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  • Taking Good Care of Your Dental Implants

    If you’ve had dental implants in Newton placed, then you already know how amazing these little pieces of modern dental technology really are. With a bit of luck and care, your implants can last the rest of your life. Here’s how to take the best care of your dental implants to protect your investment and your oral health: How to take good care of dental implants by The Dental Office at Chestnut Hill

    Keep Dental Implants Clean
    You’ll need to treat your dental implants virtually the same way you treat your natural teeth. Brush and floss exactly as you do or did with the rest of your teeth, but pay close attention to the gum line. Angle the brush into the gum line to be sure to remove all food particles and bacteria. It can be tempting to slack on oral hygiene since implants can’t decay, but periodontal disease can develop when proper cleaning is ignored. This can lead to a host of other problems, from bone loss to the failure of the implant itself.

    Continue Keeping Dental Hygiene Appointments
    Your dental care staff will let you know how often you should come in for check-ups. It is very important that you keep these appointments. Your dentist can perform deeper cleanings than you can at home, as well as take X-rays of the underlying bone and check the surety of the implants themselves. If necessary, your dentist will make adjustments to tighten any screws that may have loosened or restorations that aren’t seated properly.

    Follow Your Dentist’s Care Instructions
    Your dentist may have their own recommendations about the best way to care for your dental implants . He or she may also advise you on any special dental tools that may be beneficial for your situation, such as water picks. Never hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of your oral care requirements.

    Dental implants restore aesthetic value to your smile and function to your mouth. Without proper care, however, they can develop problems. Learn proper care techniques from your dental care staff, keep your regular check-up appointments, and never hesitate to visit your dentist if you feel something isn’t quite right.

  • What Problems Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?

    If you’re not completely happy with your smile, you owe it to yourself to learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Newton . With all of the technology, techniques, and procedures available today, there’s no reason anyone should have to live with a smile that’s anything less than their dream smile.

    Cosmetic dentistry can address anything from darkened, yellowed, or discolored teeth to repairing teeth that are chipped or broken. It can also create the appearance of having undergone years of orthodontic work by closing gaps with bonding, veneers, or dental crowns. You can replace old, unattractive metal fillings for more modern tooth-colored restorations. You can even permanently replace missing teeth via dental implants!

    Talk to your dentist today about what cosmetic dentistry may be able to do for you. Just remember the importance of your regular dental care and health, too. After all, a smile can’t be perfect unless it’s healthy.

    What Problems Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix in Newton

  • April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

    Did you know that nearly 9,000 people will die from oral cancer this year? While oral cancer may not be the most prevalent form of cancer, it is certainly a major concern with regard to your oral health near Newton . Unfortunately, awareness surrounding oral cancer, its risk factors, and its treatment is abysmally low. Since April is oral cancer awareness month, here is a bit of what you need to know about the disease, its screening, and its prevention or treatment.

    Oral cancer awareness by The Dental Office at Chestnut Hill What is Oral Cancer?
    Oral cancer is any cancer that involves the mouth and its components, including the lips, tongue, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. It is categorized in head and neck cancers. Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women, but it can occur in any gender, age, and ethnicity group.

    How is Oral Cancer Detected?
    Oral cancer screenings are a painless, non-invasive procedure that can be performed in minutes right in your dentist’s chair. You’ll swish a special rinse inside your mouth for a few minutes, then your dentist will use a special light to look for abnormal tissue. Any potentially cancerous areas will fluoresce under the light. If abnormal tissue is discovered, your dentist will likely recommend a biopsy as the next step. Screenings can be done at your regular hygiene appointments, so ask your dentist about adding this important procedure to your treatment plan.

    Can You Prevent Oral Cancer?
    Many of oral cancer’s risk factors are lifestyle choices that can be changed to reduce your risk. Tobacco use, for example, increases your oral cancer risk dramatically, but quitting can go just as far to reduce your risk . Maintaining a healthy diet and fitness regimen can also aid in prevention.

    How is Oral Cancer Treated?
    The treatment for oral cancer will depend on its exact location, how deep it is, how far it has progressed, and other variables. The good news is that the long-term survival rate for oral cancer that is caught and treated early is favorably high. If you have further questions about any aspect of oral cancer, talk to your dentist today. In the meantime, spread the word about the importance of oral cancer screenings and help raise awareness!

  • The Effects of Tobacco on Your Oral Health

    Smoking and using other tobacco products can severely damage your oral health . The tar and nicotine in these products stains teeth, causes bad breath, and increases the risk for other oral health issues.

    If you use tobacco, you have a higher chance of developing periodontal disease, leukoplakia, and oral cancer. All of these issues are serious and can impact your oral health and your overall health.

    Learn more about the risks of oral cancer in this video. Schedule regular appointments with your dentist so you can maintain your oral health in Newton and avoid any issues with periodontal disease, leukoplakia, and oral cancer.

  • A Look at the Dental Implant Procedure

    Dental implants help patients replace missing teeth so they can restore the aesthetic appeal and the function of their smiles. If you and your dentist have decided that you should get dental implants in Newton, keep reading to find out what you can expect from the procedure:

    A Look at the Dental Implant Procedure Newton The Initial Exam
    Before you can get your dental implants, your dentist must thoroughly examine your mouth to see if you have enough jaw bone left to serve as the foundation for your dental implants. This exam will include an X-ray that lets the dentist get a clearer picture of your jaw and the amount of viable bone.

    The Placement of the Implants
    Once the dentist is sure that dental implants will be a good solution for you, he or she will surgically place the implant beneath the jaw . The actual dental implant is a titanium screw that will serve as a new root for a replacement tooth. Since it is placed into the jaw, you do not need to use other teeth to anchor it. Once the implant is in place, it will need some time to heal.

    The Placement of the Abutment
    After the implant has healed and fused with the jaw, the dentist can move on to the next stage of the process. He or she will attach a post, or an abutment, to the implant so it reaches up above the gum line. After this procedure, this area must also heal before the dentist can move on to the final stage of the process.

    The Final Stage
    Once the area has finally healed, the dentist can attach the replacement tooth. This tooth is custom made so that it perfectly matches the rest of your natural teeth. After the procedure is complete, you can enjoy a beautiful smile that gives you full function so you can enjoy the foods that you love. As long as you care for your dental implants and schedule regular visits with your dentist, they can last a lifetime.