Pickart Family Dentistry, S.C.
414.258.1008
2600 N. Mayfair Rd.
Suite. 425
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
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Dental Implants: Are They Right for You?

3/9/2015

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Natural tooth vs. Dental implantDental illustration by Dear Doctor (deardoctor.com)
Dental implants have been used for thousands of years to replace missing teeth. Archeologists have discovered ancient Mayan skulls as old as 600 A.D. with teeth replaced by carved stones (such as jade) to bits of seashells. Amazingly, some of these implants actually fused to the jawbone, which is essential to lasting success.

Over the past 25 years, dental implants have changed the face of dentistry. Current treatments offer a combination of science, research, and surgical skill.

How implants work

A dentist surgically positions the implant, or artificial root, in the jawbone. It becomes invisible once placed and acts as the anchor for a crown, bridgework or dentures. (See diagram.) Implants are used for single-tooth replacement, fixed multiple-tooth replacement, and removable implant-supported tooth replacement (dentures).

Titanium is often used for implants because it’s lightweight, strong and easily fuses to the bone. In addition to replacing lost teeth, dental implants stabilize the bone and helps maintain the jawbone’s shape and density. Dental implants also support the facial skeleton and soft tissue structures—gums, cheeks and lips. The face remains completely natural-looking when eating, chewing, talking, and smiling.

Are you a good candidate?

Generally speaking, if you have lost teeth, then you’re candidate for dental implants. You must be in good health without any medical conditions that may affect whether dental implants will fuse to your bone. In consulting your dentist, it is important to give your medical status (past and present) as well as all the medications, including prescriptions, alternative (herbal), or over-the-counter.

Before an implant, your dentist conducts a detailed assessment of your mouth and jaw, which includes models of your mouth and bite as well as x-rays and 3D scans. Experience in the use of computer imaging and dental surgery helps to ensure that the implants are placed in exactly the right position in the bone. A simple, uncomplicated dental implant placement usually takes less than an hour. Healing is quick, with only minor discomfort that can be managed with ibuprofen or similar medication. The implant generally requires two to six months to fuse to the jawbone before tooth restorations are attached.

Maintenance

Like natural teeth, implants do require daily brushing and flossing to control bacteria. Regular visits to your dentist are also necessary for cleaning and to make sure the implant is stable and crowns, bridgework or dentures are functioning satisfactorily.

Better With Than Without

Dental implants not only replace missing teeth—they protect the jawbone from bone loss and help support the facial skeleton, lips and cheeks. In addition to the obvious cosmetic advantages, your decision to investigate a dental implant will help preserve your oral health for years to come.


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Teeth Whitening Brightens Smile, Builds Self-Esteem

3/2/2015

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Millions of people have dental discoloration in varying degrees. Even if they brush and floss, the natural radiance of their teeth can fade due to our diet, the environment, and the passage of time.

Fortunately, there are many whitening options that are affordable and deliver dramatic results. Whitening your teeth is an incredibly effective way to brighten your smile, and dentist-supervised treatment is the safest, most dependable way to a favorable outcome.

Most likely a good candidate for treatment because the procedure is low-risk with minimal side effects. You should still check with your dentist first because there are certain factors—porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, or worn enamel, among others—that preclude treatment.

When you visit your dentist, be sure to find out if she performs teeth whitening on a regular basis. Ask about the different methods available, including laser whitening like Zoom, and customized whitening trays.

Where to Begin
A consultation with your dentist should inform you about:
  • your candidacy for teeth whitening
  • which whitening option is best for you
  • whether an in-office or at-home solution is right for you

Cost
The cost of whitening depends on the type of treatment. When making a choice, remember that the lower priced/over-the-counter forms of whitening are often the least effective.
  • Take-home treatments cost $276 at Pickart Dental, including the cost of whitening trays and gel.
  • In-office whitening can cost $400 to $500, depending on the number of sessions needed. Pickart Dental Zoom is $468.
The best way to document your whitening process is to have the dentist match the color of your teeth to a shade guide both before and after treatment. This visual guide not only shows you the transformation, but also creates a record for any future touch-ups that might be needed.

If you follow a professional whitening regimen, your smile should dramatically improve along with a huge boost in self-esteem. Just be sure to heed the advice of your dentist and keep your expectations realistic.


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    Author

    Combining her 20+ years of experience as a dentist with a concern for her community, Therese is uniquely qualified to care for her patients. She routinely schedules educational programs featuring "Mr. Molar" for schoolchildren to teach the value of oral hygiene.

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