Dental implants are the best option for replacing teeth. If you have teeth that have been broken, or missing, or if you are experiencing issues with dentures, dental implants could be a better solution for you. Dr. Davis encourages dental implants because they are more permanent than other options and can be more comfortable. Depending on oral care and other lifestyle choices, dental implants will last a lifetime. Choosing dental implants over other solutions can be a tough decision, but our team at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute can help answer your questions and devise a plan tailored to your situation.

Why Implants?

Replacing a tooth can help a patient’s self-esteem, correct chewing patterns, and prevent bone in the jaw from deteriorating. Dental Implants are used when a patient is missing a tooth or multiple teeth. They are the closest to natural teeth because they are made of porcelain which resembles the hardness and appearance of natural teeth. The implant is comprised of three separate parts:

1. Implant: Titanium or zirconia post resembling a screw embedded into the jawbone and serves as the root for the new crown. The post bonds with teeth through a process called osseointegration. 
2. Abutment: This is a fastener to hold the implant to the crown. 
3. Crown: The crown is a false tooth mounted to the abutment providing the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth. 

Dental implants are sturdy and meant to have some wear and tear as time goes on. However, the crown is the most visible piece of an implant, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Implants located at the back of the mouth are used more frequently, which means they will wear more quickly than an implant near the front. The abutment and the crown are most commonly damaged and replaced. Replacing either of these pieces is inexpensive and can be done relatively quickly. Be sure to notify our office if you are experiencing any discomfort from a damaged implant. 

Increase the Longevity of Your Implant

Dr. Davis recommends regular brushing and flossing for all his patients, especially those who have received an oral implant or any oral procedure. Assuming that you are attending routine checkups and maintaining a proactive oral hygiene routine, the screw portion of the implant should last a lifetime. The crown section of the implant lasts about 10-15 years before you may need a replacement due to normal wear and tear. Depending on the age you receive your implant, you may never need to replace a crown. 

Along with your oral hygiene habits, other things factor into the overall maintenance of your implants. Your lifestyle and diet choices can affect your overall oral health. Drinking and smoking are leading causes of gum disease which can adversely affect your implants, not only the crown but also the tissue surrounding the implant abutment or ‘screw.’ 

In the end…

Dental implants can be a life-changing decision on the road to improving your quality of life and oral health. Maintaining your implants is very important in increasing their longevity. As you learn to care for your implants, be strict with your oral hygiene habits and adjust your lifestyle where necessary. This could help your implants last longer than the projected 10-15 years. If you are considering implants or experiencing discomfort with a previous solution, consult Dr. Davis and his experienced staff at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute to discuss an effective treatment plan.

If you have the same problem, you might be attempting to decide whether dental implants, dentures, or another option is the best replacement method for you. Dental implants are always our top recommendation when making a decision. Providing a permanent replacement for a missing tooth or teeth, dental implants provide many advantages over a number of your alternative options. For your better understanding, here is a list of the three benefits of dental implants to make your choice a little bit simpler:

Dental Implants Work Like Natural Teeth

The similarity between dental implants and your natural teeth in appearance and function is one of their most well-known advantages. Dental implants are practically impossible to notice when they are placed correctly. Dental implants are permanently affixed to the jaw and do not cause discomfort, in contrast to removable dentures that can be uncomfortable for the wearer.

Dental implants offer the highest stability level when inserted into your jawbone. As a result, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods, speaking normally, and having elevated self-esteem. You would not have to feel nervous using them, as they provide you with the most natural look and feel.

Provides You Reliability

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance due to their permanent nature. Fortunately, maintaining your implant is easy. Take care of the implant using the same brushing and flossing techniques for your natural teeth.

Removable dentures require extensive care and maintenance to ensure the desired result and reliability. They also might require replacement after a short while due to their temporary nature. This is why dental implants are a reliable and trustworthy option.

Enhance Your Oral Health

Tooth loss might significantly impact the general state of your mouth’s health. When you lose a tooth, your gums start to recede, further enabling the teeth to shift. This weakens your jaw bone, which poses serious problems for the remaining teeth. Dental implants give the jaw stability and stop the neighboring teeth from moving.

Your teeth require proper support and maintenance that dental implants can only provide. As they are fixed permanently in your mouth, your teeth and oral health receive the enhancement and improvement needed to function properly.

Conclusion

Dental implants are sure to provide your teeth and oral health the reliability, functionality, and support it needs. For your teeth, you need a permanent and lasting solution that can provide you with the stability your teeth require.

Suppose you are looking for a lasting and reliable dental clinic that can provide you with the most optimum dental implants. Contact our experts at Shawn B. Davis, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute.

Dental implant surgery is a popular procedure that can fully restore your smile and provide a secure device to eat solid, hard foods. Beloved because of its permanency and easy care routine, dental implants are often put in place with ease and can last up to a lifetime. If you are considering having the surgery done, you may be wondering what the process looks like and how the recovery goes. Here are 5 tips on recovering from dental implants.

1. Control bleeding.

After dental implants, a small amount of bleeding is normal in the following 24 hours of surgery. Keeping your head elevated, use gauze to gently bite down and reduce bleeding. Pressure can be applied for 30 minutes, but be cautious that you are not biting hard. It should be a gentle application of pressure, and not painful. 

2. Manage pain.

Dental implant pain management is important for your health and well-being following the procedure. If you have a painkiller approved by the surgeon, take them on the suggested schedule. You can also use cold packs or heating pads, gently pressed against the mouth to alleviate pain. Cold packs can also help ease swelling and bruises.

3. Maintain oral hygiene.

This step is critical in your healing journey. Maintaining oral hygiene will help prevent infection and will promote efficient, fast healing. Rinse with warm salt water to fight bacterial growth.

4. Get enough rest.

When your body is healing it needs more rest than an average day. Be sure to not schedule any commitments the day of or immediate days following your dental implant surgery. You should rest as much as you can the day of, and be sure to avoid physical activities for several days until you feel better.

5. Take prescriptions. 

If you are prescribed antibiotics, a mouthwash, or painkillers, be sure to follow your surgeons instructions precisely. This will ensure your highest chances of having a successful recovery.

Conclusion

If you have any questions about recovering from dental implants, or need to see an oral surgeon, contact Shawn B. Davis at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, (435) 238-7083 today.

All-On-4 Explained

In simple words, an All-on-4 dental implants procedure is different from a conventional implant procedure. All-on-4 refers to the addition of four dental implants by replacing either the upper or lower set of teeth. Replacing the natural set of teeth due to decay, missing teeth, or any other reason allows a professional surgeon to strategically place four dental implants. These four dental implants then act as mechanical support for a new fixed set of teeth to be added to either the lower or upper part of the jaw.

The All-on-4 dental procedure is one of the most effective ones currently aimed at solving missing teeth issues for patients. Let’s dive into more detail to understand the benefits and several implications of the All-on-4 procedure. 

Conventional Dental Implants vs All-On-4

In All-on-4, the surgeon inserts a new set of fixed teeth on either the lower or upper jaw (gum line). However, to fix and place the new set of teeth permanently into the mouth, the surgeon inserts four small titanium screws. The said screws are inserted strategically to act as support for the new set of teeth. Those titanium screws can support either a single tooth or teeth set effectively. The titanium implants form the foundation inside the gums of the patients by fusing with the patient’s jawbone.

Previously, the conventional dental implants involved total rehabilitation with the help of 6-8 implants. Plus, the surgeon would use a full-fixed bridge. The conventional dental implants procedure required the patient to have sufficient jawbone density and mass. But, that’s not the case with an All-on-4 dental procedure.

According to the procedure, the All-on-4 dental implants process allows a professional surgeon to perform sleep dentistry. By giving IV sedation to the patient, a surgeon is allowed to make their patient less uncomfortable and anxious.

The All-on-4 dental implants consisting of four small titanium screws don’t rely on the jawbone alone as a single source of support. Instead, the longer implants can anchor at the underside of the cheekbone.

Dental Implant Failure: Major Causes for It

Several risk factors and causes can lead to dental implant failure during or after the procedure. Those causes include:

• Implant Misalignment
• Failed Osseointegration
• Nerve Damage
• Ineffective Dental Impressions
• Implant Failure (Poor Quality)
• Allergic Reactions (Foreign Body Reaction)

However, you must know that these risks won’t be there when a professionally trained and educated surgeon is taking care of you.

Conclusion

With the help of Dr Shawn B. Davis, DMD at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, find out if you qualify for an All-on-4 dental procedure. As established above, you must have a certain level of bone density and mass preserved in your jaw to ensure the implantation of titanium posts. They will fuse perfectly if your jawbone is dense and strong. On the other hand, you can trust Dr Davis, DMD, with all your oral surgeries and treatments.

Being in practice for a couple of years now, we provide the most convenient dental and facial services. Set an appointment with Dr Davis, DMD at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute today. Call us at (435) 628-1100 to learn more.

You may be in two different paths of life. Perhaps you already have dentures and they are no longer serving the exact purpose you need, so you may wonder about opting for dental implants instead. On a different path, maybe you are to the point of losing your teeth or wanting to swap them for a set of artificial teeth to better your oral health or ability to eat. Here we will walk you through the differences of the two; dentures vs. dental implants.

Dentures Key Facts

Dentures are a teeth and gum set made of artificial material. The sets are carefully formed to your mouth and have a unique shape to sit in place without causing you discomfort. Dentures can be full or partial, so they can replace all of your teeth, or some of your teeth that may be missing or extracted. Most dentures are made of porcelain, plastic, or hard resin and they last roughly 5 years but will need replacing as they wear away over time or may chip if dropped.

Dental Implants Key Facts

Dental implants are surgically placed systems that sit in the jaw bone. They are used to change a person’s smile or to restore your ability to chew and eat regular, solid foods. The implants hold fake teeth securely into place. They can last up to a lifetime but it does depend on the materials used and how well they are cared for once put in place.

Conclusion

The choice of what to do with your teeth is always a decision that should be up to you and based upon your oral surgeon’s expert recommendation. Whether you decide to get dentures or dental implants, you can trust Shawn B. Davis at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute to take good care of you. Contact the office today to get started: (435) 238-7083

All-on-4 are dentals implants that can replace an entire set of teeth with only 4 implants. This modern, simple design makes for a speedy recovery and a beautiful smile. It is also one of the most cost effective options to restore a smile to a healthy, attractive state. If you plan to have this surgery, knowing how to prepare for it is important. 

Before All-On-4 Surgery

Before your surgery be sure to talk to your surgeon about how you can best prepare for the upcoming procedure. Your oral surgeon wants the procedure to be as successful and painless as possible so they will have specific instructions on what to do before entering the office on your surgery day.

Immediately Following All-On-4 Surgery

Immediately after your oral health surgery, your surgeon will have careful instructions for you to give your mouth the best chance at recovering fully and quickly. You can expect to:

• Avoid hard, solid foods. You will need to be one a liquid diet for a time period following the surgery in order to not irritate, damage, or injure your gums and implants.
• Use all of the prescribed medication or mouth rinses you receive from your surgeon.
• Gently brush the new teeth but be sure to avoid sore gums and incision points. Keeping regular oral hygiene practices in place will avoid future complications and infection.
• Regularly rinse your mouth after eating and throughout the day. A warm water and salt mixture typically does the trick and fights bacterial growth.

Final Procedure

After your first procedure receiving the implants and prosthetic teeth, you will again visit your oral surgeon to have your permanent dentures implanted. This final surgery takes place typically months after your first visit to give your mouth time to heal from the implants. You again will need to keep your mouth consistently clean and follow all of your oral surgeon’s instructions.

Conclusion

All-On-4 surgery requires several visits with your oral surgeon and will carry a recovery time of a few months. Still, it is a simple, safe procedure that will give you a permanent, gorgeous smile that can last a lifetime. If you are interested in getting All-On-4, contact Shawn B. Davis at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute (435) 238-7083 to answer your questions and discuss your future!