Understanding Dental Implant Procedures: What You Need to Know

by Elizabeth Huynh | Apr 9, 2023 | Children's Oral Hygiene, Orthodontics, Restorative Dentistry

If you have a missing tooth, getting a dental implant may be the perfect solution. Whether you’ve already decided to undergo the procedure or are just exploring your options, you may have a lot of questions about dental implants. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about getting dental implant surgery.

What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a fake tooth that is surgically inserted into the gums to replace a missing tooth. The implant is usually made out of titanium and must be placed by an oral surgeon. It is a screw-like piece that is inserted into the jawbone and closely resembles the root of a tooth. The dentist will later attach a crown to the implant so it resembles your other natural teeth.

How Long Will the Procedure Take?
The length of the procedure depends on your dental health, how many teeth are involved in the procedure, which teeth are being replaced, and if a tooth needs to be extracted first. For a single tooth, the implant surgery can take around one to two hours, from applying the anesthesia to the end of the procedure. Talk to your dentist for a better estimate of how long the procedure will take.

image of dental implant Now Dental Carmichael California Better Smiles

Tooth human implant (done in 3d graphics)

The Surgery
Before the surgery, your dentist may give you a list of pre-operative instructions, which you should follow closely. The full procedure needs to be completed in two phases, with the whole process taking between six and nine months.

It is during the first phase that the dentist will surgically place the implant in your mouth. Your mouth will be numbed using local anesthesia, so you will not be able to feel a thing. The dentist will then use a drill to create a hole in the bone for the implant. The implant will be inserted into the space and the gums will be closed over the implant.

Over the following months, the implant will become securely attached to the bone. During the second phase, the implant is re-exposed using a small incision. Then, the dentist will make impressions of your mouth in order to craft the new implant crown. Once the crown is made, the dentist will place it in your mouth and, voila, the procedure is finished.

Post-Surgery Discomfort, Complications, and Care
It is completely normal to experience some discomfort following your dental implant surgery. You may experience some light bruising and swelling in the gums and soft tissues. Discomfort is typically treated with an ordinary painkiller like ibuprofen or codeine. There are some complications that you should be watchful for. Potential complications include:

Bone loss around the implant
Infection of the surrounding gums and bone
The implant failing to adhere to the bone
Your body rejecting the implant

Following the procedure, your new tooth must be cared for and checked often, just like your other teeth. Follow your dentist’s post-surgery suggestions. Continue to brush and floss every day and visit your dentist for a checkup every six months, or more often if your dentist recommends it.

For more information about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact us at Now Dental. Now Dental is you full service dentist in Carmichael, CA, ready to help you before you need implants and we are there for you if you do!

7 Interesting Things You Should Know about Dentures

by Elizabeth Huynh | Nov 16, 2022 | Restorative Dentistry

Dentures have come a long way in the last few decades, and there are now a wide variety of options available to replace natural teeth. Read on to learn more about dentures, their care, and other interesting facts about dentures and general dentistry in Carmichael, CA.

Partial Dentures vs. Full dentures
When most people think of dentures, they think of full dentures where the dentures replace all of your natural teeth. They can be fitted for your upper and/or lower jaw, are stuck into place with suction or a temporary adhesive, and can be removed as needed. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are able to replace teeth when the other remaining teeth are not able to support a bridge or other tooth replacement method. Partial dentures are fastened to the gum line and remaining teeth, and like full or complete dentures, they are easily removed.

Denture Materials
Historically, dentures were made of porcelain or plastic. More modern dentures are made of hard resins, however. These resins are not as durable as natural teeth, which is why they have to be periodically replaced. You should also be careful not to drop or break your dentures as the hard material can crack or chip if not cared for properly.

More Than Teeth
While dentures are commonly used to replace missing teeth and make your smile look complete, they actually serve more purposes than just that. They support the structures in and around the cheeks and lips where missing teeth create problems, they allow you to eat foods that wouldn’t be possible with missing teeth, and they can help with pain management and gum exposure. Dentures are often an important part of your oral and overall health.

Immediate Dentures
During the healing process after tooth removal, immediate dentures can be used to give you function in your mouth and offer a temporary solution until permanent dentures can be fitted and made. These dentures are more easily refitted than permanent dentures during periods of adjustment and swelling, which can last up to 6 months after extraction. Immediate dentures are then discarded and replaced with more permanent options.

Overdentures
For people with few natural teeth remaining or who experience aversion to or extreme discomfort with typical dentures, overdentures are another option. Overdentures are created to fit over existing teeth, dental implants, gums, or roots. They are more easily removed and are often found to be more comfortable than traditional dentures.

Cleaning Your Dentures
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be regularly cleaned and cared for daily. Rinse them with clean water after meals, brush them with a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner daily, and clean your gums and remaining natural teeth while your dentures are out.

Denture Care
In addition to regular rinsing and brushing after meals, remove them at night, keep them from drying out by soaking them in water or a denture-safe solution, and avoid dropping or melting your dentures.

For more information about caring for your dentures or to schedule your next appointment for general dental care in Carmichael, CA, reach out to Now Dental by calling 1-916-966-2009!

Things You Should Know about Root Canal Therapy

by Elizabeth Huynh | Oct 31, 2022 | Dental Emergencies, Restorative Dentistry

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

No one wants to hear “You need a root canal”! The need for a root canal may be discovered during routine dental care or most likely alert you through a range of discomfort indicating there a problem. The need for a root canal often presents as an emergency such as an infection or abscess. Root canal therapy is often done as soon as possible. In emergencies, a root canal may be delayed to allow antibiotics reduce inflammation and swelling caused by an infection.

Here are seven things you need to know about root canal therapy!

1. Why is root canal therapy called for?
A root canal is used when the root of a tooth becomes infected. If the infected pulp isn’t removed, the decay can progress to areas around the tooth. This can cause the loss of other teeth and worse, migrate to the jaw bones. While antibiotics can suppress an infection in the root of a tooth, it is just a matter of time before an infection returns.

2. Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Also, depending on the condition of surrounding teeth and finances, many opt to have a tooth removed. A root canal removes the root of the tooth which stops the infection without the need for extracting the tooth. The generally least desirable way to deal with a root infection is to extract the tooth. While that is financially expedient, it also leads to other issues that can be more expensive to mitigate.

3. When do you need root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is necessary when a cavity has progressed far enough to reach the tooth’s pulp chamber. Symptoms of an infected root canal can range from a dull ache or pressure to sharp pain when biting. You also may experience lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and even swelling or tenderness in the gums around a tooth. There may be no pain or sensitivity at all, but an X-Ray may show a small abscess at the end of a tooth’s root.

4. What happens during a root canal?
The root canal is the chamber inside the tooth that contains pulp and the pulp’s nerves and blood vessels. The infected tissue in the chamber needs to be removed in order to prevent the spread of infection and decay. Root canal treatment is how this is achieved.

5. The basic steps of root canal therapy
After the doctor has determined with an exam and X-rays that you need root canal therapy, you’ll be numbed with a local anesthetic. An opening is made in the tooth so that different sizes of files can be used to clean out the infected pulp from each canal and chamber. The number of canals in the tooth varies depending on which tooth is affected. The impacted tooth’s canals are rinsed out and disinfected. They’re then cleaned roots are filled and sealed.

6. What else may I expect as part of a root canal therapy?
Depending on the extent of damage to the tooth, you may need a crown. If this is the case, a root canal therapy may extend into several visits. If the tooth is damaged or a crown has to be removed, a temporary crown may be placed. A permanent crown will be put on at a second visit.

7. Does root canal therapy hurt?
While root canal therapy sounds painful, there’s actually very little discomfort involved. Depending on type of sedation, the most you may experience is the momentary prick and even that is numbed before hand! You will be numb throughout the procedure. Following the treatment, you may have some discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications. To reduce chances for pain after a root canal treatment, it’s important to follow all your dentist’s instructions after the procedure!

Choosing a dentist for root canal therapy
NOW Dental of Carmichael, CA is ready to help you with root canal therapy! In some cases, when there is a need for root canal therapy under a crown, Now Dental may refer you to a specialist to save the crown. We will always make the recommendation that provides the best care for your dental health. We treat every patient on a case-by-case need. You and your families optimal dental care come first at Now Dental!

Taking the best care of your teeth and regular checkups can prevent the need for root canal therapy!
Remember, regular dental checkups, extreme diligence in your personal dental and oral hygiene care are two steps you that can prevent the cavities, that if left untreated, are the number one cause for the need of root canal therapy.

Protect your oral health, reduce dental expenses, set up an appointment for routine care at Now Dental now! You can reac Now Dental of Carmichael, CA at 916-966-2009

Choosing between Braces or Removable Aligners To Straighten Your Teeth

by Elizabeth Huynh | Aug 16, 2022 | Orthodontics, Restorative Dentistry

Orthodontics, Braces or Aligners?

Which one will work better for straightening your teeth?

Get Answers Television Ads Don’t Share While Promoting Aligners as an Option to Traditional Braces
Invisible aligners commercials always say they will save you money and time when it comes to straightening your teeth. It isn’t as simple as television commercials advertise! Only an in-person visit with your dentist can determine which dental procedure is right for straightening your teeth!

Orthodontics: Working with your Dentist to Determine If Braces or Aligners Are Right For You!
If you need orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct bite issues, there are choices not available in the past. There are even choices to be made within both technologies! With so many options, smart patients compare pros, cons, costs and treatment plan length with their dentist! It is the only way to establish the best orthodontic treatment plan.

The Path to Straighter Teeth Begins With a Full Assessment Of Your Oral Health
Online assessments or video conferences cannot do the a thorough assessment necessary to determine whether braces or aligners will yield the best results or a dental patient. Your dentist will assess your overall oral health, including the health of gums and teeth. It is important to take care of cavities and periodontal issues before investing in any tooth straightening procedures. Crowns or bridges need to be part of the treatment plan.

Braces vs. Removable Aligners
Braces are made of metal brackets, which are glued to the teeth and held together using small rubber bands and wires. You can get them in colors that match your enamel, making them discrete, or a color that stands out to make a fashion statement. Removable aligners, on the other hand, are made to be invisible. They consist of aligner trays made of BPA-free clear plastic fitted to the teeth to move them gently and subtly. Now Dental uses impressions, X-rays, and pictures to create a 3-D image to configure aligner trays.

Visible Treatment vs. Concealed
The obvious benefit of removable aligners is that they are less noticeable compared to standard braces. You can only spot aligners at close range, and they may be detectable in photos. Some people may prefer invisible aligners while others want something as noticeable as braces.

Removable vs. Non-removable Aligners
Clear aligners, sometimes called “invisible braces” or “teeth aligners, come either removable or non-removeable. Some people prefer aligners as they give the wearer the freedom to take them out as they please. In addition, they do not have to worry about eating certain types of foods like those with braces do. On the other hand, some people do not like the hassle of having to take the trays in and out when eating or brushing.

Treatment Time of Braces Versus Aligners
If your aim is to complete the treatment fast, get braces as they put the teeth into the desired shape faster than removable aligners. Braces close large gaps and keep the teeth aligned more efficiently quickly.

Braces versus Invisible Aligners – Every Orthodontic Treatment Plan Is Unique
Invisalign and other invisible liners are best suited for those with mild or moderate crowding. For those with severe misalignment, braces may be the best in rotating and pulling the teeth together and holding them in position. The success rate for invisible liners depends on the user because they have to be worn for them to work. For braces, the success rate is automatic, as you do not have the option of removing them. However, you should consult your dentist or orthodontist before choosing the best option for you.

Getting Started With An Orthodontic Treatment Plan Beings with a Call to Now Dental of Carmichael, CA.
Finding out if removable or non-removable aligners are the right solution for you or your family, begins with an appointment at Now Dental! Now Dental is committed to honest, transparent and affordable dental treatment plans. Don’t be swayed by a “club” that offers what amounts to a “DIY” alignment procedure. An in-person checkup is simply crucial to finding out the best strategy and technology your unique dental issues require.

Contact Now Dental at 916-966-2099 to schedule an appointment.

Dental Implants: A Bounty of Benefits

by Elizabeth Huynh | Jul 15, 2022 | Restorative Dentistry

Dental Implants Or Dentures?

Before you consider dentures, take a good look at dental implants!

Even if you have several missing teeth, if most of your teeth are healthy, dental implants are generally a better path to a healthier smile over dentures! There are several issues with dentures that generally do not occur with dental implants. Dentures change the whole dynamic of your dental care. Dentures can be uncomfortable forever. Dentures may change what and how you eat, forever!

Before you have all your teeth pulled because of one or more missing teeth, consider dental implant technology! There is no coming back from dentures. While there are cases for dentures, be sure you have explored all options first. Dental implants are one of the more dependable options to replace one or more missing teeth! Of course the key to making a decision about if dental implants are a viable option is the existing state of you oral health.

As careful and conscientious as you may be when it comes to protecting your dental health, accidents and tooth damage can still occur. When it does, you will require the services of a qualified dentist in Carmichael, CA, to help you restore your smile and get back function you may have lost with a broken or missing tooth. There are many options within the realm of dental care for replacing lost teeth, but one of the best options for dental patients is to install dental implants.

Dental implants by Now Dental, Carmichael California are tooth-like structures made of porcelain or composite material that fill in the gaps left by lost or damaged teeth. Unlike traditional dental devices used to restore a natural appearance, dental implants don’t reply on bridges or dentures. Instead, a crown is attached to an implant that is set in the bone, which makes the implant function and look like a natural tooth. Dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits to patients, and, as a result, they have become increasingly popular. Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits offered by dental implants..

Improved Appearance
While the best dentures and bridges may do a great job of filling in the gaps created by lost teeth, they can’t beat the natural look of dental implants. That’s because dental implants are affixed to the jawbone just as the missing tooth once was. That means that a properly executed dental implant will be almost indistinguishable from your natural tooth.

More Comfortable
Dental implants not only look like natural teeth, but they also feel like natural teeth. They won’t slip or shift, and unlike bridges and dentures, there are no wire support structures there to press against delicate oral tissues. While in some cases bridges and dentures can fulfill the need for aesthetic improvement for dental patients, they aren’t necessarily comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Easier Eating
Implants chew just like real teeth because they are firmly implanted in the bone and don’t move when chewing force is applied. Bridges and dentures can help restore the primary function of your teeth by allowing you to chew again. However, chewing with bridges and dentures is far from flawless, as the devices can slip during chewing, which makes a simple act needlessly more difficult.

Ask Now Dental Carmichael, CA how a dental implant might be the right answer for your smile!

Clearer Speech
Implants don’t restrict or effect speech because they function exactly like natural teeth. Therefore, you will speak more clearly and more effortlessly than you would with bridges or dentures. No matter how well-made and well-fitted your bridge or dentures may be, they will likely impact your speech in some way. After all, the human mouth wasn’t designed to operate with a dental device in place.

Improved Oral Health
Dental implants offer a solution for lost teeth that won’t negatively affect your overall dental health nor cause you additional hassle in maintaining oral health. Implants don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support like some other dental devices. Also, implants aren’t removable once installed, and are simply maintained in the same way as natural teeth. Dentures and bridges are necessary in some cases, but they can have an impact on your surrounding teeth and make routine maintenance much more difficult. A bridge may be supported by surrounding teeth, for example, which results in alteration of natural teeth. Also, dentures and bridges are more difficult to clean and maintain than natural teeth and dental implants.

If you have missing or damaged teeth, consider the many benefits of dental implants when seeking dental care. If you are seeking dental care in Carmichael, CA, including dental implants, contact Now Dental at 916-966-2099 to schedule an appointment.

Different Types of Dental Bridges Explained

by Elizabeth Huynh | Mar 1, 2022 | Restorative Dentistry

Understanding the differences in dental bridges

Dental bridges may be part of a restorative dental care plan

Dental bridges have long been used in dentistry as a component in the smile restoration process. A dental bridge is a device that is created to bridge the gap created when one tooth, or multiple teeth, are lost. The average dental bridge consists of two crowns on either side of the gap that fit onto the adjoining teeth, also called abutment teeth. False teeth are anchored to the bridge and are used to fill the gaps created by the lost teeth. Those false teeth are known as pontics in dental terminology, and they can be fashioned from a variety of materials including gold, silver, composite, or porcelain.

Dental bridges represent one of the most important tools a dentist has for smile restoration. They can help fill the gaps left by lost teeth, maintain the natural shape of the mouth and face, restore proper chewing and speaking function, prevent adjoining teeth from crowding into the gaps, and balance biting and chewing force in the mouth.

If you have lost teeth, a dentist in Carmichael, CA, can create a bridge that will suit your needs. Because bridges can fulfill a diversity of purposes in dental practice, they must come in diverse formats to meet those needs. There are four primary types of dental bridges: traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Keep reading to learn more about each type of bridge and how they are used in modern dentistry.

Traditional Bridge
The most common type of bridge, the traditional bridge, has been in use for decades. It is also the simplest type of bridge. A traditional bridge consists of crowns for each of the natural abutment teeth on either side of the gap that support one or more pontics that fill the gap. It can be used if the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap are sturdy and in good shape. Traditional bridges are usually made using porcelain crowns and pontics bonded to ceramic or metal.

Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is quite similar to a traditional bridge in its composition and structure. The primary difference between cantilever bridges and traditional bridges is the way they are anchored. While a traditional bridge is anchored to the two natural teeth on either side of the gap, a cantilever bridge is anchored to and supported by only one tooth on one side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are commonly used when there is only one solid tooth available next to a gap rather than the two required for a traditional crown.

Maryland Bonded Bridge
Maryland bonded bridges share some characteristics with other bridge types, but they are quite different overall. In terms of function, they provide a framework for pontics to be anchored and suspended in the gaps left by lost teeth. Like a traditional bridge, they require that there are two natural teeth on either side of the gap to be used to anchors the bridge. Their form is where they break with other more common bridge types. While traditional and cantilever bridges require crowns that are bonded to the abutment teeth on either side of the gap, Maryland bonded bridges are anchored to the abutment teeth not with crowns, but with metal and porcelain framework that is cemented to the back of the abutment teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge
While the other three types of bridges require natural teeth on either side of the gap that are used for anchoring the bridge, an implant-supported bridge uses a different mechanism altogether. Instead of relying on abutment teeth and crowns to support the bridge, an implant-supported bridge utilizes dental implants that are embedded in the gaps. Those implants become the structure that holds up the bridge and pontics. It is an extremely sturdy style of bridge, but it often requires two procedures to install. The first component involves placing implants in the jawbone, and the second procedure includes the placement of the bridge.

Dental implants provide a useful tool used by providers of dental services that can restore smiles and return function that is lost when there are gaps between the teeth. To learn more about the types of dental bridges and how they are used, visit Now Dental today.

Now Dental is conveniently located at 6500 Coyle Ave #6, Carmichael, CA 95608, just across from Mercy San Juan Medical Center. Cross Street: Dewey Dr.