dental-implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are fixed into the mouth to replace damaged or lost teeth. They’re a versatile and attractive solution to a smile you aren’t proud of. Can anyone get them, however? We turned to a leading expert in dental implants in Sunnyvale, CA, for their advice.

Not everyone can get dental implants.

To hold dental implants properly, you need to be in good health, have healthy gum tissue without problems, and cannot have previously had any work done on your jawbone. This ensures the base of the implant can be held securely and safely in the mouth. It’s also not really suited to large-scale tooth removals, although implants can be effectively combined with bridges and denture areas to make for a comfortable and secure smile reconstruction.

What happens when a dental implant is used?

An impression of your existing teeth will be made and used by a dental technician to create the implant. The replacement tooth itself is a crown, similar to other dental crowns. It is attached to the post, which is something like a screw bed, which will be anchored into your jaw.

On the day of insertion, you will be given a local anesthetic. An incision is made into the gum, and the post placed. You will have your gum stitched closed, and a temporary cap inserted while it heals. This can take up to 6 weeks. Once you’re healed, the cap is removed and the permanent crown cemented into place.

Dental implants have become popular, as they have no adverse effects on remaining teeth (as a bridge can), and they look and feel like a natural tooth in the mouth. Unlike removable dentures, they’re very secure, too. Although not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, it’s worth bearing in mind if you are.

If you’re looking for dental implants in Sunnyvale, or you’re curious to know more, the team at Sunnyvale Dental Specialty is always here to help.

Why-is-Preventative-Dental-Care-Important
You’ve been urged since childhood to make an annual appointment with your dentist. But other than providing you with a few weeks of desperate flossing and guilt, does this annual visit actually serve a purpose? We turned to a trusted dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, to ask more about your annual checkup and why it matters

Prevention is better than cure

Most of us only pay attention to our teeth or gums when they hurt, so it’s easy to miss the many tell-tale signs of coming trouble. Your dentist, however, is a trained pro and knows exactly what to look for. When you find dental problems early, you can act to head off damage before it gets too bad. You may even be able to reverse the issue altogether! While good brushing habits day-to-day are the secret to great dental health, preventative check-ups prevent little problems from becoming big ones.

Deep cleans count

Did you know that the deep clean your dentist does in your annual checkup isn’t just for show? No matter how diligent you are with your daily oral health routine, over time a hard coating called plaque builds up on the teeth. This plaque eventually erodes your tooth enamel, leading to cavities, and there’s not much regular brushing can do to remove it. It only slows its formation. Your annual deep clean ‘resets’ the teeth and removes plaque you may have missed.

Help and education

Brushing your teeth is simple, but the mouth itself is a complex and fascinating part of the body. When you make a habit of visiting your dentist, you not only learn more about your specific mouth and any challenges you have, but also about your care options. Issues like misaligned teeth or impacted wisdom teeth don’t have to be suffered through. You can explore your options with your dentist, and proactively stay on top of both cosmetic and mechanical dental issues.

Your annual dental checkup is a vital part of your overall health. Remember, your dental practitioner wants you to have a happy, healthy mouth and a smile you’re proud of. And if you happen to be looking for a dentist in Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale Dental Speciality is always happy to hear from new patients.