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DO YOU NEED A BONE GRAFT BEFORE GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS IN RICHARDSON?

fred.parvini@solution21.com (Design Team ) — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Dental implants in Richardson have the potential to replace your teeth so naturally, you don’t even notice the difference between them and your previous teeth once they’ve fully healed. Thanks to advances in dental technology and medical science, dentists are more capable of placing them today than ever before. However, that doesn’t also mean that all patients won’t need a preparatory treatment before they can be viable candidates.

One of these treatments is bone grafts. To learn how they work and how they relate to dental implants, keep reading!

WHAT ARE BONE GRAFTS?

Whenever you chew, you’re not just putting pressure on the visible crown in your smile. You’re also applying pressure on the root that’s deeply embedded inside the jaw bone. That means the supporting bone plays a crucial role in the long-term success of your dental implants and the surrounding oral structures supporting it. Without healthy bone, the implant is doomed to fail.

That’s where bone grafts come in. This procedure is designed to give the implant a more solid base for it to integrate to. By taking a small piece of bone from another area of your body, it can be transplanted onto your jaw bone for greater volume and density. Alternatively, artificial bone can be provided commercially and placed in these areas.

WHEN WOULD YOU NEED A BONE GRAFT?

Dental implants are meant to trigger a process known as osseointegration. This is the organic process that occurs when an object, in this case a titanium rod, is placed inside the jaw and allowed to bond with the alveolar bone. Once enough time has passed and the implant has sufficiently healed, an implant-retained crown can be confidently placed on top. While this process takes several months, it’s the best way to confirm that the implant has a stable foundation to last for many years.

During your consultation, the dentist will be able to confirm how much volume your jaw currently has and whether it’s enough to receive an implant. If you’ve had missing teeth or been wearing a denture for an extended period of time, chances are your jaw has shrunk a significant amount. However, you won’t know for sure until you complete this consultation.

CAN MY BONE GRAFT TREATMENT AND IMPLANT PLACEMENT BE DONE SIMULTANEOUSLY?

While it is not common, there are some cases where the bone graft and implant can be placed at the same time. If you only need minor bone grafting performed, then the implant can be placed during the same procedure, saving you time and money on additional surgeries. However, this is largely dependable on the condition of your jaw bone, so ask the dentist what your options are prior to starting treatment.

Dental implants can be made possible, even when large amounts of bone are missing, thanks to bone grafting procedures. Schedule a consultation today to start building your treatment plan with a dentist in Richardson.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. David Nguyen earned his DDS degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Since then, he’s completed a Fellowship at the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and graduated from the Misch International Implant Institute. To learn more about his practice or expertise, you can contact him through his website .

WANT TO SAVE MONEY? A DENTIST IN RICHARDSON SAYS ATTEND REGULAR CHECKUPS

fred.parvini@solution21.com (Design Team ) — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

When problems arise, isn’t it always better to catch them early rather than later? You can typically address it more smoothly and successfully that way, but unfortunately, when it comes to oral health, many people disregard this notion altogether, waiting until a dental problem has worsened or is beyond repair. Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy smile, which is why your dentist in Richardson stresses the importance of regular dental checkups. Here’s why they’re so important and what your dentist is looking for other than tooth decay and cavities.

PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY: THE BEST WAY TO KEEP YOUR ORAL HEALTH ON TRACK

Your Richardson dentist wants to keep your smile whole and healthy for years to come. Patients who exhibit good oral habits and have beautiful smiles to show for it are model examples of how preventative dentistry can make a difference in a person’s oral health.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROUTINE CHECKUP?

It’s important to visit your dentist every six months because they have the proper tools and equipment to look for things you can’t see. Here’s what you can expect from your dentist:

They will use digital x-rays, photos, and a visual and manual examination to thoroughly check your mouth.
You will be examined for early indicators of tooth decay, gum disease, teeth grinding and clenching, TMJ, and oral cancer.
A skilled hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup.

HOW CAN REGULAR VISITS SAVE ME MONEY?

You might think there’s no way you can save money by visiting your dentist. Even with insurance, you’re probably going to pay for something, right? Well, depending on your coverage, you may be fortunate to receive 100% preventative coverage; however, if you must pay a minimal fee, it is still saving you money in the long run. Here’s how:

Healthy gums mean no gum disease . When gum disease advances into more serious stages, it can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. If this happens, you’ll need to pay for tooth replacement treatment (dental implants) to prevent further damage. In addition, if you suffer bone loss as a result of missing teeth, you may need to pay for a bone graft before having a tooth replaced.
No cavities mean no fillings . Although it’s a simple procedure that dentists perform every day, you are required to pay for fillings, which is money you’re spending on something that is preventable.
Positive screening means no oral cancer . During each visit, your dentist will check for any signs of oral cancer. If you avoid your dentist office for regular checkups, and you develop oral cancer, you could be spending a lot of money to treat the disease.

It truly does pay to see your dentist on a regular basis. Keep that extra money in your pocket, and save it for a luxury vacation, not a root canal.

About the Practice
At Dental Care Today of Richardson, we are committed to providing our patients with convenience and cost-saving treatment. The dental professionals in our office provide a wide array of services ranging from sleep apnea to general cleanings, to sedation dentistry. With comprehensive solutions, you can expect to have all your dental needs met in one location. For questions about our services, contact us via our website or by calling (972) 994-1577 .

DENTIST IN RICHARDSON GIVES 4 COMMON CAUSES OF BAD BREATH

fred.parvini@solution21.com (Design Team ) — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

You’ve noticed that people will keep a healthy distance when you approach them to start a conversation. Later, when you cup your hands over your mouth and catch a sniff, you think “No wonder!” Even though you feel you have good dental hygiene, you still suffer from bad breath. Why’s that? There are many factors that can cause a bad odor in your mouth, and your dentist in Richardson is going to let you in on how to be more approachable.

FOODS YOU EAT

When leftover particles of food you’ve eaten begin to break down, your mouth becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and bad breath. Certain foods like onion, garlic, and other spices can cause you to have smelly breath until they’re fully digested. So, if you eat excessive amounts of these every day, paring down on them may help reduce the smell. Your breath can also be affected if you’re on a high protein diet. When proteins are being digested, it produces ammonia that is released through your mouth, causing a foul odor.

POOR DENTAL HYGIENE

Bad breath is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene. It’s important to clean your mouth regularly to disrupt the buildup of bacteria and plaque. Some people tend to skip over important steps in their dental hygiene routine like flossing, which gets into the hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush can’t. It removes food debris that’s trapped in between your teeth, which can be crucial to preventing the accumulation of odor-causing bacteria.

GUM DISEASE

Over 85% of the population in the United States is affected by gum disease, which results from plaque and tartar that aren’t effectively removed from below your gumline. Eventually, your gums begin to form pockets between your teeth. These pockets fill with plaque and bacteria and infect and irritate your gums even more. These collected bacteria on your tongue and trapped in the pockets formed between your teeth produce harmful toxins that smell unpleasant, giving you bad breath.

TOBACCO USE

People who smoke and use oral tobacco products are at a significantly higher risk of developing gum disease, causing damage to their oral tissue. No matter the form of consumption, tobacco products can lead to other serious health issues.

HOW YOU CAN PREVENT BAD BREATH

By maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing, you can prevent heavy plaque and tartar buildup and minimize odor-causing bacteria. It’s important to remember to schedule your semi-annual checkups and cleanings so your dentist in Richardson can help remove all the remaining food debris and bacteria that you weren’t able to get to. Taking a couple of extra minutes out of each day to ensure that your dental health is up to par can not only save your breath but prevent serious oral health issues.

About the Author

Dr. David Nguyen has developed his skills in periodontal and oral surgery through post-graduate training and aims to provide the best possible treatment to his patients affected by oral health issues. Whether you’re coming in for a regular checkup and cleaning or to get porcelain veneers, you’ll feel confident in Dr. Nguyen’s hands. You’ll feel right at home in Dental Care Today. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit his website .

THE NOT-SO-SWEET RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUGAR AND YOUR TEETH WITH YOUR DENTIST IN RICHARDSON

fred.parvini@solution21.com (Design Team ) — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

You love sugar, but you’ve always been told that sugar is bad for you. Maybe you’ve also heard that sugar is bad for your teeth. But why? Sugar can cause problems for your teeth, but the scarier part is realizing just how prevalent sugar is in our diets these days. How can you make sure your smile stays strong against the harmful effects of sugar? Check out this helpful information here from your dentist in Richardson.

HOW DOES SUGAR AFFECT YOUR TEETH?

Your mouth has bacteria in it—everyone’s does. In a white, sticky substance called plaque, these bacteria produce acids that eat away at your teeth’s enamel, causing tooth decay, otherwise known as a cavity. Also, these bacteria contribute to gum disease. Although it predominantly affects your gums, gum disease does impact your teeth as well. In more advanced stages, gum disease can lead to your teeth becoming loose or even to tooth loss.

These harmful bacteria thrive on sugar. When you feed yourself with your sugary drink or snack, you also feed them and increase your chances of getting a cavity or worse.

WHAT FOODS AND DRINKS HAVE SUGAR IN THEM?

With so many processed foods out there, perhaps the more appropriate question would ask what doesn’t have sugar in it. However, there are some products that have a particularly high sugar content, and some of them just might surprise you. These include the following:

Candy.
Baked goods.
Processed carbohydrates (such as bread or crackers).
Soda.
Energy drinks.
Sports drinks.

Check the nutrition label on products to see the sugar content. Don’t forget to look at the serving size for a more accurate reading.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY TEETH FROM SUGAR?

The simplest way to prevent sugar from wreaking havoc on your teeth is by avoiding it in your diet as much as possible. For many, especially children, it can be difficult to steer clear of sugar completely, so here are some other things you can do to keep sugar’s influence to a minimum:

Brush your teeth at minimum twice a day, especially after consuming a sugary food or drink.
Floss your teeth at least once a day.
Drink more water to help wash away residual sugars.
Avoid eating sugary foods as snacks between meals. Rather, have them right after a meal, when you’re more likely to drink water and brush your teeth.
Replace sugary snack foods with more mouth-friendly options, like carrots, apples, pears, and cucumbers.
Visit your Richardson dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

Sugar affects not only your overall health but your oral health as well. The more you consume, the more likely you are to suffer from dental problems. As you learn to reduce your sugar consumption and implement more mouth-friendly lifestyle choices, you can decrease these odds and protect your mouth from the harmful effects of sugar. That way, you can keep your natural teeth healthy and happy for many years into the future. For more information about oral health, contact your dentist in Richardson .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. David Nguyen has been practicing dentistry for over ten years. Although he has the training and skill to execute even the most advanced dental procedures, he and the staff at Dental Care Today of Richardson try to help patients focus on preventive care first. He is able to provide both oral conscious and IV sedation to accommodate patients with dental anxiety as well.

AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION CARE FROM AN EMERGENCY DENTIST IN RICHARDSON

fred.parvini@solution21.com (Design Team ) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

You have wisdom teeth coming in, and they’re impacted, which means you’ll need to have them removed. Maybe you feel a little anxious about it. After all, it is a surgical procedure! What will recovery be like? What can you do to make it go as smoothly as possible? Get answers to these questions and more from your emergency dentist in Richardson.

WHY TOOTH EXTRACTION

Tooth extraction can happen for several reasons: impacted wisdom teeth, extensive tooth decay, overcrowding, or even a dental emergency . Whether planned or not, tooth extraction is a common oral surgical procedure that a qualified emergency dentist in Richardson is equipped to handle.

HOW THE MOUTH HEALS

When you have a tooth extracted, the body heals itself by forming a blood clot at the site, protecting the exposed bone and nerves. It is important that the blood clot stays there, so no food particles can contaminate the vulnerable wound. If the blood clot does become displaced, it lengthens your recovery time and leads to dry socket, an infection that causes radiating pain from your mouth and throughout your face. Following these tips is your best chance of avoiding dry socket and having a quick recovery.

WHAT TO DO

Follow your dentist’s instructions for post-extraction care. They will be able to provide advice specifically for you and your situation. However, there are several things you can do on your own to facilitate your healing.

Use a cold compress or ice pack in 20-minute increments to keep the swelling down.
Plan to rest following your tooth extraction for at least one day, and avoid strenuous activities for a few days, especially contact sports. Ease back into your regular activities and be aware that some fatigue and soreness is possible.
Drink lots of water. It can help flush out any food particles and keep the extraction site clean.
Eat liquids for the first day and soft foods for the next few days after extraction. Some of these foods include the following:
- Soup or broth.
- Applesauce.
- Oatmeal.
- Eggs.
- Avocado.
- Ice cream.
Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning the extraction site to allow the clot to form. However, you can gently brush your other teeth. You can gently rinse your mouth with water to clean the site for the first day.
Let your dentist know if you experience abnormal symptoms. For the first couple of days after extraction, you will likely have some swelling and pain, which typically can be managed with pain medication, either prescribed or over the counter. If you have severe pain, swelling, redness, and fever, contact your dentist right away.

WHAT NOT TO DO

There are certain things you should avoid doing so that you heal properly.

Don’t use a straw for about a week. The suction can dislodge the blood clot.
Don’t drink sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages. They can irritate the extraction site.
Don’t eat crunchy, spicy, chewy, or sticky foods for the first few days after extraction.
Don’t use tobacco products within 48 hours of surgery. They can introduce bacteria and disturb the blood clot.

If you follow these tips, your tooth extraction and post-procedure healing should go smoothly and without incident. Soon you’ll be back to your normal activities with a healthy mouth again. For more information about tooth extraction or more detailed advice for aftercare, you can contact your dentist in Richardson.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

At Dental Care Today of Richardson , Dr. David Nguyen provides a truly comprehensive array of dental services including tooth-colored fillings, crowns and bridges, veneers, dentures, implants, sinus lift in conjunction with implant placement, gum and bone grafting, gum disease treatment and surgery, tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal, root canal treatment and retreatment, and invisible braces (Invisalign). You can contact him by calling (972) 994-1577 or clicking here .

YOUR EMERGENCY DENTIST IN RICHARDSON SAYS MOUTHGUARDS PREVENT THIS

fred.parvini@solution21.com (Design Team ) — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Nothing beats the proud feeling you have as a parent when watching your child participate in sports. Your emergency dentist in Richardson says that in the midst of offering encouragement and cheering on your child, though, there are some steps that should be taken to protect his or her teeth and soft tissue from sudden trauma . Learn about a simple yet effective way to go about this as you continue reading.

THE POSSIBLE DANGERS OF PLAYING SPORTS

Whether your child is involved in football or field hockey, there is always a chance of a sudden collision and trauma to the face. If there is no protection worn, then your child is left vulnerable to the following types of injuries:

Laceration – A blow to the face can cause a laceration of the soft tissue (gums, lips, tongue, cheeks), which can then lead to excessive bleeding.
Broken Jaw – The jaw is left more susceptible to breaking from blunt trauma when there is no oral protection worn.
Cracked or Dislodged Tooth – Another problem that can emerge from sudden impact to an unprotected mouth is a cracked or lost tooth.

The above scenarios are considered to be dental emergencies that require immediate attention. Thankfully, there is a simple way to protect your child.

THE VALUE OF PROTECTIVE MOUTHGUARDS

While there is little that can be done to prevent trauma to the face, there is a way to lessen the chances of a serious injury. With a custom mouthguard from your dentist, much of the force from direct impact can be absorbed.

To understand how this works, think of the bumper on your car as equivalent to the mouthguard while you and your passengers represent the teeth. In the unfortunate situation of an auto accident, the bumper helps to absorb the force and redirect it away from the inside of the vehicle. A similar effect is achieved with a custom mouthguard, as it cushions the teeth and helps to divert the energy away from them.

IS A STORE-BOUGHT MOUTHGUARD SUFFICIENT?

The biggest difference between a custom mouthguard from your dentist and a generic alternative is that the former is designed to perfectly fit the shape and size of your child’s mouth. This feature plays a significant part in preventing injury because it lessens the chances of sliding and moving when worn.

Thus, if there is impact, it will remain in place and provide the maximum protection possible. So to have more peace-of-mind and feel confident that your child is protected, reach out to your dentist in Richardson to schedule a visit today.

About the Author

Dr. David Nguyen earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and then went on to continue his postgraduate training at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where he received advanced tutelage in several modalities. Dr. Nguyen helps to protect children from dental injuries by providing custom mouthguards at Dental Care Today, and he can be reached for more information through his website .