If you’re sick or injured, you visit a doctor so that you can get the help you need to be healthy again. But in order to avoid a visit to the doctor, most people exercise healthy habits like eating healthy foods, exercising, washing their hands frequently, and avoiding other sick people. Just as you would participate in habits that will keep your body healthy, it’s important to have good dental hygiene habits as well to keep your teeth healthy and avoid major teeth problems. Visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups is one of the most important ways to avoid poor oral health. Here are some of the benefits of utilizing regular dental services in Carmichael, CA.

Clean Teeth
At a regular checkup with  Now Dental of Carmichael, CA, your teeth will get a good cleaning, which is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. Your teeth will be polished, which is similar to a thorough brushing, but the tartar and plaque also will be removed. Removing tartar and plaque is important because that’s where bacteria live and where decay begins if it stays on the teeth.

Gum Health Check
Another aspect of a checkup that’s often underestimated is the gum check. The dentist or hygienist will check the condition of the gums, which means they’ll look not only for any signs of gum disease but for any signs of receding gums as well. The severity of gum disease varies depending on the stage it’s in, so it’s important for the dentist to recognize and address early signs before it progresses to something more painful and serious. Advanced gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so it’s important to prevent this through early diagnosis and treatment.

Thorough Exam
A dentist can tell a lot about the health of your teeth simply by examining them. Stains can indicate the beginning of decay, and he or she will also look for any signs of damage like cracks or chips that could compromise tooth integrity. The exam is much more comprehensive than checking just the gums and teeth, however. The dentist will also check the tongue, your bite and how well the teeth align, your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes. This can help identify a number of things that could affect your oral health as well as your overall health.

X-Rays
X-rays are another important part of your checkup because they can find decay and damage that’s not visible on the surface. Hidden decay may not cause symptoms for quite some time, so an exam and x-rays are crucial in identifying decay so that it can be addressed while it’s minor.

Better Breath
Bad breath can sometimes be attributed to something you ate, but in many cases the real problem is bacteria in the mouth. Regular brushing and flossing is important for keeping bad breath at bay, but it’s also important to have your teeth professionally cleaned because tartar and plaque cause bad breath.

Overall Health
You’ll enjoy better overall health by regularly visiting the dentist because many health problems can be avoided with good oral health. There’s evidence that the risk of heart disease is lowered with good oral hygiene. In addition, the dentist in Carmichael, CA, can watch for signs of other dangerous health conditions like sleep apnea, oral cancer, and diabetes. Call Now Dental today to schedule your next checkup.

Now Dental Online Answers Questions About Dental Implants

For those with missing teeth, dental implants are the best solution. Dental implants look like natural teeth. The procedure is safe, and they will last for a long time. Dental implants can give you back your smile and your confidence. However, if you don’t know how dental implants work, they can seem intimidating at first. While there are three main types of dental implants, most dental implant procedures rely on either endosteal and subperiosteal implants.

Endosteal Dental Implants
When you think of dental implant procedures, you probably think of endosteal dental implants. The implants are made of titanium and look like little screws. They are most frequently installed in a two-stage procedure. During the first stage, the piece that is shaped like a screw is attached to the jawbone. Typically, a temporary tooth will be placed over the implant, so you can leave the dentist’s office with a complete smile.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Instead of using small screws, subperiosteal dental implants are created using a metal framework. The framework is placed on top of the bone instead of directly into the jaw. With endosteal dental implants, the implant is positioned below the gums and is not typically visible. Subperiosteal implants are exposed so they can hold the replacement bridge or crown, which means they may be slightly visible.

Generally, subperiosteal implants are attached in a single-stage procedure. Instead of needing a second minor surgical procedure, the implant is easier to place once the mouth has finished healing. This type of implant is ideal for patients who do not have healthy jawbones and can’t or don’t want to have a bone graft procedure completed. This option is also often used to anchor a full set of dentures, as opposed to a typical dental implant.

Which Type Is Right for You?
Only your dentist can help you to answer this question correctly. They will first assess your condition to ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants. Then, based on the condition of your mouth and your overall health, they will suggest the type of implant that they think is best for your needs. Consider their recommendation, plus the cost of the procedure, when you are making your final decision about which type of implants to get.

What about Transosteal Implants?
Transosteal implants can only be fitted to the lower jawbone. The Transosteal implant procedure is surgically complicated, extensive and expensive.

To learn even more about the different types of dental implants or schedule an appointment with Now Dental in Carmichael, CA! We are a family dentist practice, conveniently located to Carmichael and Citrus Heights. Now Dental is convenient located across the street from the Mercy San Juan Medical campus! Easy parking right in front of our entry door!