Category: Uncategorized | Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Are Dental Implants Noticeable?

August 12, 2022 by Admin

If you have missing, damaged, or broken teeth and are looking for the perfect restoration solution, dental implants may be the right choice for you. Dental Implants are a permanent solution and are durable and long lasting. Implants function like natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. Implants are comfortable and do not slip or click like other restorative options.

Your bright white natural smile will be noticeable and will look natural. Implants act like an artificial tooth root and are made of titanium. Implants are placed into the jawbone and act like a screw. This provides the base for one or many crowns. Custom crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth giving patients a natural white smile.

As part of the implant consultation process we will check to make sure all patients have enough bone present in the jaw to support the new implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to add the support that is needed. This helps to create that strong base that is required for the implants.

Once the implants are placed, an abutment or connector is set on top of the implant to hold the crown in place. Temporary crowns may be used until the permanent crowns are ready to be installed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Provide patients with a natural looking smile and functions like natural teeth.
Provide long term value financially.
Implants are permanent and do not slip or click like other solutions.
Implants preserve the natural bone in the mouth, and this helps to stimulate new bone growth.
Dental implants are built to last upwards of 25 years, but can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are right for you, we encourage you to set up your initial implant consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to take a detailed look at your teeth and mouth, and discuss treatment options. We also will develop a customized treatment plan, and answer any questions or concerns you may have with the dental implant process.

Dental implants can be life changing, and can allow patients to live a normal healthy life eating and drinking as they would with natural teeth. Taking that first step is worth it to achieve that beautiful smile you have always wanted.

To schedule your implant consultation please call our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Can Poor Oral Health Affect the Rest of the Body?

October 1, 2020September 30, 2020 by Admin

Oral health is extremely important for many reasons. If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body.

Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can keep your body healthy, and can also help avoid serious issues in the future. At Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Merrillville, FL, we encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We also promote overall health and wellness. Our team cares about each patient, and keeping up with your oral health not only can keep your teeth and mouth feeling great, but your body feeling great also.

What Problems Can Occur From Poor Oral Health?

Respiratory Infections

If you have infected or inflamed gums that bacteria can transfer into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or even bronchitis.

Dementia

Inflamed gums can release substances that are harmful to our brain cells. This can lead to memory loss that is a result of bacteria spreading to the nerves.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have poor oral health you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria from the infected gums enters the bloodstream, and can cause the arteries to build up plaque. This can put you at risk for a heart attack.

Prostate Problems

If men suffer from periodontal disease they may have prostatitis. This condition causes irritation and other prostate related problems.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more likely to have infected gums over those that do not have diabetes. This can make diabetes difficult to control due to unregulated blood sugar levels. Gum disease can lead to higher blood sugar levels and this can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.

Infertility

Poor oral health and infertility in women are linked. If a woman suffers from gum disease this can lead to issues with infertility, and may make it difficult for a woman to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.

Cancer

Poor oral health can put patients at risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, or blood cancer. In addition if patients smoke or use tobacco products this can lead to oral or throat cancers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People who have gum disease are more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The bacteria in our mouths can increase inflammation in the body, and this increases the risk for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a health problem that affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease. Patients with gum disease typically have weaker immune systems, and this can make them susceptible to infection. Many patients that have poor oral health also have kidney disease, and this can lead to kidney failure if not treated.

How Can I Prevent These Health Issues?

In order to prevent serious health issues caused by bad oral health habits you must take care of your oral health. Scheduling regular dental exams in our office can help keep your teeth and gums clean, and get in front of any issues before they arise. Our friendly Merrillville dental team always put our patients first, and complete a thorough exam of your teeth and mouth to ensure everything is looking and feeling great. If we do have concerns, we will discuss those with you and develop a customized treatment plan to take care of any issues right away.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth daily
Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products
Use mouthwash that contains fluoride
Try and stay away from food and drinks that contain lots of sugar
Eat a well-balanced diet
Exercise and take care of your overall health

If you take care of your oral health, you take care of your body. Good oral hygiene can help prevent problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, as well as prevent more serious health issues in your body.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near You?

At Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide the highest level of dental care for patients of all ages. We welcome all new patients, and use state of the art technology to ensure our patients have an exceptional experience when visiting our office. If you are looking for a dentist near you, contact our dental office in Merrillville, FL to schedule your next dental exam and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

What Is ‘Burnt’ During a Root Canal

September 2, 2020August 28, 2020 by Admin

Root canals are required when the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth is inflamed or infected. In most cases root canals are from bacteria, or an injury to the tooth. This causes an infection, and in order to save a tooth a root canal must be done. Root canals must be treated promptly to avoid more serious issues or further infection.

Patients may experience symptoms that indicate they need a root canal, but in some cases patients have no symptoms. Issues that lead to root canals are sometimes found during our regular dental exams. At Family Dental Care in Merrillville, IN, we recommend patients attend their regular visits to our office, and contact us immediately if patients experience any symptoms of needing a root canal.

What are Symptoms Indicating You May Need a Root Canal?

Tooth discoloration
Tooth injury
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling around the gums or teeth
Prolonged pain around the tooth
Pain while eating or chewing

How Does the Root Canal Process Work?

The first step is to take an x-ray which helps Dr. Sim’s team check for infection and allows our team to view the shape of the root canal. Local anesthesia is used to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed. Root canal therapy usually requires multiple appointments, and this depends on the severity of the infection.

A rubber sheet or dental dam is then placed around the tooth to keep bacteria out and to protect the patient. The infected pulp is removed, and the area is cleaned and sealed. The area is cleaned with a special antimicrobial solution, and is handled carefully to ensure the solution does not leak or leave the area. The sealant is a rubber-like material that is heated up and compressed into the root canal. Once this is done the ends of the sealant are melted off using a tool with a heated tip. If a crown is required we provide temporary crowns until your permanent crown is ready.

How is the Recovery After a Root Canal?

Recovery after a root canal procedure is minimal. Patients may experience some pain or sensitivity around the area, but this should subside after a few days. Patients can return to normal activity shortly after their root canal procedure. If patients have prolonged pain or sensitivity that does not go away, we recommend that you contact our dental office in Merrillville, IN to be seen immediately.

Root canals are very common, and are safe and effective. The success rate for root canals is 95%, and they can fail occasionally. This is typically due to a fracture in the tooth, loose crown, or further decay. Root canals stop the spread of infection and preserve both your tooth and jawbone.

Looking for an Endodontist in Arlington Heights, IL?

If you are looking for a root canal in Merrillville,our team is here to help! We provide patients with many services to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. With convenient scheduling and high end technology, we provide our patients with exceptional service. Our office welcomes patients with many amenities, and is comfortable and family-friendly.

Contact our Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Merrillville, IN today to schedule a consultation, and learn more about how you can benefit from root canal therapy.