Top 3 Reasons for a Bone Graft

Venture Creative on July 9, 2020

Bone grafts are one of the more common procedures that oral surgeons do because it is a relatively minor procedure that can carry with it a lot of potential benefits. Despite our image of bone as a solid and immovable material, your bones and body are constantly changing throughout our lives, often responding to changes in our bodies. One of the most frequently adjusting bones is the jawbone, and bone grafts can help improve several conditions. The technique involves a minor gum incision to access the bone and then to insert graft material, normally consisting of your own bone. The healing will encourage growth and enable your body to fill in for lost bone and soft tissue material. The question is, what are some of the main reasons this procedure is performed and how does a bone graft address those issues.

 

A Bone Graft Can Save Your Teeth

 

One of the major effects of periodontal disease, like gingivitis, is that in severe cases, it can cause bone loss. This bone loss can actually cause your teeth to become loose and to put you in danger of actually losing those teeth. However, a bone graft can actually help stop the loss of bone and actually regenerate the supply of material supporting the jaw. This will actually provide a boost to bone support, and it can be a big help in allowing you to retain your teeth.

 

Providing Options After Tooth Extraction

 

Bone grafts can also be a common part of another regular oral surgery, tooth extraction. The removal of a tooth obviously changes the landscape of the jaw and can cause other teeth to shift or become loose. Now, during tooth extraction, it’s quite normal to actually put bone graft material in the tooth socket to stabilize the jawline. This also can allow you to choose a dental implant down the road if you choose.

 

Ridge Augmentation – Restoring Your Natural Contour

 

One major concern that a lot of patients have after suffering any jaw altering side effect is how their smile looks. The feeling that your smile looks different can make many self-conscious. Thankfully, one of the major benefits of bone graft procedures is that it can be used to perform ridge augmentation. This fills in the areas around any indents and provides patients with a healthy and natural-looking smile that they can be proud of.

 

Bone grafts are a safe and common procedure that can help bolster teeth and return you to a natural-looking smile and can aid several periodontal ailments. Contact us today, and learn more now!

Exploring the Benefits of Teeth-In-A-Day

Venture Creative on June 19, 2020

Are you happy with your current smile? Have you tried dentures, or are you looking for a better alternative to standard dentures? Due to genetics, disease, or trauma to the teeth, you may need a full cosmetic overhaul of your smile–but dentures? Even the thought of dentures can be overwhelming and disappointing. But there are other options available to you, even if you have been turned away for dental implants.

 

Dentures can be uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and bothersome, but our state-of-the-art oral surgical procedure, All-on-4 treatment, replaces those dentures with 4 perfectly fitted dental implants. This full dental restoration will restore your smile and renew your quality of life by taking the worry and discomfort out of chewing, talking, and smiling.

 

All-in-4 is a better alternative to dentures

 

All-on-4 has a myriad of welcome benefits over other dental restoration services. With our dental restoration services and our other dental services, we are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about a procedure.

 

No more adhesive! No more taking out your dentures to clean or soak them! No more embarrassing slippage of your dentures while you are talking.

 

You won’t have to worry anymore about food that slips beneath your dentures, causing discomfort and unpleasant odor.

 

Sleeping in dentures can cause health problems.

 

All-in-4 can replace yesterday’s dentures with the confident smiles of tomorrow.

 

Here are some of the great benefits you can expect with this one-day dental transformation:

  • All-in-4 is done in one day. Walk out with the winning smile you have always wanted.
  • Offering full-arch restoration and only 4 dental implants are used, which means less healing time for you.
  • With All-in-4 cosmetic dentistry services, you will have a lower need for bone graft surgery.
  • All-in-4 feels like your natural teeth, making it far more comfortable than dentures.
  • All-in-4 looks like your natural teeth. Cosmetically speaking, they are far superior to the often oddly-colored dentures. You can find some before and after pictures and the beautiful smiles of our satisfied clients here.
  • They won’t wear out like dentures can after 5-10 years. One procedure and you are on your way with a worry-free smile.
  • No-worry perfect fit.
  • Better for younger people who do not want the stigma of dentures, but still need cosmetic repair.
  • Advanced, state-of-the-art dental care and technology.
  • No more dentures!

 

All-in-4 Helps people who have been turned away

All-in-4 is perfect for those who have been turned away for other dental implant surgeries. Sometimes bone loss can make dental implant procedures more difficult for those patients. All-in-4 can be the answer for those patients. Not only is it easier to do with less bone, but it can also ensure greater stability for existing bone.

 

This procedure can also remove the worry over the further deterioration of your gum line due to the pressure of dentures and restore your smile. This will work even if you have already suffered bone loss or been turned away.

 

Consider All-in-4 for your winning smile–today!  Give us a call or set up an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.

Tips to Prevent Dental Implant Failure

Venture Creative on December 13, 2019

Dental implants have become one of the most successful options for fixing damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants are, as it implies, implanted into the jawbone. This is one of the reasons they have such a high success rate.

 

There are, however, steps that you can take to help make sure your dental implants do not fail. These steps include maintaining good oral hygiene, paying attention to the foods you eat, avoiding or quitting smoking, and noticing signs of implant failure early on.

 

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

 

In most cases, you won’t even receive a dental implant unless you are a good candidate with a healthy mouth. However, once you receive the dental implant it is extremely important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.

 

Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day followed by the use of mouthwash.  It is also important to visit the dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth cleaned and examined.

 

Pay Attention to the Food You Eat

 

Certain foods can have a negative impact on dental implants. Tough bread, jerky, hard candies, and foods with high sugar content are some of the foods that are important to avoid eating.

 

Avoid or Quit Smoking

 

Smokers have a much higher risk of having dental implant failure. Smoking can cause gum disease, which leads to the implants failing.  Not only is it important to avoid or quit smoking after you receive dental implants, but taking this step before you receive the implants can dramatically improve the success of the implant.

 

Notice Signs of Implant Failure

 

Like most things related to your health, diagnosing the problem early can help you to avoid more serious problems later on. Pay attention to signs like infection, movement of the implant, gum inflammation around the implant, or any type of discomfort dealing with your implant.

 

If you feel any of these things might apply to your implants schedule an appointment to get the implant examined as soon as possible.

 

Dental implants are an amazing solution for lost or damaged teeth. Make sure to take care of your implants to the best of your ability so that you can avoid dental implant failure.

How Implants Reduce Long Term Dental Costs

Venture Creative on December 6, 2019

Before the price of dental implants completely deters you away from them, you may be interested to see how the other replacement options can add up.

 

Bridge Replacements

Over the course of the years of having a bridge placed, you may need to have it fixed or replaced several times. Not only will you find yourself replacing your bridge, but you also have to damage the teeth on the sides. In order to have a bridge placed the dentist must grind down the two healthy teeth next to the missing one in order to make the appliance fit. Grinding down a natural tooth may also cause issues down the road that can lead to costly treatments.

 

Dentures

Dentures are known to be high maintenance. With no natural teeth, over time your jaw bone will start to disintegrate. This will make your denture loose and you will find yourself trying to keep them in your mouth every time you open your mouth too wide. Dentures are also made from a thick chunk of acrylic which tends to be a mouth full for patients.

 

No Replacement

Not replacing missing teeth can put a damper on your appearance and it can affect your bite and make it difficult to eat. You are also more likely to acquire gum disease, TMJ, and decay. Dental bills will start to rack up and you will only experience more and more problems as time goes on.

 

If you are missing a tooth, we strongly advise that you contact the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute at (435) 383-5392. Let Dr. Davis help you bring back that beautiful smile you once had so you can feel confident about your appearance again!

What Happens If I Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

Venture Creative on November 15, 2019

When you lose a tooth, replacement options can be very time consuming and expensive. Healing time and financial concerns are both valid things to worry about. Let us inform you on why replacing your missing teeth is a good investment cosmetically and health-wise.

 

Bone Loss

When you remove a tooth and don’t replace it, it can actually cause bone loss. This happens when there is no root or replacement for bone to form around, so over time it disappears. This is why patients who receive dentures have a “sunken” look to their face because their actual bone is deteriorating.

 

Teeth Shifting

It may sound weird, but your mouth doesn’t like empty spaces! For example, if a lower tooth is missing, the two teeth to the side and above that empty space will try to close the gap.

 

Wear & Tear

Missing a tooth can cause wear and tear on other surrounding teeth. If a tooth is gone the other teeth have to make up for that one from a chewing standpoint, sometimes causing uneven wear of the teeth.

 

Cosmetic

If you have a missing tooth in the front of your smile, it’s not always inviting or aesthetically pleasing. Living with missing teeth can cause the patient to be embarrassed or have low self-esteem. If you have to live without a tooth, know there are replacement options to help you feel like yourself again and get you back to that confident state.

 

Implants

Replacing a tooth with an implant can sometimes be a financial concern, they aren’t the cheapest option on the market. That is because implants are the alternative that is closest to a natural tooth. Studies have shown they are the strongest option and longest-lasting, therefore providing you with the best bang for your buck.

Let the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute help you out! Whether you just lost a tooth, or if you have been missing a tooth for a long time, we will be there from start to finish to help you get your smile back! Contact our office for a consultation today!

5 Ways Dental Implants Can Change Your Life

Venture Creative on November 1, 2019

It can be pretty upsetting when you lose a tooth, even more so if you spend thousands of dollars on replacing the tooth only to have the replacement break or fail. Dental implants are the best option if you want something that is going to last a lifetime if properly taken care of. Here are five ways that dental implants can change your life.

 

Natural

Dental implants look, and believe it or not, feel like a natural tooth. It can be very discouraging and embarrassing when you are missing teeth. Having dental implants can help bring back your confidence and leave you with a beautiful, complete smile.

 

Eating

If you have any teeth that are loose or missing it can make eating very difficult and painful. Dental implants actually help improve the quality of chewing – enhancing eating capability just like a natural tooth would.

 

Long-Lasting

Some replacement options such as bridges and partials don’t last very long until they break and you find yourself replacing the replacement.

 

Implants are integrated into the jaw bone and are made to last a lifetime if properly taken care of. They are known to be strong and durable and have a very high success rate.

 

Easy to Clean

Dental implants stand solo and do not affect the surrounding teeth. That means you can still floss on both sides of the implant and you can brush your teeth like you normally would, therefore being able to maintain the best oral hygiene possible.

 

Convenience

With a traditional denture, you have to remove them every night, and put them back in every morning. With dental implants, they become a part of you and most people claim to forget what tooth is actually the “fake” one.

 

Come visit Dr. Shawn Davis at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to find out if dental implants are right for you!

How To Take Care Of Your Dental Implants

Venture Creative on October 4, 2019

We all know that losing a tooth can be a little frightening. Luckily with today’s technology, a dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth. Just like with any surgery there can be complications or in this case “failed” implants. Taking proper care of your implants post-surgery is essential for proper healing.

 

Soft Foods

Following surgery, you will want to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that the implant is on. If you happen to have multiple implants in different areas of the mouth, you will want to stick to a soft diet for a minimum of two weeks.

 

Foods such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and most pastas are good options for post-operative care.

 

Micromovement is critical to avoid during the healing process. It can be caused by a variety of things such as chewing directly on the implant and aggressive brushing.

 

Good Oral Hygiene

Contamination and bacteria can cause your implant to fail. Keeping it clean is very important. Right after implant placement, your surgeon will prescribe you with an oral rinse that has antibacterial properties. You will want to clean it twice a day by dipping a q-tip into the oral rinse and cleaning around the implant and gums.

 

Once you get the okay from your doctor, you can start lightly brushing the implant with your toothbrush. You will want to wait a couple of weeks to do so due to tenderness.

 

Take an Antibiotic

While infection risk is low if the implants are properly taken care of, taking an antibiotic after surgery will help further prevent any type of infection.

 

Please recognize that antibiotics can interfere with other types of medications. Ask Dr. Davis if you have any questions on conflicting medications.

 

Limit Physical Activity

You will want to limit your physical activity for the first few days to avoid any type of bleeding or throbbing.

 

Dental implants are a phenomenal choice for tooth restoration. Consider implants the same thing as your natural tooth, they require the same amount of brushing and flossing as well as regular check-ups.

 

Call us at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to schedule your consultation to see if you would be a good candidate for dental implants! (435) 220-3101

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Venture Creative on September 6, 2019

If you’re considering dental implants as part of your treatment options, you’ll want the right information to help you make an educated decision about this potential investment. At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute in St. George, Utah, we’re your dental implant experts. Let us help you decide if dental implants will be right for you.

 

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

 

Dental implants are amongst the most permanent solution to missing teeth and they can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years with proper care. The actual amount of time each implant lasts varies from patient to patient, but in most cases, the implant will last as long as your jaw bone will allow it. 

 

How Do You Make Dental Implants Last Longer?

 

Once you receive your first dental implant, it is absolutely vital to make oral hygiene a priority. Regular brushing and flossing habits, as well as visits to your dentist, will all aid in allowing your implants to last as long as possible. Some patients mistakenly think that because they have an implant, they don’t need to take care of their teeth as much, that is not the case.

 

Proper oral care will help to eliminate plaque and tartar build-up and debris from your mouth. A mouth with poor oral hygiene may not be suitable for dental implants due to issues with gum disease and the amount of jaw bone available in your mouth. In short, keep your mouth clean and your implants will last for years to come.

 

Problems That Can Threaten the Lifespan of Your Dental Implants

 

Not only should you take great care of your dental implants, but you should also try to avoid biting down hard on certain foods. Your implant is as strong as a natural tooth, so you should still be careful and aware that extremely hard foods could crack the cap of your implant. 

 

It is also important to understand that anything that could affect the strength and integrity of your jaw bone, could lead to a less effective dental implant. Possible issues could include injuries, disease, and infections. 

 

Getting a Good Start With Dental Implants

 

At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we have extensive experience with dental implants so you can get a great start! Implants involve several steps to complete and Dr. Davis will carefully guide you through each step of the process.

 

Call us today to get the best care possible when it comes to dental implants. (435) 628-1100

 

Why You Should Consider All-On-4 Implants

Venture Creative on August 8, 2019

If you’ve considered receiving your very own teeth-in-a-day, you’ve probably heard of the All-on-4 dental implants before. Dental implants can seem complicated to know if they’re right for you, so here are our top 5 reasons why you should consider All-on-4 dental implants.

 

 1 – Eliminate Health Issues Associated with Infected Teeth

One of the best reasons for the All-on-4 dental implant is to help create a healthier you! This implant will not only improve your eating capabilities, but it will also minimize the risk of bacteria growth, as well as your chance for chronic infection. Periodontal disease has been proven to lead to several other health issues that could mean more than just discomfort in the mouth.

 

2 – Easily Care for Your Teeth

Teeth that have been patched together can often be difficult to maintain and keep clean. The All-on-4 dental implant really does feel like a brand new set of teeth! With daily flossing and brushing, as well as regular check-ups, your brand new smile will stay clean for years to come. 

 

3 – Improve Your Overall Appearance

Imagine if you could turn back the time on your smile to over 20 years ago, that is what the All-on-4 dental implant does! This implant not only makes your smile look great, but it also helps to preserve your facial/bone structure as well. Without missing structure, you’ll have that younger, healthy-looking face that you’ve always wanted!

 

4 – Eat Whatever You Want, Whenever You Want

If you’ve had regular dentures or a smile that lacks the integrity to eat, you’ve probably found yourself wanting to stay home to eat most of your meals. With the All-on-4 dental implants, you won’t have to be embarrassed at mealtime any longer. You can treat them just like your regular teeth and you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods!

 

5 – Get a Long-Lasting Smile

One of the very best parts of having an All-on-4 dental implant smile is how long it will last! It is a permanent set of teeth that you’ll never have to remove. Keep your brand new smile for the rest of your life, now that’s a good investment!

 

Have more questions about what is best for you? Contact us today to ask any questions you may have and set up a consultation to find out if our All-on-4, Teeth-In-A-Day implants are right for you. (435) 628-1100

How Will Dental Implants Affect My Life?

Venture Creative on June 27, 2019

If you have been living your life with temporary dentures or missing teeth, the possibility of dental implants could make a great difference in your life. Dental implant technology is better than ever and will help create a natural-looking, healthy smile. Here are some of the ways that implants will improve your life.

 

Permanent Alignment

-Missing teeth make it difficult for the rest of your smile to stay in line. Setting a dental implant in place of a missing tooth forces the remaining teeth to stay in their position, creating that perfect smile that you’ve been hoping for. This reason in and of itself is enough to heavily consider getting dental implants. 

 

Confidence

-Because dental implants are a permanent fixture, you’ll never have to worry about taking out your dentures and the many complications that come with doing so. Modern dental implant technology allows for your smile to look healthy and natural, just the way you like it!

 

Improved Speech

-One of the greatest benefits that dental implants can have is improving your speech. Proper teeth placement and alignment can go a long way in ensuring that your speech is crisp and clear. 

 

Easier Eating

-Broken or missing teeth can make it difficult to enjoy mealtime. With a permanent dental implant, you can still eat all of your favorite foods and more without all the worry. You’ll be able to eat with confidence knowing that your dental implant can withstand even the toughest of foods. 

 

Overall Health

-Studies have shown that oral health can greatly affect other aspects of your body. Proper treatment of your broken or missing teeth will allow you the confidence you want, and the health that you deserve!

 

Here at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we are Southern Utah’s dental implant experts. We want to make sure you get the treatment best treatment it comes to receiving your very first implants. Let us be a part of your journey, schedule an appointment with us today!

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