Restorative Denstistry Archives | Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
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dental implant
15Feb

Thanks to modern dentistry, false teeth are no longer the only option for replacing missing teeth. If you are missing one or more teeth, you have more options available than ever before. Drs. Gibbs may recommend dental implants or partial dentures. While either option is reasonable, improves your smile, and restores tooth function, there are pros and cons for both dental implants and partial dentures. To make the right choice, you’ll want to consider several things.

Your Current Dental Health

Most people are candidates for dental implants, but it can depend on your dental health and whether or not you have a healthy jawbone capable of supporting implants. If you do not, it is still very likely you can be fitted with dental implants Dr. Thomas Gibbs can perform bone grafts to rebuild the jawbone. A partial denture is suitable in most cases on a temporary basis and can often be worn until your mouth is healthy enough to support implants.

 Aesthetic Appearance

Generally, dental implants tend to be more aesthetic than partial dentures. Both provide a realistic appearance. However, the clasps that attach partials to your natural teeth can be visible. In terms of teeth replacement, implants and dentures help preserve your natural smile. Implants look and function closer to your natural teeth.

 Comfort of Partial Dentures vs Dental Implants

Dental implants are fused to the jawbone, so they remain securely in place. Partial dentures are attached to natural teeth but are mostly supported by gums. They can rub or slip which can cause sore spots. Partials can make it difficult to eat crunchy and chewy foods comfortably.

 Cost of Dental Implants and Partial Dentures

The price of dental implants continues to be affordable for many, and some insurance companies now cover them. They are still more expensive than dentures. However, implants are a permanent solution that will last as long as natural teeth with proper care.

 Stability and Strength

Partial dentures restore about 25% of your natural bite strength. When bite strength is inadequate, it’s harder to eat foods like steak or corn on the cob. Dental implants feel more like natural teeth and help restore over 90% of your biting strength. This allows you to continue enjoying all your favorite foods, and can often have a beneficial impact on allowing you to continue eating nutritious and healthful foods.

 Future of Your Oral Health

When a tooth or multiple teeth are removed, gum tissue and the jawbone begin to shrink. Over some time, this causes the face to have a sunken appearance which can make you look older. Even if your dentures are well-fitted, they eventually become loose. Wearing dentures long-term can also cause chronic sores and inflammation in your mouth. This raises your risk of developing gum disease. Since dental implants replace both the entire tooth including the root which helps prevent or reduce bone loss. They also reduce your risk for gum disease, mouth sores, and inflammation.

 How long do implants and partial dentures last?

With proper maintenance, partial dentures can last for between six and eight years. Implants, on the other hand, can last a lifetime with proper care. Since they are made from porcelain and metal, they are not susceptible to bacteria that cause cavities and decay.

 Implants vs Dentures

Partial dentures are removable whereas implants are not. Partials are anchored to natural teeth. Implants create a stable base, and each implant supports a single crown. If you are missing a few teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge is an option that only requires two implants.

 Contact Smile Glen Ellyn

If you are ready to smile again, contact Dr. Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn. After a thorough exam and x-rays, Dr. Jessica Gibbs can make recommendations to help you make the best choice for you. Call us today to schedule your exam.

big beautiful smile
15Sep

When is the last time you mentioned going to the dentist among friends? You’ve likely heard horror stories involving various levels of pain and discomfort. There are a lot of people who simply expect to experience pain when they visit the dentist. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Sedation dentistry helps you be more comfortable during dental treatments.

What is sedation dentistry?

When you visit Smile Glen Ellyn, you will be greeted by friendly and warm staff members. One goal is to create a healthy relationship between you and the dental team. When you have confidence in those who are working with you the experience will go much smoother. Dr. Gibbs and the dental team understand that when you are at ease your body can more easily respond to pain control and medication. Sedation dentistry ensures you can get the dental treatment you need without fear of pain.

Safe forms of sedation are used to help provide calmness before procedures are performed. This may include relieving anxiety or numbing affected areas so you can’t feel the dental professional working. There are various levels of sedation including:

  •  Minimal sedation where the patient remains awake but has calm feelings.
  •  Moderate sedation where the patient is fully awake, but not fully aware.
  •  Deep sedation keeps the patient awake but they only have minimal consciousness.
  •  General anesthesia will cause the patient to sleep deeply without being conscious.

How safe is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry has been practiced for years, it’s not new. However, over the last decade or so, new techniques have been able to expand its application. The latest techniques can be used for routine cleanings or even for those who experience a lot of anxiety just by being in the dentist’s chair. Sedation can be used as an antidote for anxiety or to help provide a numbing effect. It can also prevent most pain during procedures. The three ways sedation is administered in the Glen Ellyn dental office include:

  • Inhalation – Commonly called “laughing gas” nitrous oxide is administered using a breathing mask. It has a calming effect but the patient isn’t unconscious. In most cases, they can drive themselves home safely after the procedure.
  • Oral Medication – Sedation may be administered using a pill that is available in different strengths. It mostly makes people groggy and many times patients fall asleep during the procedure.
  • Intravenous Drip – Sedation can also be administered via an IV. They will feel it take effect almost immediately. The doctor carefully monitors and adjusts the dosage during procedures.

These types of sedation may also be paired with a topical anesthetic to numb the immediate area where the dentist is working. Combining two approaches is extremely effective. Following a dental procedure, you’ll be given instructions on any measures you can take at home to help provide relief from any discomfort that may follow. This can include applying ice packs, warm rags, or taking medications to alleviate pain.

Sedation Dentistry at Glen Ellyn

Many dental practitioners do not offer sedation dental care. But Dr. Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn makes procedures easy and convenient. Call us today to discuss what level of sedation might be appropriate to help you alleviate anxious feelings about visiting the dentist.  We have specialized staff, experience, and certifications to ensure your next trip to the dentist is as comfortable as possible. Contact our offices today to schedule your next visit.

6Oct

Dental Implants might just be your new best friend! Why? If you have been faced with some challenging dental health issues in the past or are currently, you may want to consider this procedure. This American Dental Association-approved procedure is not only safe, but very cost-effective and long-term. Dr. Thomas Gibbs wants to help you get on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Tooth decay, loss and ill-fitting dentures are all potential causes for bone loss in the jaw, wrinkles around the mouth area, and bad breath. Dental health is very important and that’s why we want to provide you with options.

Dental Implants

What are they? They’re small metal parts that are surgically placed where your old tooth’s root once was. A new implant will then go right on top of that metal part and voila – you have a natural-looking brand-new smile you can feel confident about.

Smile Glen Ellyn can answer any questions you may have about this procedure.

Cost-Effective

Not only will you receive a thorough consultation about a solid treatment plan with payment options, but you will be supported by your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist from point A to point B throughout the process.

Our mouths are one of the very first things people see when they look at you. We want you to feel good about your smile, so do come in if you’re considering dental implants.

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