Benefits of Dental Implants for Oral Health

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Have you been considering dental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? While dental implants are often considered a purely cosmetic dental treatment option, implants can have many positive benefits for your oral health. Take a look at some of the ways dental implants can benefit your oral health below. 

Improved Functionality and Bite Strength

Dental crowns offer enhanced functionality and bite strength, which is immediately lost when a tooth is severely damaged. By covering and protecting damaged or weakened teeth, crowns restore their structural integrity, which leads to improved chewing and biting abilities. This restoration of function enhances the ability to eat comfortably and helps prevent further damage to the affected tooth. This means that dental crowns may allow you to eat foods you may have avoided due to lacking bite strength.

Preservation of Jawbone Density and Facial Structure

When teeth are broken or extracted, it affects the bone density that makes up the jaws. With time, the bones can start to deteriorate to such a degree that the facial structure changes. By installing dental implants, the integrity of the bone is maintained. Therefore, changes in facial structure, such as the cheeks appearing to sink, are far less likely. 

Enhanced Smile Structure for the Long-Term 

If you have dental implants installed and still have natural teeth, implants provide a layer of protection for the remaining teeth. Natural teeth can bear more stress when their surrounding teeth are missing. This change can lead to higher risks of damage to these remaining teeth. The natural teeth can also shift and move with time due to the added space to do so within the jaw. Dental implants allow for even distribution of bite force, and the close fit between other teeth will prevent alignment issues from developing. 

Discuss Dental Implants with a Cuyahoga Falls Dentist 

Dental implants offer numerous benefits for individuals seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth. From improved oral function and enhanced aesthetics to long-term durability and maintenance of oral health, dental implants with a qualified Cuyahoga Falls dentist provide a comprehensive solution that can positively impact one’s quality of life. Contact State Valley Dental today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team if you’re considering dental implants.

 

3 Things to Know About Maintaining Implants

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If you’re missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to fill the gap and restore your smile. Dental implants are a very popular type of prosthetic tooth because they look natural and they function much like your other natural teeth.

Once your dental implant is installed, your dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, at State Valley Dental will tell you what you need to know about maintaining your dental implant. Taking good care of your implant can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Dental Implants Need Regular Brushing

Dental implants need to be brushed regularly, just like your natural teeth. To brush your dental implants, you’ll use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Watch out for toothpaste designed for smokers, stain-removing toothpaste, products containing activated charcoal or baking soda, and toothpaste that says they’re made for whitening or brightening your smile. These toothpastes can scratch up your dental implant, causing permanent damage to the surface of the crown.

2. You’ll Visit Your Dentist Twice Annually

Continue to visit the dentist twice annually after your implants are installed. During your visits, the dentist will inspect your implants for signs of damage, and if they are damaged, your dentist will recommend repairs or replacement, depending on the problem.

During your visits with the dentist, you’ll also be given an opportunity to ask questions about how to maintain your dental implants. Your dentist will show you how to brush and floss around your implants to ensure that they’re well cared for.

3. Know the Signs of a Problem

Once your dental implant is installed, it’s important to know the signs of a problem. If your dental implant starts to fail, here’s what you can expect:

  • Pain around the site of the implant
  • Swelling or discomfort around the implant
  • Gum recession around the implant
  • Implant is loose

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, this could be a sign that your dental implant is failing. If this happens, it’s time to see the dentist.

Tips for Taking Care of Your New Dental Implants

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Do you have plans to restore your smile with dental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? These new teeth will undeniably make you feel more confident about your smile. However, there will be a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your new dental implants stay healthy and look their best for the years to come. Take a look at a few important tips for taking care of your new dental implants.

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is paramount for the longevity and nice appearance of your new dental implants. Just like your natural teeth, brush your dental implants at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Further, flossing regularly removes plaque and debris, which protects the health of your gums, as well as the durability of your new implants.

2. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring the health and functionality of your dental implants. Your dentist will conduct thorough examinations, including X-rays, to detect any potential issues early on. These routine visits are important because they allow intervention if issues arise that put the implants at risk.

3. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects

Preserving your dental implants requires adopting mindful chewing habits. Avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice, hard candies, or non-food items, as this can lead to damage or wear and tear on your implants. Treat your dental implants with the same care you would your natural teeth, and they will be far more likely to last a lifetime.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking poses significant risks to the success of dental implants but also can affect the longevity of the restorations in the long term. Smoking can impede the healing process, increase the risk of implant failure, and compromise overall oral health.

Discuss Dental Implants with a Qualified Dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH

For personalized advice and guidance on caring for your dental implants, consult with a qualified dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Reach out to schedule an appointment with our experienced dental team at State Valley Dental and embark on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.

Bridge Vs. Implant: What You Should Know

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Losing a tooth can be a difficult experience, but it can help to know that there are solutions available to you. A dental bridge or an implant in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, can not only replace the tooth, it can help you maintain your facial structure and preserve the health of your teeth and gums. If you’re asking which one is better for you, we’ll look at the differences so you can make the decision.

The Basics of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is there to cover the gap between two teeth, and it works by placing a full crown between two partial crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The false tooth is held in place by the cemented crowns on either side so that you can talk and chew normally. The materials used can be made to match the surrounding areas, too, so it looks like your natural teeth.

The Basics of Dental Implants

A dental implant is attached not by crowns on either side but with a titanium post in the jawbone. Because the post fuses to the bone, it’s meant to act more like a real tooth. It can also potentially prevent the bone from shrinking because every new bite helps stimulate its growth.

How to Decide

Bridges and implants are both meant to fill in the gaps of a real tooth, but the truth is that implants are usually the preferred option for dentists. Not only does it tend to be more stable than a bridge, but it’s also better for the bone. It’s worth noting that people without strong jawbone density will not be good candidates for implants. In that case, a bridge can be a good compromise.

Dentists in Cuyahoga Falls

If you’re looking for a dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, that specializes in dental implants, the staff at State Valley Dental are here to help. Implants not only fill in the gaps in your mouth, preventing other teeth from sliding in, but they give patients more motivation to keep up with thorough brushing and flossing routines. If you still have questions about bridges or implants, contact us today to see how we can help you decide.