What Are The Chances of Dental Implants Causing Gum Disease?

Dental Patient Needing Periodontal Treatment

Do you have missing teeth and are looking for a way to fill in any gaps so that you can smile big and wide again? Dental implants might be the right choice for you! Have you heard horror stories about dental implants being involved with gum disease and that has deterred you from wanting to get implants? Let’s take a look further to see what the causes of gum disease are. A dentist in Allen, TX might recommend alternatives if your gums aren’t health enough to support the dental implant.

Gum Diseases: An Overview

Two of the most common gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection causing inflammation of the gums, which can turn into periodontitis if left untreated. A small space called a sulcus is the area where your gums attach to the bottom portion of your teeth. The space is large enough for food and plaque to get stuck in there causing an infection in your gums. If you do not get your gums checked or treated, gingivitis can cause a separation of the gums and the teeth, which can then cause injury to the bone supporting the tooth and soft tissue.

Dental implants cannot cause gum disease any more than natural tooth roots naturally do. In order to be considered for dental implants, your gumline needs to be healthy before a dentist in Allen, TX will examine you for the dental implant procedure. The first step in considering you for dental implants is an evaluation. A dentist will complete a full mouth examination to let you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough and if you are a great candidate for dental implants. If not, a dentist will recommend alternative ways to fix the missing teeth that you have or to assist you with getting your gums healthy enough for dental implant surgery.

Interested In Learning More?

Are you tired of seeing spaces in your teeth or feeling like you still have something lodged in your teeth? Are you ready to get that big, beautiful smile again and regain your confidence? Call our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX to schedule your appointment today!

Advantages of Full-Arch Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Full Arch Dental Implant Model

If you are experiencing multiple missing teeth or are completely without teeth, full arch dental implants solutions may be a great solution to restore your smile, oral health, oral function, and may renew your self-confidence. A dentist in Allen, TX can guide you in the right direction of choosing which option is best for you.

Dental Implants vs Dentures

Dentures

Typically in the past, if a patient had multiple missing teeth, a dentist in Allen, TX would recommend a dental bridge or denture restoration solution. Dentures are full arch prosthetics that rest on the gums. As time progresses, missing a tooth root to stimulate healthy bone growth will lead to receding bone, causing the denture to fit poorly. Poor-fitting dentures cause discomfort by rubbing against the gums, embarrassment due to slipping and shifting while talking and eating and will lead patients to utilize messy adhesives to offer stability to the prosthetic to stay in the mouth. Due to these issues, patients must return for frequent adjustments. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer patients a long-term, stable, and reliable alternative to dentures. Dental implants can be placed along with a prosthetic – either a denture or a full arch bridge – that is attached, or snapped in place, on top. This removable feature allows for a more convenient option, with more fixed and permanent options also available.

A dental implant specialist places 2-8 dental implants into the jawbone, replacing the natural tooth roots’ function of stimulating healthy bone growth. Once the treatment site has been allowed to heal, usually 3-8 months, the prosthetic is attached for restoration purposes. In many cases, bone grafting may be done before surgery and allowed to heal to ensure the implant placement is successful.

The implant post also removes the issue of bone degradation. With a sturdy foundation, there’s no need to worry about slipping, clicking sounds, or discomfort often associated with dentures, and patients can eat the foods they enjoy again as these prosthetics do not have a palate like dentures that limit a patient’s ability to taste.

Get A New Smile Now!

With new, more stable options, there’s no need to continue dealing with the hassle of dentures. Be sure to call our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX today to bet free of poor-fitting dentures by scheduling an appointment today!

Your Guide to Caring for Your Dental Implants!

Dental Implant Peasants Smiling After Her Procedure

Without a doubt, dental implants have become one of the biggest, most asked-about advancements in the dentistry field. Not only do dental implants simulate the appearance and function of natural teeth, but they stimulate the surrounding bone, too. In fact, many people with missing teeth are eager to talk about dental implants in Allen, TX with a trained dentist. And that might include you, too.

How can you make sure that you continue to get the benefits of your dental implants year after year after your placement surgery? The answer boils down to the care you put into your oral health and hygiene. Yes, dental implants are engineered to last a lifetime. But you need to do your part to ensure that they stay in tiptop condition.

Below are several ways to care for one or more dental implants so they can continue to give you the smile of your dreams.


Follow All Post-Op Instructions

After undergoing dental implant surgery, you will receive a list of post-operative recommendations. These will include anything from what types of food to eat, to what not to do, such as using tobacco products for several weeks. You should follow these instructions to the letter and call a dentist for clarification if you are confused. Prioritizing post-op guidelines helps reduce the risk of implant failure due to avoidable infection.

Become Diligent About Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing

Your dental implants offer you an investment in your long-term wellness. One way to ensure that you take care of them for years is through daily brushing, flossing, and—if recommended by a dentist—rinsing with a special product. If you have always found it difficult to find time to perform a healthy mouth routine twice daily, make sure to schedule it into your day after receiving dental implants. The cleaner your teeth and gums, the less chance you will experience issues with your dental implants or the surrounding hard or soft tissues.

Alert a Dentist About Any Concerns

What happens if the area around your dental implants becomes red, swollen, or inflamed? How about if your dental implants begin to feel less stable? These and any other red flags need to be talked about with a dentist immediately. Why? Issues like peri-implantitis frequently respond to treatment when they are diagnosed early. But a dentist cannot help if you say nothing about your questions and problems.

Make and Maintain Dental Appointments

It is hard to underestimate the value of making and keeping your dental appointments. Even though dental implants are sturdy and dependable, they still need to be evaluated by a dentist twice a year. So do the other parts of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, inner cheeks, and tongue. Therefore, you should always strive to put a priority on getting cleanings and checkups. Remember: Prevention always costs less than intervention.


Are You Ready to Receive Dental Implants in Allen, TX?

No doubt about it: Dental implants are a wise, practically permanent solution for anyone with missing teeth. Whether you opt for a single implant or a full arch prosthetic supported by several implants, you need to take care and maintenance of your mouth seriously. That way, you can enjoy the advantages of your dental implants for decades. Are you interested in knowing all your choices when it comes to Dental Implants? Contact our office in Allen, TX to schedule an appointment today with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork!

Do Dental Implants Really Function Like Natural Teeth?

Dental Implant Patients Smiling Together

If you are experiencing tooth loss or decay, you might be interested in learning about options to remedy this issue. If so, a dentist in Allen, TX may suggest placing dental implants! Dental implants are a great way to get a new beautiful smile, and there are several options that offer this result in a natural looking and functioning way, that will allow you to execute daily activities with a new look and smile! 


How Dental Implants Work:

You may be wondering about how the dental implantation process works and how your results may look. Dental implants are placed in the bone of the jaw and are then covered with a natural looking crown or tooth cap to replace any teeth that are unhealthy, crooked, or not suitable for a healthy oral environment. Before getting dental implants placed, a dental specialist in Allen, TX can assess the health of your jaw, mouth, and gums to make sure you are the right candidate for dental implants, as this can affect the longevity of the implants.

Although dental implants function like natural teeth, it is important to care properly for them as they are an investment that is meant to last a lifetime. This means ensuring that they are cleaned per instructions from your dentist, avoiding any harsh, acidic, hard, or sticky foods, making sure to keep up with regular dental appointments to make sure things are going smoothly.

Dental implants can be a great way to achieve a new look and smile in a way that is long-lasting, natural looking, and function just like natural teeth. It is important to choose a dental professional in Allen, TX that understands your wants and needs regarding this restorative process and will guide you in the right direction of a customized treatment plan. Your dentist should fully inspect your mouth health prior to placing the implants to ensure quality and longevity, and make sure that you are confident in your choice to get a new smile!


Ready to get started?

Get on a path to a new smile today by calling our dentist, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX to learn more and schedule a consultation today!

The Truth About Cheap Dental Implants: 4 Things to Know

Full Arch Dental Implant Patients Smiling Together

If you are interested in getting dental implants for any reason, cost may be a topic of discussion or consideration as you research the best options. While it may be tempting to choose dental implants that are available at a lower cost, there are a few important things to consider and reasons why these options are less expensive. A dentist in Allen, TX can help you make the best choice so that you are choosing the best, highest quality dental implants to give you the new and beautiful smile that you deserve.


Typically, Dental Implants Are Less Expensive Because:

  • A dental professional chooses an implant manufacturer that uses low quality materials to produce the implants. However, with this option, precision and fit are usually compromised when using low quality materials.
  • Additionally, using low quality materials can lead to weaker, less stable implants that can break easily and are not as durable. This can lead to a costly replacement that could be prevented if better, higher quality materials were used.
  • A dental professional chooses a dental laboratory that may not have the best technology to make dental implants. This can also lead to the production of low-quality implants that are not natural looking or durable, and can lead to having to replace the implants, therefore increasing the overall cost of placing the implants.
  • Every country varies when it comes to dental implant costs. Some countries offer less expensive dental implants due to lower labor costs and other reasons. However, this may equate to lower quality work.

Getting dental implants can be a life-changing choice. Dental implants are a great way to get a new smile, and ensuring you choose the right options for your investment will prove to be the best choice in the long-term. High quality dental implants placed by skilled dental professionals are a great way to ensure your investments lasts a lifetime.


Get started on a path to a new high-quality smile today!

If you are interested in learning more about implants and what the cost would be, contact our office in Allen, TX, and schedule a consultation with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, today!


References

Cheap dental implants may be more expensive, TeethXpress, https://www.teethxpress.com/cheap-dental-implants-may-be-more-expensive/

Don’t Let That Blank Space in Your Mouth Fool You

Questioning Dental Patient Hiding The Missing Teeth In Her Smile

So, you had teeth extracted and/or are missing a few teeth? No big deal, right? Do not fool yourself! There are plenty of issues that come with missing teeth in Allen, TX. You lose the confidence in your smile, you can’t chew the foods you use to enjoy, and so much more. Beyond these though, there are also adverse health effects to missing teeth.


What Happens When We Are Missing Teeth?

From gum disease to infection, there are several reasons why you should consider replacement of your missing teeth!

In many cases, the gums where the tooth used to be will get infected which will cause inflammation. This is known as gingivitis, commonly referred to as gum disease. Gingivitis can cause your gums to bleed when you floss, changes in your bite line, pain when chewing, pus to form between the gums and teeth, and other symptoms. This, of course, makes day-to-day life more difficult as the pain from chewing causes great amounts of anxiety about eating and can cause other teeth to loosen or fall out.

Another problem that may occur is weakness in your jaw and other teeth. Other teeth surrounding the missing one have to work harder to chew due to the lack of teeth and can cause jaw pain, weakness, and in some cases temporomandibular joint disorder (TMDJ). Your TMJ attaches your lower jawbone to the rest of your skull and when it is being worked on one side more heavily, it can cause disorders to form which will result in pain when chewing and many other issues.


Fill Those Gaps

To avoid these diseases and others that are caused by the loss of teeth, consider calling us at (972) 954-2275. Contact our office in Allen, TX to schedule an appointment with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, so we can give you our options to fill in that missing tooth! With years of experience in supporting those like you, we will work with you to find the best treatment option to fit your unique situation. We look forward to helping you!


References

Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis), Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-disorders

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Questioning Dental Patient Wondering About Dental Implants

If you are experiencing tooth loss or had a tooth extracted, you may be considering getting corrective dental procedures, such as dental implants, in Allen, TX. Before doing so, however, a dentist will need to assess your mouth to ensure you are a candidate for your new smile. There are many factors that can influence this and are discussed below.

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Sufficient bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues with no signs of tooth decay or periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. If you are showing visible signs of gum disease, including swollen, red, tender, and bleeding gums, you may need to visit a dental specialist that focuses on treating gum disease, known as a periodontist. This is particularly important before potentially becoming a great candidate for dental implants.

As stated, good jawbone support is one of the main characteristics of being a candidate for dental implants. A strong jaw construction supports the implant once installed. The reasoning behind this is if the implant is not reinforced by a strong bone than it can become loose from chewing.

Candidates who are dedicated to oral hygiene are excellent applicants for implants. Flossing, brushing and using a good mouthwash several times in a day assist in removing plaque which in turn are protecting the applicant against infection during the implant procedure. Visits to a dentist twice per year for that routine checkup makes for a good candidate.


About the Procedure

A dentist in Allen, TX will evaluate your oral health and assess your candidacy for dental implants. There are various types of implant options that a dentist will consider for your treatment plan. These can include:

  • Replacing a Single Tooth. If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.
  • Implant-supported bridges. These can replaceseveral teeth If they are missing or damaged.
  • Implant-supported full bridge or full denture. These can replace all of your teeth if they are missing or damaged.


Contact Us!

Schedule a consultation today by calling our new patient line at (972) 954-2275 to discuss your questions and get started with dental implants! We invite you to meet our experienced and friendly doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX!

5 Reasons You Need to Replace Missing Teeth

Dental Patient Missing A Tooth

If you are one of the 40 million Americans that has at least one missing tooth, it’s important that you know that it’s not just aesthetic challenges you face. Most dislike the way the mouth looks with missing teeth, but there may be other, larger health risks that come with not replacing your teeth.

1. Shifting Teeth

Each tooth works as a placeholder to keep the other teeth around it in place. Once a tooth is missing, the others can shift over time and misalign your bite. If you once had a straight smile, you may quickly notice that your teeth are out of alignment. When you lose teeth, it’s important to replace them quickly so the others don’t shift.

2. Oral Health Care

Caring for your gums and teeth are so important to your overall health. Once the teeth shift and move out of alignment, it can be harder to reach certain areas to floss or brush. If bacteria and plaque are left on the teeth, you may quickly develop periodontal disease. This can lead to more lost teeth over time.

3. TMJ

If the upper and lower jaw don’t meet when you bite down, you may deal with problems with the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. As teeth shift out of alignment over a period, you may notice jaw pain, headaches, clicking noises and the inability to open your jaw all the way.

4. Bone Loss

The tooth’s root is secured in the jawbone and stimulates it to grow and regenerate bone. When the root is gone, the bone can crumble and die. Fortunately, dental implants are placed directly in the jaw, so bone loss is minimal when teeth are replaced quickly.

5. Confidence

If you have missing teeth, it’s easy to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable in both your personal and professional life.

Contact Us

If you are interested in receiving dental implants, contact our office in Allen, TX to schedule an appointment with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, by calling our new patient line at (972) 954-2275. We can work together to determine whether you are a good candidate for implants!

Another Day Older and Deeper in Debt? Not With Affordable Dental Implants!

Dental Patient Struggling With Bills

If you have one or more missing teeth and you’ve been researching options to replace them, you may have been turned off by the upfront cost of dental implants. While the initial investment may be higher, there are many reasons why implants are the most cost-effective solution over time. The cost of implants is different for every patient, and a single implant’s cost can increase with different types of necessary treatments! Before you decide, we encourage you to discuss your specific dental implant cost with a dentist local to you in Allen, TX.


Why Implants Are Worth It

Many people opt for dentures because they are the less expensive treatment, but the reality is that implants are the more effective, comfortable solution with durability and longevity. When implants are placed correctly by a dental professional and regularly flossed, brushed and examined, they can last a lifetime. Dentures may need to be replaced regularly and require expensive creams and adhesives to keep them in place. Implants are rooted in the gums and don’t move at all once they are secure.

What Affects the Cost?

Every manufacturer is different, and it depends widely on the one your dentist chooses to use. Other factors that may involve the cost of the implant are:

  • The location, amount, and quality of bone: You may need a bone graft if there isn’t adequate bone to hold the implant in place.
  • The number of teeth that require replacement: Implants can replace one tooth or an entire mouth!
  • The type of artificial teeth: Fixed bridges, implant supported dentures, snap on bridges, or screw retained dental crowns are just a few options.
  • The number of implants: How may screws are needed to repair your teeth?


Contact Us!

These are all factors that our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, will consider when determining the cost of your implants. If you are interested in learning more about implants and what the cost would be, contact our office in Allen, TX, and schedule a consultation today!

Top 3 Reasons Dental Implant Failures Are On the Rise

the three different parts which make a dental implant

Although dental implants tend to have a high success rate – over 95 percent – it comes with a risk of failure, like any other procedure. Even though dental implants are mostly placed by experienced dental implant professionals, why does it look like dental implant failure is on the rise? Here are three of the most common reasons that we have identified:

1. Failure to Maintain Their Smile

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, but just because you now have artificial teeth, it does not mean you can stop brushing and flossing every day! Your mouth is still susceptible to plaque, which wreaks havoc on your gums. Patients with implants who do not take care of their teeth and fail to schedule regular dental checkups have a much higher risk of implant failure.

2. Cheaping Out On The Implant Material

The standard modern material for implant posts is titanium, but there are other, cheaper materials that are also available. Most successful implant procedures involve the use of titanium posts in all cases but ones that patients have titanium hypersensitivities. Although other materials may be cheaper at first glance, patients could be paying a lot more in the long run if the implant ends up failing.

3. Going To Inexperienced Doctors For Implants

In another effort to save money, patients who desire dental implants tend to go to doctors who lack the proper training and qualifications to place implants. It is very important to carefully research your dental professionals before undergoing such an extensive procedure like dental implants. If you are unsure that your chosen dental professional has the appropriate experience and training, then be sure to ask!

Get A Consultation Today!

Considering dental implants? Our doctor is available to answer your questions and help you feel more at ease about the treatment you receive at our office. To schedule your consultation and learn more about dental implants, contact us today!