Why You Want Your Dentist to do a 3D X-Ray Before Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most innovative means of replacing missing teeth. Using a titanium root inserted into the jawbone as a base for the crown, implants have proven to be incredibly effective. Implants work like regular teeth, allowing people to eat normally, and they require only the same basic dental hygiene as regular teeth. However, placing an implant does require a high degree of technical precision.

High-Tech Dental Care in 3D

3D x-rays, which are also called cone beam scans or 3D scans, are the latest advancement for implant treatment. They give dentists like Dr. Rondon a clearer image of the underlying bone structure, allowing them to see it from all angles in a high resolution image.  This ensures a higher degree of stability and safety.

3D x-rays can be done in the office, using equipment that is far more convenient and less bulky than older CT scanning machines. The process uses a comparatively low level of radiation, and it won’t be a problem for people who are claustrophobic.

As machines get more precise, the field of view can range from showing the whole jaw all the way down to showing a single tooth. Most scans take only about 30 seconds, but the result is a striking 3D color image on the computer that can be moved around to view from all sides.

Basically, a 3D x-ray allows the dentist to perform a virtual surgery before they ever work on your mouth. This helps them to see exactly where arteries, nerves and sinuses are located and gives a clear picture of every minor detail in the bone. It shows exactly where to place the implant and prevents any major surprises.

Sometimes the area of bone where the implant needs to go is narrow. In the past, this usually resulted in a bone graft. However, with 3D x-rays, the precision is so much higher that it is sometimes possible to simply change the trajectory of the implant. Whatever the case, the dentist will have a clear understanding of the situation, so the decision that is made will be the right one.

We are excited to offer 3D x-rays.  There is no need to drive over to an x-ray lab. The whole procedure can be done right in the office. The high level of precision, the removal of guesswork and the ease of it all makes 3D scans a highly desired part of your dental implant surgery.

Contact the office to find out more.

Why Do I Have a Toothache?

It’s easy to take your dental health for granted until you develop a toothache. Once a tooth starts to hurt, it can ruin your whole day. It’s the kind of pain that won’t go away, affecting your ability to eat, and bringing down your mood. As the pain persists, you inevitably wonder what might be causing it.

A common cause of toothache pain is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth and floss daily, it allows plaque to build up. The plaque produces acid, which can eat into tooth enamel, exposing the root and causing pain. Regular oral hygiene at home, along with routine checkups and professional cleanings, are the only way to prevent this.

Common Oral Health Problems

Gum disease is another cause of toothache pain. Often, gum disease shows no symptoms in its early stages, but eventually, as it worsens, it can cause sore gums, pain around teeth or bleeding. Gum disease needs to betreated as soon as possible in order to preserve teeth.

Sometimes poor dental repairs can cause pain. If a filling or crown is not fitted properly, it can result in a toothache. Even if the dental work was done correctly, there can be some tooth pain for a while afterward. However, if you experience pain for a prolonged period of time after having dental repairs done, let Dr. Rondon know, so she can alleviate it for you.

Other causes of toothache pain include tooth decay, fractures, abscesses, habitual tooth grinding or infections. In some cases, tooth pain is constant. In other cases, it is throbbing, or it might only occur when you put pressure on the tooth, such as when attempting to bite down on something.

Toothaches can be caused by damage from injuries. This is a particular risk for athletes, which is why it is so important to wear mouth guards while playing sports. If your tooth pain lasts longer than a day or two, it is important to make a dental appointment. Also, if the tooth pain has become severe, or if you develop a fever, earache or jaw pain when opening your mouth, it might be an indication of a more serious problem.

If the toothache is caused by an infection, it needs to be treated soon, because infection can spread to other parts of the face or it can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Whatever the cause, Dr. Rondon will find a way to alleviate the pain, so make your appointment today.

Top 5 Reasons Why Dental Implants are the Best Option in Tooth Replacement

When replacing missing teeth, the two most popular solutions are full or partial dentures and dental implants. Of those options, implants are the best solution most of the time, giving a level of restored functionality that dentures simply cannot provide. 

Top 5 reasons why dental implants work so well

1) Osseointegration

This great big word is the real reason why dental implants are so effective at replacing missing teeth. Osseointegration refers to a process that occurs between the titanium root and the natural bone material in the jaw. Bone actually grows and fuses into the surface of titanium, creating an incredibly strong bond that gives the implant its stability and restores functionality.

2) Natural-Looking

The dental implant provides a sturdy replacement root upon which to attach a crown. The crown is made of natural looking material that mimics the appearance of teeth very effectively. In fact, there is a good chance that people will not be able to tell the difference between the natural teeth and the dental implant.

3) Restored Function

Because the root is fused into the actual bone, a dental implant provides a sturdy base for the replacement tooth, fully restoring the function of the missing tooth. Unlike dentures, which can slip and move around, hindering speech and limiting the kinds of foods you can eat, implants act just like natural teeth. People can eat what they want, even hard foods, and the implant only requires the same basic dental hygiene as regular teeth.

4) Long-Lasting

Dental implants have a very high success rate, with studies putting it between 95 and 98%, particularly when the implant is placed into natural bone. When grafted bone is used, the success rate is slightly lower but still impressive. Either way, dental implants have proven to last a very long time, enduring in good condition for decades, making them a lifelong solution.

5) More Advanced than Ever

Research and technological advancements continue to improve the techniques used in dental implants, making them more effective than ever. 3D x-rays are giving dentists a clearer view of the underlying bone structure, so placing the implant is a more precise process. Typically, the surgery is performed using only local anesthetic to numb the area, and it is minimally invasive.

If you have missing teeth, dental implants are definitelyworth looking into. They just might be the solution that you are hoping for. Dr. Rondon can diagnose your condition to determine if you are good candidate for the procedure.