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Tooth Replacement Options

August 18, 2020 by Jesmine Boghawala DDS

Losing a tooth can be painful and even traumatic. The loss can interfere with eating, speaking, and self-confidence, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. If a gap is left where a tooth should be, there is an increased risk of bone loss in the jaw and a higher likelihood of infection. Already, you may start to wonder about tooth replacement options.

Over time, the jaw bone loses definition. This causes your face to sag, making you look decades older than you actually are. But you can prevent this scenario from becoming your reality. To do so, it is important to have a conversation with your local dentist as soon as possible when you first lose a tooth.

Starting the process early will give you access to care that can help mitigate potential bone loss or infection. At the same time, it allows you the time to make a well-informed decision regarding replacement. As a top cosmetic dentist in Cerritos, Innovative smiles offers many restorative options. There is a range of different materials used in tooth replacement procedures. And you should discuss them carefully with your dentist. Here are a few general categories for you to consider.

Partial Dentures

If you’re looking for the simplest procedure, then a partial denture may be right for you. These are essentially removable dental prosthetics that are designed by your dentist to fit your mouth. They are usually held in place by precision attachments that use the closest natural teeth as an anchor. However, in some cases, these natural teeth may need to be crowned for added stability.

The benefit is clear. A partial denture can do a lot to improve your confidence. This applies when you’re speaking or eating. Both actions will feel far more comfortable once you have gotten used to the denture. Unfortunately, partial dentures may still result in bone loss in the jaw, as the jaw in that region won’t be exposed to the regular pressure of chewing. If a dental implant isn’t a practical choice for you at the moment, then you may want to consider it for the future.

Dental Bridges

If you would rather have a more permanent solution without months of waiting, then a dental bridge is a good option. They are very similar to partial dentures, but they are not removable. While designing and placing a dental bridge, your dentist will use healthy teeth to permanently hold the group of prosthetic teeth in place. It is very common for dentists to crown these support teeth or even use dental implants on either side of the bridge to guarantee a stable structure. As will dentures, dental bridges will not necessarily prevent bone loss.

Dental Implants

Dental implants in Cerritos are the holy grail of tooth restoration, but they are a lot of work. Even if you don’t need a bone graft, the procedure has to take place in multiple stages over a period of months. The reason for the wait is simple. The first stage of a typical dental implant without a bone graft is the placement of the post. This metallic rod replaces the root of the tooth. Your dentist drills it directly into the jawbone. Your oral surgeon then has to wait until your jaw has grown around the post, fully incorporating it into the bone. Only then can your surgeon proceed with placing the abutment and the prosthetic tooth.

The good news is that the dental implant is a permanent fix that addresses all of the complications associated with missing teeth, including bone loss. It is a lengthy and involved procedure. However, if it is a financially viable option and your doctor agrees that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure, then the dental implant is, by far, the superior choice. To find out which procedure suits your individual situation, schedule a consultation with your dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS.

Will I Need a Bone Graft for My Dental Implants?

July 16, 2020 by Jesmine Boghawala DDS

Dental implants are one of the best ways to permanently replace missing teeth. Using a metal post, your dentist can physically anchor a new, natural-looking tooth directly into your jawbone. The result gives you unparalleled stability. As a result, patients who have dental implants can resume all normal activities without concern once the healing process is complete. However, some patients may first need a bone graft.

Unfortunately, the efficacy of the procedure does come at the cost of time. It can take months to complete the process of placing a dental implant because it is broken into multiple stages. After each stage, you will need to completely heal to ensure the procedure is successful.

In some cases, a dental implant can be placed over a period of three months. But this is usually only possible in younger patients with no complicating factors. If you smoke, are over the age of fifty, or require a bone graft, then the procedure is likely to take place over six to nine months.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a small piece of healthy bone that is affixed to a location where the bone is broken or deteriorating. You may require a bone graft before receiving an implant if the jaw bone near the missing tooth has become too weak to support the metal post required to anchor the new tooth.

Your jawbone may be weakened due to a pre-existing condition. These include conditions such as osteoporosis, or gradual bone loss caused by the initial loss of the tooth. The integrity of your jawbone depends on your teeth being regularly used. If you have been missing a tooth for an extended period, then you may have experienced some bone loss.

Fortunately, the best dentist in Cerritos should be able to identify possible bone loss in your initial x-rays, so you will be able to make an educated decision as to whether you would like to move forward with dental implant surgery. If you would rather avoid the process, then you may want to ask your dentist if a dental fixed bridge is right for you.

What to Expect During a Bone Graft?

If you decide to move forward with the dental implant procedure, then it helps to know what you are getting into. Your oral surgeon is an expert in their field. So you should feel free to ask them any questions you might have regarding your individual case. Fortunately, the procedure is fairly straightforward, and complications are avoidable with appropriate care.

Whether you are placed under general anesthetic will depend on the source of the graft. Most oral surgeons use a specially crafted material that mimics bone, allowing for the graft to take easily. In this case, you will most likely only require a local anesthetic to treat the jaw. However, if you are opting to have the bone graft taken from another bone on your body, then general anesthetic is a far more likely treatment.

Once the anesthetic is applied, and you are comfortably numb, your surgeon will cut into the gum in order to expose the jaw bone. The graft will be placed against the deteriorating bone and secured. The gum is then closed. That is when the waiting begins. Your dental surgeon will want to make sure that the bone graft has completely grown into the bone and made your jaw strong enough to support the implant.

Healing Process

The healing process after a bone graft typically takes four to six months. Then, once your jaw is ready, you will most likely have three further appointments to complete the procedure. The first will place the post. The second will be used to take impressions. And during the third your dentist will place the new tooth. Afterward, you will have an implant that looks and feels like the real thing.

How Do You Fix a Chipped Tooth?

June 16, 2020 by Jesmine Boghawala DDS

Did you know that the average human has a bite force of 162 pounds per square inch? That’s a lot of pressure, but our teeth are usually sturdy enough to handle it. Unfortunately, every so often we give them more than they can handle, and they break. A mild chip may not even be painful initially, but it does mean you will be paying a visit to your best dentist in Cerritos at Jesmine Boghawala DDS. How do we fix a chipped tooth?

As shocked as you might be after accidentally chipping your tooth, your dentist is more than prepared to fix you right up. The procedure required to fix a chipped tooth is usually relatively straightforward, with little to no downtime depending on the severity of the break. In most cases, it just requires your dentist to use resin to replace the missing portion of the tooth.

What is Dental Bonding?

The material used to replace the missing part of your tooth is called dental bonding. The resin is colored to match your natural teeth and can be used to fix chips as well as misaligned teeth, giving you a smile you’ll be glad to show off. In the case of a chipped tooth, the process is fairly simple.

Your dentist will start by etching minuscule ridges into the natural tooth. These ridges are necessary. The resin is unable to physically bond with a completely smooth surface. So etching the tooth increases the strength of the bond between the two. Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist will apply and carefully shape the resin to mimic your natural tooth’s shape. The resin is then smoothed and polished, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth. Finally, your dentist will use a UV light to harden the resin more quickly.

Dental veneers are another cosmetic treatment that can be used to fix the appearance of a mildly chipped tooth. Still, this process requires a custom-built porcelain shell designed to completely cover the remaining. Highly effective, veneers can also be costly, so many patients opt for dental bonding as an effective alternative.

What if I Lost Most of My Tooth?

In the case of a severe break, dental bonding may not be able to fix the issue. If you’ve lost a substantial portion of your tooth, then your dentist is likely to recommend a crown. For patients unfamiliar with the process, a crown requires your dentist to remove the outer portions of your tooth and fit a custom-made crown over the remaining tooth.

Crowns are done over two dental visits. During your first visit, you can expect your dentist to remove the outside of the tooth. They will then take impressions of your mouth, so your crown is made to fit you perfectly. You will also be given a temporary crown during this visit to get you by until your crown can be placed during your next appointment.

Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, or a mix of the two. You should carefully discuss the costs and benefits with your dental care provider to ensure you make the best choice for your needs. As long as it is well cared for and made of sturdy material, your crown can last for life, so it is an investment worth considering.

Making an Appointment

Regardless of the severity of the chip, your first act in response should be to call your dentist. Let them know if you are experiencing pain and the severity of the chip. This will help to determine how quickly you need your appointment. Regardless of the waiting period, you should pick up a small box of dental wax to soften sharp edges, preventing further injury. You should also avoid chewing with the affected tooth until your dentist can see you.

Can I Chew Gum While I’m Wearing Invisalign?

May 18, 2020 by Jesmine Boghawala DDS

In comparison to wired braces, Invisalign offers more flexibility and comfort. However, the rules surrounding their usage are less firmly established in the popular imagination. As a result, you may have some questions revolving around Invisalign “dos and don’ts.” In these cases, you can always talk to your dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS directly or review their FAQs. One of the most common questions is whether you can chew gum while wearing Invisalign. Fortunately, the answer is pretty straight forward.

Do Not Chew Gum While Wearing Invisalign

When it comes to your aligners, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are about to chew or drink anything other than water, you should remove your aligners first. Tacky or hard substances can easily damage the trays, negatively affecting your journey towards a perfect smile.

That being said, you can technically chew gum as long as you remove your aligners first. However, there are several reasons that you may want to reconsider that choice and just skip gum entirely.

SmartForce Attachments

Although it isn’t the case for everyone, many patients using Invisalign require a few SmartForce attachments. These innocuous, tooth-colored bumps are placed discretely throughout the patient’s mouth. These attachments ensure that their aligning trays stay in place and exert force in the desired direction.

They may not seem very important at first, but allow your trays to move your teeth in more complex ways. They help you get closer to the smile you always wanted in a fraction of the time that would be required otherwise.

Despite their smooth outer edge, there is still a possibility that gum could stick to these attachments and undermine them over time. Therefore, if you do have SmartForce attachments in place, it is advised that you not chew gum at all while undergoing Invisalign treatment to avoid inadvertently lengthening your treatment period.

Time in Place

The creators of the Invisalign technology suggest that patients wear their aligners at least 20 to 22 hours every day. As a result, chewing gum regularly isn’t usually feasible for patients trying to stick to that schedule.

One patient, writing for Real Self about her own experience with Invisalign, explained that it was difficult to fit all of her meals, snacks, and daily hygiene routine into two to four hours. This was especially true as her dental care provider suggested a full 22 hours a day for the best results. Taking your aligners out to chew gum can reduce the efficacy of your aligners and lengthen your overall treatment period.

Hygiene

In addition to concerns regarding the general efficacy of your Invisalign, patients should consider skipping their gum-chewing habit during the treatment period for hygienic reasons. Given that you will spend the vast majority of your day with the plastic trays tightly fitted to your teeth, it is imperative that patients follow a rigorous dental hygiene routine.

Whenever you eat or drink anything other than water, you have to brush your teeth before returning your aligners to your mouth. Gum is no exception. As a result, you would need to brush your teeth every time you chew a new piece of gum. This only increases the time your aligners are out of your mouth and taking precious minutes out of your day.

Invisalign and Gum

At the end of the day, it isn’t worth it to chew gum while wearing Invisalign. It requires you to remove your aligners, which can be painful depending on the stage you are in, chew quickly, brush your teeth, clean your aligners, and pop them back in your mouth, which can also be painful if your gums are sore. Instead, let your aligners do their work, and make it easier on yourself by skipping your gum habit for now.

TMJ Disorder or Tooth Pain? How to Tell

April 16, 2020 by Jesmine Boghawala DDS

Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ) is the medical term that applies to a range of disorders that affect certain areas of your jaw. Specifically, it deals with the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and facial nerves. The cause and treatment can vary widely. But, TMJ disorders are marked by chronic pain near the hinge of the jaw bone. This pain can radiate into the facial muscles, ear, and even into the forehead. As a result, some patients experience tinnitus and migraines in addition to joint discomfort.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

There are four primary causes of TMJ disorders. They are arthritis, misaligned teeth, blunt force trauma, and stress. In all four cases, the joint, disk, or cartilage receive damage as a result of physical erosion. This damage breaks down the normally smooth motion of the temporomandibular joint.

However, the cause of a TMJ disorder is not always clear. This is true even though nearly ten million Americans suffer from the condition. Some experts theorize that poor diet, sleep deprivation, and the use of orthodontic braces could contribute to the condition. But, scientists have yet to fully prove these theories with definitive evidence.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders are most commonly identified by chronic discomfort or pain in the region near the jaw, just below the ear. Most patients experience heightened discomfort when opening and closing the jaw. The motion is often accompanied by a popping, clicking, or grinding sound. Less common symptoms include chronic migraines and tinnitus (a constant ringing or buzzing in the ear). These can sometimes be accompanied by numbness, according to Medical News Today.

Who is Susceptible to TMJ Disorders?

There are three primary risk groups with TMJ disorders. They are the elderly, women, and violinists. Due to the effects of arthritis on general joint health, the inflammation and erosion of healthy joints often contribute to the development of TMJ disorders. Overuse of the jaw, as with violinists, also appears to put individuals at risk. Overuse can also apply to patients who consistently clench their jaw or grind their teeth as a stress response.

Research shows that women are far more likely to develop a TMJ disorder over their lifetime. Part of the explanation for this otherwise strange statistic is women’s increased susceptibility to develop arthritis. However, many cases of TMJ have been found in women of childbearing age, leading some scientists to guess that hormonal responses may play a role.

How to Treat TMJ Disorders

Fortunately, many cases of TMJ will fade with time if you address the underlying cause. To this end, your dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS will diagnose your condition based on a physical examination. Still, they may also suggest that you visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist (ENT) to confirm the diagnosis.

Once confirmed, your health care provider will ask you about lifestyle habits. This could include whether you chew gum, use a mouth guard while sleeping, or have been feeling stressed to establish possible underlying causes. Typically, for immediate relief, your provider will prescribe an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. They likely will suggest reducing chewing activities. To this end, patients should restrict their diet to soft foods. Also, they should use a mouth guard if teeth grinding looks to be a likely cause.

When TMJ Disorder is Severe

In more severe cases, light muscle relaxers, jaw exercises, and stabilization splints may be required for a short period. Surgery is rarely used to treat TMJ disorders as results vary, and moderate treatments are typically successful. Your health care provider will only suggest surgery when there is clear damage to the joint that causes extreme jaw restriction. In these cases, the surgeon can replace the joint, but this is very rare.