-rooted stability and protects against future oral health issues like bone loss in your jaw. This is why dental implants are widely considered to be the best tooth replacement option out there!

However, a huge part of ensuring your dental implant procedure is successful is following your dentist’s advice while you heal from implant surgery. Doing this will help you heal faster and give you the best long-term results possible. After all, your jawbone needs time to heal and grow around the titanium metal rod that replaces your tooth root.  Adjusting your diet is one of the biggest ways you can help yourself heal after implant surgery. But what does this entail? To help you understand, we’ve put together a guide on the healing process, including what foods you can eat during it.

Your Diet During the Healing Process

For the first day or two after your procedure, it’s best to follow a largely liquid diet. You’ll experience the most soreness during this period, so it’s wise to put as little pressure on your jaw as possible. It’s a good idea to consume meal replacement drinks, smoothies, soups with soft ingredients, and oatmeal. After this, you can add some soft foods that don’t require much chewing, like a greater variety of soups, potatoes, eggs, and more. You’ll need to stick to this type of food for at least 10 to 14 days.

As time passes, you can slowly add foods that require more chewing, but avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and be mindful about how much soreness your meals are causing. You don’t want your diet to increase your healing time! Generally, you should be able to return to your usual diet about a month after your procedure, though you should still be careful about how much or what you chew on the side of your mouth that has received an implant. We understand that sticking to these dietary changes isn’t easy, but there are plenty of delicious foods you can eat that fit the bill!

Smoothies

Smoothies are healthy, delicious, and often pretty filling, so they’re a great meal for the first few days after your dental implant procedure. When you drink your smoothies, however, don’t forget that you shouldn’t use a straw. Straws create suction in your mouth that could do damage to the surgical site in your mouth. Thankfully, though, there are a lot of absolutely delicious smoothies out there! For delicious, healthy fruit smoothies, you can try this mango smoothie or this antioxidant-rich banana-blueberry smoothie. If you want something a little different, this spiced persimmon smoothie is a delicious, nutrient-rich option. It only has six ingredients, all of which are pretty easy to find — even persimmons are stocked in a surprising number of grocery stores these days. Smoothies are pretty versatile, so you can also make a chocolate banana smoothie as a dessert instead of as a main meal.

Soups

If you’re looking for a delicious but filling meal, soups are a great choice with options no matter where in the healing process you are. Plus, they’re the go-to food for when you’re not feeling well, so they’re the perfect recovery food! For the first day or two after your implant surgery, soups like the classic tomato basil soup or roasted butternut squash soup are great options. They’re delicious, healthy, and feel like a genuine meal—all without requiring any chewing! As you begin adding softer foods, you can start eating soups that are a little chunkier. Cheesy potato soup is one of our favorite options, especially because there are so many ways to make it! You can take a little extra time to make it on the stovetop, or you can keep it simple and make it in the crockpot.

Oatmeal

While oatmeal might sound pretty basic, there are a lot of ways you can spice it up to make it interesting and delicious! You can make oatmeal even healthier by adding fruit like blueberries and strawberries and sweetening it to taste, or you can follow a recipe for delicious combinations like brown sugar and banana oatmeal or maple brown sugar oatmeal. These recipes are quick and simple, which is ideal if you’re not feeling up to cooking a huge, complicated meal, but they’re also filling, healthy, and don’t require much chewing! To lessen the amount of chewing you’ll have to do, make sure to cut any fruit relatively small and leave out hard-to-chew ingredients like nuts.

Eggs

Eggs are another great meal that can be a nutritious addition to your menu during the early stages of your healing process. This is mostly because they’re a great source of protein, but they’re soft and don’t require much chewing. Plus, they can be as simple or complex as you want them to be. You can simply scramble some eggs with salt and pepper, then add a little cheddar or Colby Jack cheese if you want to. If you want something that tastes a little different, though, you can make scrambled eggs with extra ingredients like bell peppers and onions. This adds a lot of extra flavor without making it harder to chew, but it’s still incredibly simple and has a quick prep and cook time, which means you’ll still have your meal in front of you in about 10 minutes.

Tuna Salad

This is another easy-to-prepare protein that requires minimal chewing, making it a great choice during your recovery process. If you don’t already have a specific way you like to fix your tuna, there are a lot of great, simple recipes out there that use ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. You can try out this classic tuna salad recipe or this version that includes chopped hard-boiled eggs and red onions. Even better, tuna fish doesn’t create much of a mess at all! This means you’ll be ready to eat in about 10 minutes without having to worry about washing a ton of dishes when you’re done eating.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a nutritious and delicious food that, when cooked in certain ways, doesn’t require much chewing at all. A loaded baked potato is delicious, simple, and doesn’t take much prep—or create much mess—so it’s a great option when you’re recovering from a procedure. You can also go for a sweet potato, which can be sweet or savory and is full of vitamins and minerals your body needs to heal.

Cinnamon Fried Apples

If you’re in the mood for a dessert other than your basic ice cream or popsicles, fried apples are a great way to go. They’re simple to make and feel healthier than some dessert options because they contain fruit, but the cooking process makes the apples soft and easy to chew. This makes fried apples a great way to use apples you can’t eat while you’re healing but that are already in your kitchen. It’s also a great way to make use of apples that have gone a little mealy. Plus, fried apples are incredibly versatile. They taste delicious on their own, as a side dish during dinner, or alongside vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Healing from implant surgery doesn’t have to be a nutritional drag.

While adjusting your diet during the healing process after getting dental implants doesn’t sound particularly fun, there are plenty of delicious options out there. You may discover new recipes that you love so much you’ll add them to your usual rotation of meals. It’s an opportunity to discover new foods while you heal and regain the use of your missing tooth — and the results for the function and health of your teeth will be worth being careful with your diet for a few weeks! If you have any questions about the implant process or what foods to eat after implant surgery, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bentz at any time.

Modern Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common oral health problems in adults. The CDC has found that more than 47% of adults over the age of 30 and 70% over the age of 65 have some form of periodontal disease, from mild gum disease to advanced periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can wreak havoc on teeth, gum tissue, and bone when left untreated. While the numbers may seem grim, there is a silver lining: modern dentistry and its approach to periodontal disease treatment have improved considerably. Dentists like Dr. Bentz can diagnose cases sooner, treat issues more effectively, and repair any damage that has been done.

Thanks to these following 8 advances, periodontal disease is only a temporary obstacle and not a permanent end to a stunning, healthy smile.

1. A greater understanding of prevention, treatment, and systemic connections.

Each year brings new studies, new information, and new knowledge of periodontal disease. While there is always more to learn, dentists who continue to pursue education opportunities are up-to-date on modern approaches to preventing all forms of gum disease as well as the most effective treatment plans for each individual case. Dentists also continue to learn more about vital systemic health connections linked to periodontal disease.

2. More effective antibiotics are available, including topical medications designed for periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is characterized by a severe and often stubborn infection within the gum pockets. Oral antibiotics are usually administered to kill the infection, but overuse of antibiotics can also be hard on healthy oral and gut bacteria needed for the immune system. Topical antibiotics like Arestin® are used in conjunction with traditional scaling and root planing to stop the infection and prevent future infections from occurring.

3. At-home aftercare is enhanced with the addition of antimicrobial trays for continued treatment.

As important as professional dental care is for treating periodontal disease, following up with proper care at home ensures overall treatment success. In addition to maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, dentists can also provide antimicrobial perio trays that will continue to support healthy gums and fight infection.

4. Gum pocket reduction surgery knocks out infection and bacteria more quickly.

The gum pockets surrounding each tooth are where periodontal disease begins. When the gums become inflamed, the pockets swell and open, allowing bacteria to reproduce and thrive. Gum pocket reduction surgery involves surgically moving back your gum line so the underlying tooth roots can be thoroughly cleaned of bacteria, infection, and dead tissue. As a result, your gum pocket will also have a shortened depth to help prevent this from occurring again.

5. Revolutionary laser dentistry allows for precise oral surgery, reduced risks, and faster healing.

In cases of periodontitis, oral surgery is often necessary for gum pocket reduction, removal of dead or damaged tissue, and cosmetic contouring after gum recession. Laser dentistry makes oral surgery a far more comfortable and beneficial process for patients. Not only is your dentist able to precisely treat the trouble area, but you’ll have less bleeding, swelling, and post-surgery discomfort, and you’ll heal faster too.

6. Bone and gum tissue loss can be regenerated through surgical grafts.

Periodontitis can cause irreversible damage to the gum tissue even down to the jaw bone. This leads to tooth loss, a misaligned bite, and changes to the facial shape. Regeneration is possible through bone and gum tissue grafts, and the techniques used now are highly successful. Even with severe damage, your dentist can help rebuild the foundation for a healthy smile.

7. Stunning dental implants can permanently replace damaged or missing teeth.

When tooth loss does occur or a tooth needs to be extracted, dental implants provide a superior prosthetic tooth solution. They are ideal for periodontitis patients after any infection has been healed and necessary bone or gum grafts have taken place. Best of all, dental implants help maintain bone and gum health over the long haul.

8. Advanced dental technology enhances the periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment process.

By using state-of-the-art dental technology, dentists are able to not only diagnose cases of periodontal disease more quickly, but also make the treatment process more comfortable and efficient for patients. Digital X-rays take clearer images of your mouth and produce less radiation; digital CT imaging can help assess your jaw structure and bite alignment; and products like OraVerse reverse numbing so you can carry on with your day after a visit.

Expert periodontal disease treatment in East Norriton, PA.

If you’re located in or around East Norriton, PA, Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center will help you recover from your periodontal disease, and continue to care for your smile with a complete menu of services. To book an appointment with Dr. Bentz, you can either call our office or use this online form.

What to expect during your full mouth rehabilitation.

Full mouth rehabilitation is an incredible form of restorative care that allows people just like you to recover from extensive damage and missing teeth. Every treatment plan is uniquely designed to fit your needs and help you achieve your smile goals, but each plan can be broken down into a series of basic steps.

Here are the 10 steps involved in a typical full mouth reconstruction plan.

Step 1: Consider your personal smile goals.

This first step happens before you even set foot in your dentist’s office! By having a general idea of your personal smile goals, you’ll feel much more confident and prepared once this question comes up during your consultation. Think about what aspects of your smile you want changed and what your “ideal smile” looks like in your eyes.

Step 2: Meet your dentist for a consultation.

Choosing a dentist you can trust and develop a relationship with is important in a successful full mouth rehabilitation. Your dentist’s skills, technology, and approach to patient care will have a direct impact on your experience during treatment as well as how the final results look. Once you’ve found a great dentist or prosthodontist, schedule a consultation to meet them and discuss your options.

Step 3: Define what aspects of your smile need help.

During your consultation, your dentist will perform a very thorough examination of your smile. This includes a visual exam as well as some basic X-rays to see your underlying jaw structure. Using this information, your dentist will determine what needs to happen in order to help you achieve a functional and beautiful smile. You’ll also be encouraged to let your dentist know about your own goals for your smile.

Step 4: Evaluate your oral and general health for candidacy.

For most, a full mouth rehabilitation involves oral surgery and invasive procedures like dental implants. Because of this, an important step in determining if you’re a candidate for certain procedures is a health evaluation. In addition to ensuring there aren’t any active infections in your mouth, your dentist will also go over your medical history. Uncontrolled medical conditions and poor overall health could heighten risks, making something like oral surgery potentially unsafe at this time.

Step 5: Discuss the best treatment plan for meeting your goals.

The next step is one of the most exciting! With your smile goals in mind, you and your dentist will determine the best plan of action for treatment. Your dentist will go over which procedures he believes will be the best fit for you and explain what each procedure entails. You’ll also have time to ask as many questions as you’d like if you feel at all concerned or unclear about something.

Step 6: Discuss the treatment timeline and estimated budget.

Once you and your dentist have agreed on the best treatment plan, the next step is discussing the treatment timeline and a rough estimate on costs. Your dentist will explain how long treatment will take and if multiple appointments are necessary. Some procedures, like dental implants, can add months to a full mouth rehabilitation. However, advances in technology mean treatment time can be shortened with same day dental implants.

You’ll also receive a quote on costs, including how much you might pay out of pocket after insurance.

Step 7: Create a schedule for necessary appointments.

After everything is finalized you’ll end your consultation by scheduling your actual treatment appointments. If you need preliminary treatment, such as a bone graft, or you need more in-depth imaging or dental impressions, this will take place before your first actual treatment appointment.

Step 8: Undergo your full mouth rehabilitation treatment!

This next step is when all of your planning becomes a reality! Your full mouth rehabilitation may take place all in one visit or require two to three appointments to complete. As mentioned above, many dental technology advancements have made full mouth rehabilitation more efficient. What once used to take multiple appointments over a month or more can now be done in a single visit!

Step 9: Recover at home and have your initial follow-up visit.

Once your treatment is complete, it’s time to go home to relax and recuperate. Procedures like dental implants require a few months of healing, anywhere from three to six months, before you are fully healed. However, you’ll usually only have a couple of weeks of downtime before you feel like yourself again and you can begin eating a normal diet.

About two weeks or so post-treatment you’ll come in for a follow-up visit to ensure everything is healing properly. If you had dentures placed, you’ll also come back around this time to ensure everything is fitting properly.

Step 10: Final follow-up visit and book preventive care.

About a month or two after your follow-up appointment, you’ll generally come back for one more visit to ensure you’re still progressing as you should. During this time you can also schedule your preventive care appointment visits. We recommend regular checkups and cleanings every six months.

Come see Dr. Bentz for your full mouth rehabilitation consultation.

Dr. Bentz is a skilled prosthodontist who specializes in full mouth reconstructions, dental implant technology, and advanced restorative and cosmetic dental care. Our East Norriton office provides a complete menu of dental care services, from total smile makeovers to routine preventive care.

To learn more about full mouth reconstructions and how it can benefit your smile, you can book a consultation by calling our office or using this online form.