One of the most natural ways to restore your smile if you have missing teeth is through dental implants. Unlike crowns and conventional bridges, implants are “surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments,” where they “fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture” (American Dental Association).
One of the biggest advantages of such implants is the stability they offer. Because they fuse to the jaw, implants feel secure in the mouth and much more natural.
Since they require extensive surgery, implants may be a good choice for you if you are in good health, have healthy gums, have enough bone to support the implant, and are prepared to take excellent care of your teeth afterward.
The procedure also requires patience: According to the ADA, surgery can take several hours, and many patients must wait up to six months for the bone to grow enough to hold the implant anchor in place. Fittings for the artificial teeth may then take another one to two months. If you are interested in learning more about implants and how they can help restore your smile, talk to your True Dental Discounts plan dentist.
He or she can evaluate your oral health and let you know if you would be a good candidate for implants. If you are, the two of you can work together to determine a plan of approach that fits your budget and that maximizes the benefits you receive through True Dental Discounts.
Showing posts with label dental sealants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dental sealants. Show all posts
Friday, October 17, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
How sealants can save your child’s teeth from decay
One of the best-kept “secrets” when it comes to children’s oral health is the sealant. These decay-preventing treatments are simple, painless, and effective – yet only about one-third of children have them, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sealants are essentially painted on to a child’s teeth and act as a shield against harmful bacteria and sugars. This treatment is especially important for the back molars, as they contain deeper ridges and are harder to clean with a toothbrush.
During the simple procedure, your child’s dentist will clean and dry the targeted tooth. A solution is then applied to roughen the surface of the tooth and help the sealant stick more effectively. Next, the tooth is dried and the liquid sealant is applied. Within a few seconds, the sealant hardens into the ridges of the tooth and is ready to start protecting your child’s mouth from decay. That’s it – really! The NIH suggests that children who get sealants are able to save time and money later on because they have fewer fillings and other decay-correcting procedures. Best of all, with proper care, sealants can last up to a decade.
During that time, if your dentist starts to notice any wear, he or she can reapply the sealant. According to the NIH, the most critical time to apply sealants is as soon as a child’s back molars erupt. This generally occurs between the ages of 5 and 7 for the first set, and again between 11 and 14 for the “12-year molars.” To learn more about sealants and guarding your child’s teeth against decay, talk with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan. It’s one of the most important investments you can make toward your children’s health.
During the simple procedure, your child’s dentist will clean and dry the targeted tooth. A solution is then applied to roughen the surface of the tooth and help the sealant stick more effectively. Next, the tooth is dried and the liquid sealant is applied. Within a few seconds, the sealant hardens into the ridges of the tooth and is ready to start protecting your child’s mouth from decay. That’s it – really! The NIH suggests that children who get sealants are able to save time and money later on because they have fewer fillings and other decay-correcting procedures. Best of all, with proper care, sealants can last up to a decade.
During that time, if your dentist starts to notice any wear, he or she can reapply the sealant. According to the NIH, the most critical time to apply sealants is as soon as a child’s back molars erupt. This generally occurs between the ages of 5 and 7 for the first set, and again between 11 and 14 for the “12-year molars.” To learn more about sealants and guarding your child’s teeth against decay, talk with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan. It’s one of the most important investments you can make toward your children’s health.
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