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Truth About Dental Implants – Are They Right For Me?

Truth About Dental Implants – Are They Right For Me?

by Pearl Dental Care Team | May 26, 2022

Have you got at least one missing tooth and considering dental implants as a replacement option? If so, you’re probably wondering how they work, are they worth it and whether you are a suitable candidate for them? The truth about dental implants is that while they are one of the best options available for replacing teeth, several factors could mean that they’re not the best choice. Let’s take a look.

What are dental implants, and how do they work?

Dental Implants are titanium metal posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. These posts serve as tooth roots to anchor artificial teeth into the jaw – a bit like tooth roots. A single dental implant can be used with a crown to replace a missing tooth, or several implants can together support a fixed bridge to replace multiple missing teeth.

Implants are an increasingly popular treatment, and with care, they can last for many years. They are secure and function, feel and look just like a natural tooth. However, in truth, the following circumstances could be problematic for having implants placed.

***Poor* *Oral Health***

For the dental implant procedure to be effective, you must have excellent oral health. So, the dentist will scrutinise your mouth, and if you have any signs of active gum disease or tooth decay, these will need to be addressed before dental implant surgery can go ahead. Furthermore, you must have sufficient healthy bone in the jaw to support the dental implants.

The truth about dental implants is they are a strong, reliable tooth replacement option because once placed into the healthy bone, new cells generated by the bone fuse the implant firmly in place. However, this can only happen when you have good oral health and no evidence of gum or periodontal disease that could compromise the dental implant and the structures in your mouth that support it.

What happens if you have bone loss?

Truthfully, all is not lost if you have bone loss in your jaw. A bone graft is a common procedure performed in dentistry that can help build up the bone to have sufficient density to retain a dental implant.

Medical Conditions

As well as good oral health, you must also be in good general health to have a dental implant. Some medical conditions may make it more difficult if you are considering dental implants—although it doesn’t necessarily rule out the procedure entirely.

Diabetes

If you’re living with diabetes, you should be aware of how diabetes can affect your dental implants. While implants are not affected by diabetes per se, the condition causes many other complications that can interfere with the successful placement of an implant and its ongoing health.

The truth is that diabetes can slow down healing and may cause chronic infections—which will be a significant problem after dental implant placement. Keeping the area infection-free is crucial to retaining the implant long-term.

Furthermore, diabetes can affect saliva production, leading to a dry mouth. As saliva plays a role in clearing away harmful bacteria in the mouth, anything detrimental to this process can increase bacteria and gum disease. Thus, it’s vital that anyone with diabetes keeps a close eye on their overall health and regularly visits their doctor and dentist.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects bone density, and women after menopause are particularly prone to it following a reduction of oestrogen, essential for bone health. The jawbone may not be healthy enough for a dental implant, although a bone grafting procedure may be able to rectify this.

Heart disease

A healthy heart is essential for pumping blood around the body efficiently. Blood contains vital nutrients, and if you have heart disease, this may impede the process and could potentially have repercussions for your body’s healing after dental implant surgery.

Autoimmune diseases

An autoimmune disease is a group of medical conditions in which the body’s immune system, which usually protects us against foreign intruders like bacteria and viruses, attacks healthy body tissue and even biocompatible materials, such as titanium – the most common material for dental implants. The result could be implant rejection.

Smoking

We’re all aware of how much smoking affects our health, but it has particular repercussions for oral health. The toxins from cigarette smoking are drawn straight into the oral cavity and affect blood flow to the gums, which exacerbates gum disease and may contribute to peri-implantitis, a disease similar to gum disease that affects dental implants.

By impeding blood flow, smoking means that essential nutrients needed to fight infection and grow healthy tissue are diminished, which could have a detrimental effect following dental implant surgery.

The truth about dental implants is they are more likely to fail sooner in smokers. For this reason, many dentists now turn away smokers unless they are prepared to quit smoking for good.

The Truth About Dental implants – The Takeaway

Dental implants are a great option for missing teeth, and while they are suitable for many people, you’ll need a thorough examination from a dentist to confirm your eligibility. Find out more about dental implants and dispel the myths by booking an appointment with us today.

Call us now on (02) 9158 6312.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Colgate – Bone Resorption: Why It Happens And What To Do Next?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/bone-resorption-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-next#

Mayo Clinic -Dry mouth
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/symptoms-causes/syc-20356048

CDC How is smoking related to gum disease?
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html#:~:text=You%20have%20twice%20the%20risk%20for%20gum%20disease%20compared%20with%20a%20nonsmoker.&text=The%20more%20cigarettes%20you%20smoke,your%20risk%20for%20gum%20disease.&text=The%20longer%20you%20smoke%2C%20the%20greater%20your%20risk%20for%20gum%20disease.&text=Treatments%20for%20gum%20disease%20may,well%20for%20people%20who%20smoke

How Veneers Work And What You Can and Should Expect

How Veneers Work And What You Can and Should Expect

by Pearl Dental Care Team | Apr 30, 2022

If you are considering a smile makeover with dental veneers, then you’re not alone. Dental prosthetics like veneers are among the most common and fastest-growing segments within cosmetic dentistry. This is driven in part by the ‘selfie’ generation but also by social media celebs who need to look good for their target audience. In fact, it’s become so popular that you probably know someone, or know of someone, who has undergone porcelain veneers or composite veneers, and it has spurred you on to undergo treatment. Nevertheless, one thing’s for certain, modern dental veneers do a great job of transforming a jaded smile. But how do veneers work? Let’s take a closer look.

How veneers work and what to expect

For those of you who don’t know, dental veneers are lifelike, tooth-coloured coverings that sit over the front surface of your natural teeth. Patients can opt for two different types – composite veneers and porcelain veneers. Once applied both work by hiding many sins, including intrinsic tooth discolouration or staining, small chips, cracks, and even unevenly shaped or spaced teeth. But while they have the same common goal of providing a dramatically changed smile, they are two different entities.

Composites, for example, are made from a tooth-coloured composite paste, the same material used in white fillings. The paste-like material is applied directly to the front surface of the teeth by your dentist and is hardened and polished off to create a new artificial tooth surface.

On the other hand, porcelain veneers are custom-designed porcelain shells bonded to the front surface of the teeth to create a robust, durable, and lifelike finish.

Both work in the same way in that they allow you to cosmetically change your smile. However, composite veneers are less invasive, cheaper, and quicker to fit (typically in just one sitting). On the contrary, because porcelain dental veneers are fabricated to fit your individual teeth, they are more expensive and are completed over two dental visits.

But while that sounds like composites have the advantage over their more expensive counterparts, they are also far less durable and can be prone to staining, so they will need replacing more frequently. So when considering how veneers work, you really need to juggle cost vs durability.

How strong are dental veneers really?

Cosmetic veneers work by being super strong. By this, we mean that they can handle pretty much any foods that you would normally put in your mouth. So you should be able to happily crunch down on a juicy apple or chew a succulent piece of steak without issue. However, just like your natural teeth, dental veneers are not built to be ice crushers, pen top chewers, or fingernail biters, nor should they be used as bottle opening implements. Doing so may cause them to chip or crack – again – just like natural teeth. You could say that dental veneers work as well as natural teeth, so long as you play by the rules.

How veneers work – Things you should know

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when it comes to composite and porcelain veneers is that while getting composite veneers is a reversible process, undergoing porcelain veneers isn’t.

So why is that?

In order for porcelain veneers to sit flush in the mouth, a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed. Typically this is only around half a millimetre. However, once the enamel is removed, it doesn’t grow back. Therefore, you will always need veneers in order to protect your teeth in the long term. There are some types of veneer that don’t require the removal of enamel but typically, that’s how it works. So if you are thinking of getting porcelain veneers, this is something you need to bear in mind.

Dental veneers – The key takeaway

When considering cosmetic dental veneers, there are many things to consider, and an understanding of how composite and porcelain veneers work will help you make the right choice.

While composites are less invasive and considerably cheaper, they are also more susceptible to staining and less durable.

On the other hand, porcelain varieties are an irreversible process involving several dental visits. However, the end results are typically more lifelike and should last for many years – around 15-20 years instead of 5-7 years for composites.

If you would like to find out more information about how veneers work or you are ready to take the plunge, book a consultation with the team at Pearl Dental Care to discuss your options. We’re a St Mary’s family dentist who excels in cosmetic dentistry, including the latest teeth veneers to improve your smile. We use only the very latest, ultra-thin veneers that are guaranteed to make a dramatic difference to your smile. We’re also adept at colour-matching your veneers to your smile to create a truly natural look.

If you aren’t happy with your current smile because of staining, cracking, chipping, or other blemishes, get in touch today and see exactly what our team can do for you.

References:

Fortune Business Insights – Cosmetic Dentistry Market Size and forecast – 2019-2026

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/cosmetic-dentistry-market-100223

Finder.com – How Much Do Veneers Cost in Australia

https://www.finder.com.au/cost-of-veneers

What Is a Root Canal Procedure? It’s Not As Bad As You Think

What Is a Root Canal Procedure? It’s Not As Bad As You Think

by Pearl Dental Care Team | Mar 22, 2022

When asked the question “what is a root canal?” most people can’t answer. And yet, the thought of a root canal procedure instils fear into many. Root canal therapy is nothing to be afraid of and, in reality, is no worse than getting a tooth filled. So let’s get into it!

What is a root canal procedure exactly?

Otherwise known as endodontic therapy, a root canal procedure, involves the removal of infected or diseased pulp and nerves that may be causing significant discomfort. During the process, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and finally sealed. Root canal therapy is, in fact, a common dental treatment carried out by most dentists and is used to repair and save teeth that may otherwise need to be removed.

Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

There are several reasons for a root canal procedure, including tooth decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips, and trauma. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal treatment is not painful. Instead, it gets you out of pain.

To understand why you need root canal therapy, it helps to understand the tooth’s anatomy. A tooth is not hard all the way through. In fact, the middle of the tooth is hollow and is known as the pulp chamber. The chamber contains the tooth pulp, which, in turn, houses the inner workings of the tooth – the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.

If there has been severe decay or damage to the outer layers of the tooth, the pulp tissue may be exposed and it becomes susceptible to bacterial penetration and infection—which can result in pain and swelling in the gums around the tooth. Once this happens, it is necessary to remove the pulp tissue with root canal treatment to prevent further infection.

Fortunately, most of the pulp tissue is essential to the development of the tooth and is not vitally important to the tooth’s health and function once the tooth has emerged. It can safely be removed to protect the shell of the tooth so that normal biting and chewing functions are preserved.

Signs of Pulp Tissue Infection

Some people don’t have any symptoms, but most people experience mild or severe symptoms ranging from mild sensitivity to severe pain.

If the infection is not treated, it can cause pain, swelling, and other problems. The condition can also lead to an abscess, affecting neighbouring teeth. Some of the signs and symptoms that you may need a root canal include:

Severe pain while chewing or biting
Boils on the gum line that may ooze blood or pus
A cracked or chipped tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages that linger, even after the stimulus has been removed
Swollen or tender gums
Darkening of the gums or deep decay.

So, What Happens During The Root Canal Procedure?

The procedure is typically performed under a local anaesthetic, although the dentist may use conscious sedation if you are particularly anxious about the treatment.

To gain access to the pulp chamber, the dentist creates an opening in the top of the tooth and uses a variety of instruments to extract the infected tissue from the chamber and root canals in each tooth root. Once all the debris is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly.

Antibiotic medication may be placed in the chamber before it is sealed with a temporary filling. This is to prevent bacteria re-entering and ensure that no infection is still present within the tooth.

You will return to the dentist a week or so later, and if there are no signs of infection, the temporary filling is removed and replaced with a permanent filling.

What is a Root Canal Crown?

If a large amount of decay has been removed from the tooth during the root canal, it may be weakened and require a dental crown to strengthen it. A crown is a tooth-coloured restoration that fits over the tooth and is made from hard-wearing materials, such as porcelain or metal.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Saves Your Tooth

If the pulp tissue in your tooth is infected, it will need to be removed. It’s the only way to save your tooth, but if you decide you don’t want the procedure, the only other option left is to have it extracted.

No Ugly Gaps

If you can save your tooth with a root canal, you won’t have to worry about any gaps in your dentition. Not only will this be an excellent cosmetic result, but you won’t have to find a suitable tooth replacement option. So, root canal therapy could also save you money.

It’s Virtually Painless

For anyone who is experiencing pain or discomfort, a root canal procedure will alleviate any raging infection inside their tooth. Modern anaesthesia and techniques ensure you experience minimal discomfort throughout the process.

What is a Root Canal? – Conclusion

To summarise, root canal treatment may seem scary, but it is a safe and easy procedure with today’s technological advances. You can feel confident knowing that your dentist will not only provide you with the best outcome to alleviate any discomfort but will also ensure that your tooth remains fully functional.

Moreover, you won’t have to worry about replacing a missing tooth.

If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with us on (02) 9158 6312 and arrange an appointment with one of our team. Pearl Dental Care is committed to providing exceptional dental care in a personalised and gentle way.

References

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns

Dental Board of Australia: https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/registration/conscious-sedation.aspx

Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-removal/tooth-extraction

Dental Implant Cost – Exploring The Contributing Factors

Dental Implant Cost – Exploring The Contributing Factors

by Pearl Dental Care Team | Feb 25, 2022

If you have missing teeth, you may have considered dental implants to restore your smile. Dental implants use a titanium post to support an abutment and dental crown to help you regain normal chewing and speaking functionality.

However, many people are concerned about dental implant cost. Exploring the factors that contribute to the cost of dental implants can help you understand how dental implants are a lifelong investment in your oral health.

Factors Contributing to Dental Implant Cost: Number of Implants

Dental implants are priced per tooth for single or full mouth procedures. So, the more implants you need, the greater the dental implants cost. If you need several consecutive teeth replaced, your dentist may prescribe an implant-supported bridge or All-on-4 dental implants. These procedures use fewer implants to support the dental restoration, saving you money on the overall dental implants cost.

Implant-supported bridge

An implant-supported bridge uses two dental implants instead of abutment teeth to hold a pontic (false tooth) in place. This ensures adequate bone stimulation to prevent resorption that typically occurs with conventional bridges but reduces the number of implants needed to replace your missing teeth.

All-on-4 implants

All-on-4 implants use four posts strategically positioned toward the front and rear of the dental arch to hold a denture in place. This dental implant treatment is ideal for those missing an entire arch of teeth.

Factors Contributing to Dental Implant Cost: Materials Used

Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials to prevent the body from rejecting the device or causing an infection. Materials used to create dental implants include titanium, zirconia, and porcelain ceramic. Each of these materials is designed for long-term use, and the dental implants cost reflects the quality of the components.

Titanium

Titanium is used for the dental implant post. It is highly durable, rating a 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it tougher than steel or gold. This property makes it scratch- and corrosion-resistant. Titanium is used in dental implants because it has low electrical conductivity and can withstand the pH levels in your mouth. It also fuses easily with jawbone tissue, which facilitates osseointegration.

Zirconia

While titanium remains the most popular choice for dental implant treatment, zirconia is sometimes used for posts and abutments because it is considered more aesthetically pleasing.

Zirconia is a tooth-coloured material that offers similar biocompatibility and osseointegration properties as titanium. It also assists with soft tissue regeneration and inhibits bacterial growth to prevent infections like peri-implantitis.

Porcelain or ceramic

Porcelain or ceramic are used to create dental restorations for dental implant treatment. They are naturally tough, stain-resistant, and reflect the light similarly to your natural teeth giving you a natural smile.

Factors Contributing to Dental Implant Cost: Additional Surgeries

Before you can schedule a dental implant procedure, you need to get a consultation at your local dental clinic, Pearl Dental Care in St. Mary’s. During your initial consultation for dental implant treatment, your dentist performs diagnostic tests, including digital imaging and X-rays. This allows them to assess the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants.

Any additional surgeries, including tooth extraction, incur extra fees, contributing to the overall dental implants cost. If the images reveal poor jawbone density or thickness, your dentist may prescribe a bone graft or sinus lift.

Bone graft

A bone graft involves the placement of graft material in the jawbone underneath the missing tooth to stimulate bone tissue growth. This increases bone density to create a stable foundation for the implant post.

Sinus lift

A sinus lift is necessary for patients who need implants to replace missing molars or premolars in their upper (maxillary) jaw. The maxillary sinus membrane is lifted during a sinus lift procedure, and graft material is placed in the gap. This increases the depth of the jawbone.

Gum disease treatment

If you have signs of advanced gum disease, you’ll need to undergo periodontal therapy before dental implant treatment. In most cases, you can manage periodontitis with an antibacterial mouthwash and a course of antibiotics. However, if you have severe gum disease that has deteriorated the tissue, you may need flap surgery. This allows your dentist to repair damage to the underlying bone.

Factors Contributing to Dental Implant Cost: Medicare or Private Health Insurance

The out-of-pocket dental implants cost depends on your level of insurance coverage. Public health coverage, like Medicare, does not cover the dental implants cost, except in some instances.

Medicare

Medicare may cover part of the dental implants cost if your oral health is adversely impacting your general health. If your dental implants are deemed medically necessary, you will need a referral from your GP as part of the GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement.

Medicare may also cover a portion of the dental implants cost if you are a concession cardholder. A concession card makes you eligible to receive state-based dental vouchers, which you can use towards dental implant treatment. At Pearl Dental Care, we accept NSW dental vouchers, but please be aware that they have an expiry date.

Private health insurance

You can get coverage for the dental implants cost if your insurance plan includes the procedure as part of your extras policy. It is typically included under the category Major Dental.

The dental implants cost may also be covered under your Hospital Cover; however, this requires you to be admitted to a hospital for dental implant treatment.

Check your policy with your private health insurance provider to find out what level of coverage you have.

Visit Pearl Dental Care to Rejuvenate Your Smile

To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, visit our single-chair dentist that offers a consultation and exam. Our experienced dentist can discuss your dental implant options with you and further explain the factors influencing dental implant cost. Find a dental consultation near you in Western Sydney at Pearl Dental Care.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Biocompatibility of Advanced Manufactured Titanium Implants—A Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5456424/

Zirconia in dental implantology: A review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515795/

Dental implants
https://www.finder.com.au/dental-implants

Chronic disease GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/chronic-disease-gp-management-plans-and-team-care-arrangements

Prosthodontic Perspective to All-On-4® Concept for Dental Implants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4253293/

Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure

How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last? Discover The Contributing Factors

How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last? Discover The Contributing Factors

by Pearl Dental Care Team | Jan 19, 2022

Dental fillings do the important job of restoring damaged or decayed teeth in order to stop the decay and restore the tooth to full function. Natural teeth can last for the rest of your lifetime with good care and even though fillings do not last forever, they can extend the lifespan of your teeth for many years. The length of time that fillings last depends on various factors such as the filling material, the placement and position of the filling and how well you uphold your oral care. Let’s take a look at how long do tooth fillings last.

What Causes Dental Decay?

Your best defence against dental decay is brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist twice a year. Old food, sugar and debris that is removed from tooth surfaces start to corrode the dental enamel that protects your teeth. When this happens, it’s important to have the decay removed and the tooth filled. A smaller filling is much less trouble and expense than a large area of the tooth that has been lost.

Teeth that are cracked or chipped also need to be filled because they can allow bacteria to penetrate their structure.

How Does The Dental Filling Procedure Work?

Most dentists will perform a dental x-ray to see how extensive the decay is. An x-ray will also give insights into the health of your gums and the underlying bone structure. Once your dentist has a good idea of how much decay is present, he or she will either advise you to have dental fillings or a root canal treatment.

What Types Of Fillings Are Available?

Today patients have lots of options for the materials to be used in dental fillings. The types of fillings best suited for the restoration of the cavity will depend on the position of the tooth and your budget. Gold, silver, porcelain and composite resin are all commonly used.

How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last?

Gold As A Filling Material

Gold has been used successfully in dentistry for many years. Suitable for crowns, onlays, and inlays, gold tooth fillings can last for longer than 20 years. Because of its appearance, some patients do not want to use it on teeth in the front of the mouth and most clinics do not offer this option anymore.

Silver As A Filling Material

Silver (amalgam) is a very good filling material because it is strong and robust. It is cheaper than gold, but because of its noticeable colour, dentists prefer to use it on fillings in molars because it can last long and stand the bite pressure.

Porcelain For Fillings

Porcelain blends in well with natural teeth and can be blended for a good colour match. It is suitable for use in inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers. Porcelain fillings are more brittle than metal materials and can be expected to last for an average of seven years.

Composite resin for fillings

Composite resin is a popular material for fillings because of its affordability. While it is a bit softer than porcelain and not as strong as metal filling materials it can last for up to eight years with good dental care. Its white colour makes it a good choice for aesthetic reasons especially when used on front teeth. Our team prefers using composite resin fillings for our patients.

Extending The Lifespan Of Fillings

How long your dental fillings last depends on:

The skill of your dental practitioner
The position and size of the filling

Larger fillings may not last as long as smaller ones. Fillings placed on the molars may also need to be replaced earlier because of the force that they bite and chew with. Over time, fillings can loosen and in the case of composite resin, may also shrink a little. This means that after some years, the filling is no longer as effective as it used to be and needs to be replaced.

In order to ensure your fillings last as long as possible, you need to

Brush and floss twice a day
Visit your dentist every six months

While the filling is not subject to decay, the underlying tooth is. Good dental hygiene is the surest way to prevent future decay and tooth loss in the long term.

Once your fillings are complete, the functionality of your tooth will be restored. This means it should not feel any different to your other teeth and you should be able to bite and chew with comfort.

If you want to know more about how long do tooth fillings last so you can make an informed decision about your cavities restoration, it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9158 6312.

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