Complete General Dentistry

There are many reasons people lose their teeth. Some may be because of an accident; others may be due to an illness. There are also those who lose their teeth as a result of aging or poor oral hygiene. But regardless of the reason, the effects are the same: people with missing teeth often feel less confident about themselves, and at the same time, their ability to chew is also affected.

At Children & Adult Dentistry, we have many patients who come to our office looking for a solution to missing teeth. Our dentists can restore the function and aesthetics of your teeth by implementing either a partial or full denture treatment plan depending on your needs.

Advantages of Dentures

Also referred to as false teeth, both full and partial dentures offer several key advantages:

The denture’s tooth portion is comprised of ceramic material or a comparable material, so it’s durable and strong. The base is made of acrylic, which ensures comfort when worn over the gums.

Full Dentures vs. Partial Dentures

Full dentures are composed of a full set of lower and upper teeth. This type of denture is recommended for patients who have lost all their teeth or if the remaining teeth have deteriorated and need to be removed. Partial dentures, on the other hand, fill the spaces created by a few missing teeth and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.

What to Expect

Obtaining dentures entail several appointments with your dentist in the course of several weeks. Your dentist will first get impressions and measurements to create your custom denture. Once the denture is ready, you will need to fit it, and it will be adjusted as necessary to ensure proper fit, color, and shape.

In the beginning, you may notice an increase in the flow of saliva in your mouth as well as some soreness and difficulty in chewing. These are normal and will subside after a few days. Your dentist will provide you with care instructions, and by caring for them properly and visiting your dentist regularly, your dentures can last a very long time.

Alternative to Conventional Dentures

Patients who do not like the traditional metal-based dentures can opt for flexible partial dentures that are not rigidly attached to your remaining teeth. This type of denture feels more comfortable and natural-looking because of its design, materials, and fit. Flexible dentures can also be made faster than conventional dentures.

If you have missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for dentures. Please call our Fort Myers dental office at (239) 939-7070 to schedule an appointment.

Losing one or more teeth can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can affect your smile, your ability to chew, and even change how you look.

If you’re looking for a permanent solution to missing teeth, dental implant restoration may be the answer. With implant restorations, you no longer have to suffer the effects of missing teeth due to aging, periodontal disease, decay, or an accident. You can regain the beautiful smile you once had and feel more confident about yourself.

Facts About Dental Implant Restorations

1. Implants are durable and long-lasting. The implant will fuse to your jawbone so it won’t become loose even after many years of use. In fact, if properly maintained, it can last a lifetime.
2. Implants look and feel very natural. Unlike dentures, implants are anchored and fused to the bone. Over time, you will even forget that they are there. In addition, they are also designed to mimic the look of your natural teeth, so no one will ever know you’re using restorations.
3. Implants are a healthy solution to teeth loss. There’s no need to reduce the structure of neighboring teeth, so an implant doesn’t damage healthy teeth.

With dental implants, you will have a better-looking and more confident smile, and more importantly, you’ll be able to chew your food properly and utter your words clearly.

The Procedure

During the procedure, the dentist will make an incision on the affected site and insert the implant inside where it will fuse with the jawbone. This process takes 2-6 months, after which the implant will replace the old root and serve as an anchor for the dental crown/artificial tooth.

Then, your replacement tooth will be designed, shaped, and measured. Once it is ready, you will be scheduled for an appointment to attach the new tooth to the implant.

You will be able to chew and speak normally after the procedure is done. For those who are missing several teeth, your dentist will recommend an implant-supported bridge.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants are among the most popular options for those who are missing one or more teeth. That’s because it several advantages that dentures do not. Take a look:

• Dental implants can enhance your overall appearance. The replacement teeth will look and feel natural in your mouth.
• Implants are very secure. They fuse with the jawbone, which makes them permanent fixtures so you don’t have to worry about your replacement teeth becoming loose at the most inopportune moment.
• It boosts your self-confidence. When you have missing teeth, you become very embarrassed to smile or open your mouth in public. Fortunately, you will feel more confident about talking to other people at work or in social events with an implant.
• You’ll find it easier to eat. This is due to their secured position in your mouth. Dentures can slip, which makes chewing food much more difficult. Dental implants, on the other hand, retain much of the biting force of natural teeth.
• You feel comfortable and at ease wearing them. It takes time to get used to wearing dentures, and they can be rather painful at first. Even as time passes, there will still be some level of discomfort. But this is not something you have to deal with when you have dental implants.
• You can speak clearly. It’s common to slur or mumble when you’re wearing dentures, especially if they don’t fit properly. Dental implants don’t slip at all, and so you’re able to speak more naturally and clearly. You don’t have to make adjustments to correct your speech.
• They’re convenient. There’s no trouble wearing dental implants because you can treat them just like your natural teeth. There’s no need to use adhesives as you would for dentures, nor would you have to do anything else to maintain them other than to floss, brush and gargle. Of course, we also highly recommend that you see your dentist every 6 months so he can check on them.
• It’s good for your oral health. With implants, we won’t have to prepare adjacent teeth for them, unlike with bridges which require the removal of some dental structure to make way for the bridges.
• Dental implants are durable and long-lasting. In fact, with proper care, they can last for a lifetime.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Certain factors must be considered to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants.

Our dentist will first look at the health of your jawbone. There should be sufficient bone density where the implant will be placed so as to support its installation and integration. Your gums must be in good health as well.

You’re less likely to be a suitable candidate if you have received radiation therapy to your head or neck area. If you have a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes, the dentist may advise you against opting for dental implants. Smoking can also hamper the success of the implants, along with poor oral habits like teeth grinding and lack of oral hygiene.

It’s also important to take note that while dental implants may be cost-effective in the long run, the initial expense is higher than dentures. Most dental insurance policies also don’t cover dental implants.

In any case, a discussion with your dentist can ascertain whether dental implants are indeed the best solution for you.

If you’re missing a tooth or several teeth and you are looking for a permanent solution, call our office at (239) 939-7070 so we can assess your teeth and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implant restorations.

Mouthguards are used for several different reasons, including to protect your teeth when you participate in contact sports, treat loud snoring, and prevent damage to your teeth as a result of teeth grinding. There are different types of mouthguards, depending on their function.

1. Athletic or Sports Guard – This type of mouthguard is worn by those who enjoy contact sports like rugby, lacrosse, and football. This device protects their teeth while playing. Custom athletic guards are comfortable and lightweight, and they offer better cushioning to the wearer.
2. Night Guard – This is worn by people who tend to grind and clench their teeth while sleeping. You can get a customized nightguard from your dentist to ensure that it can really do its job of protecting your teeth without compromising your comfort. Alternatively, you can also request an Invisalign night guard, which has a slimmer design than a standard custom night guard, and these appliances are invisible, so they can be worn even during the day by those who frequently clench and grind their teeth.
3. A night guard can also relieve pain in the jaw and joints for those who have TMJ. Dentists likewise recommend using a nightguard to protect expensive dental work such as implants, crowns, and bridges, which can be damaged by teeth grinding. Orthodontic patients are advised to wear night guards as well so their teeth won’t shift or drift out of position.
4. Snore Guards – Snoring occurs when the soft tissue at the back of your throat vibrates. What a snore guard does is to reposition the lower jaw forward so that your airway will be opened wider for the passage of air, thereby preventing you from snoring.

Whether you need a mouth guard to protect your teeth when you play contact sports, prevent damage to your teeth due to frequent grinding and clenching, or to stop snoring, you may call our office at (239) 939-7070, so we can create a custom mouth guard that fits you comfortably.

Often, sleep apnea remains undiagnosed for a very long time. The reason for this is that it cannot be diagnosed during a routine appointment with your doctor, and there are no laboratory tests to find out if you have this condition. Usually, you will find out you have sleep apnea from a family member or your partner. If sleep apnea is suspected, you may request a sleep study from your physician.

Types of Sleep Apnea

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This occurs when the muscles in your throat relax during sleep. The airway is blocked, resulting in pauses in breathing. The blockage in the airway also creates loud snoring. People who are overweight are likely to develop OSA, as well as children with enlarged tonsils.
• Central sleep apnea (CSA): This type of apnea occurs when your brain is unable to send proper signals to the muscles to regulate your breathing. With CSA, the patient doesn’t typically snore.
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSAS): This occurs when an individual has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

Sleep Apnea can lead to the following health problems: