Category: Health

Demystifying All on Four dental implants is worth talking about, because they’re all the rage with dentists and their patients – with only Invisalign ahead of them, and of course toothache and pain being a top priority for dental patients.

So – what are All on 4?

The term All-on-4® refers to the fact that this technology allows for a full set of upper and/or lower replacement teeth to be permanently affixed in the patient’s mouth, anchored by a total of as few as 4 dental implants per set of teeth. Conversely, a full mouth of implants using traditional methods would require 8-10 implants per jaw and significantly higher costs and longer recovery time.

Because only 4 to 6 implants are generally necessary (with some exceptions), the procedure is much less costly than other replacement options and the entire process is much quicker as well. This means far less downtime for patients and a quicker road to recovery as well as a shorter journey to looking their best and to the resumption of normal eating habits.

They’re big everywhere now – from New York to London, to Paris to Tokyo, Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne and Brisbane.

In addition, unlike with traditional dentures, the All-on-4® “implant supported denture” allows the mouth’s supporting bones to keep their shape. On the contrary, when wearing traditional “false teeth” the jaw bones gradually shrink as there are no teeth or implants to help maintain bone structure.

This change in shape causes the dentures to become loose and, as such, the dentures may need to be periodically replaced, adding to the expense a patient must shoulder during their lifetime.

The benefits of All-on-4® treatment

After consultations about various options for teeth replacement, including conventional dentures, many patients opt for All-on-4® “hybrid” dentures because of the many advantages this technology provides. With All-on-4®:

• Full arch rehabilitation is achieved with as few as 4 implants
• Patients enjoy minimum recovery time and immediate function of their new teeth
• Dentures remain tightly in place and don’t have to be removed for cleaning
• The solution is often more affordable than other implant replacement options as fewer implants and bone grafting procedures are generally required.
• Patients with bone loss can take advantage of this technology
• Top dentures do not require coverage of the roof of the mouth to maintain stability
• An excellent success rate has been recorded amongst patients choosing the All-on-4® treatment option
• Ultimately, patients receive a beautiful, dazzling smile and the restored self-confidence that comes with straight, white, healthy-appearing teeth

About the procedure

It’s said by many that dental technology may have reached its zenith in All on 4 dental implants alongside Instagram and its new rivals Smilestyler and Myobrace.

Any remaining teeth will have been extracted before your AO4 surgery. This can be done on the same day though your surgeon may schedule it for a different time, depending on your individual situation.

Surgery begins with anaesthesia, which might be “local” numbing injections in the gums or could potentially be a general anaesthetic that will put you to sleep, if you prefer. Once remaining teeth are extracted, your surgeon will determine if you require bone grafting prior to implant placement. If no bone grafting is required, your own jaw bones will be smoothened in preparation for your implants.

Your implants will be placed with the help of a computer-generated custom surgical splint, that will allow your surgeon to perfectly locate the implants in your jaw bone. After the implants are placed, any incisions are stitched and the mouth is cleaned.

At this point, you’ll be fitted with your new teeth. You may receive a temporary “immediate denture” first, which is lighter and will put less pressure on the implants. This will be replaced just a few months later with your “permanent” teeth.

These are reasons why people choose implants over veneers – confidence in the dental technology is at all all-time high.

Your surgeon will provide instructions on after-surgery care and you will be instructed as to when to return for regular check-ups and maintenance. With proper care and regular dental visits, your new teeth can last a lifetime.

Dental Drills Need a Lot of Training

In 2004, a group of Alaska Native students returned from training in New Zealand and became Alaska’s first Dental Health Aide Therapists. In response to a need for regular oral health care in the Alaska Tribal Health System, DHATs were pioneers in providing access to mid-level dental care and prevention services for Alaska Native people living in rural communities across the state.

In addition to expanding care in Alaska, the ADTEP also supports expanding dental care in Tribal communities across the United States. Since 2015, 13 students representing Tribes from the Pacific Northwest have enrolled in the program. In 2016, the first Alaska educated DHAT was hired by the Swinomish Tribe in Washington to assist their dental team in meeting the overwhelming oral health care needs of their tribal members.

Alaska’s DHATs and ANTHC’s Educational Program are recognised as the model of success for improving oral health and access to care for rural populations around the world.

ANTHC partners with the Iḷisaġvik Tribal College and offers an Associate’s Degree in Dental Therapy. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona and New Mexico passed legislation and approved DHAT Programs in their states. ANTHC also provides DHAT Educational opportunities for First Nations students from Canada under the Jay Treaty.

In Summary

All-on-4® is a minimally invasive method of placing a full mouth of implants only using four implants to support a full arch (upper or lower) fixed non-removable replacement teeth. All-on-4® allows you to have a full set of teeth without having to undergo multiple surgeries and replacements to place a full set of implants in your mouth. Indeed, while office and clinic technology like Sharepoint is complex now it’s important for customers that demystification is overcome with communication. The greatest thing about All-on-4® is that the procedure we can typically complete it in our office during one appointment under local anaesthesia. For patients who have lost all their teeth or may need to have the remaining teeth pulled due to decay, this is an amazing advancement that allows them to have a full set of teeth without undergoing multiple procedures. Simultaneously, this solution gives patients the kind of teeth that look real and act like the original teeth.

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Playing sports indeed have some incredible benefits to one’s life. It not only improves the physical but mental health also. Along with that, sports activities also let you socialize and become a part of the neighborhood culture. But wait, there’s an awful side too of weekend sports, and dentists know all about them.

Some sports indulge in a higher possibility of dental sports injuries, and nothing can worsen than disrupting the game because of injury. Fortunately, you have got a dentist to help you with the most common sports injuries.

Statistics of Sports Injuries

Dental injuries are both expensive to cure, and they also have a wide range of repercussions for the patients. It can influence economic life and also have long-term functional as well as psychological effects. Considering Australia’s example, almost 31% of all dental sports injuries happen during sports events, which makes sports events one of the major causes for such trauma.

In fact, experts suggest that any given sports event can let dental injuries happen and need emergency attention. In case you have suffered a weekend sporting injury, it’s high time to get in touch with the expert dental practitioners as they can do a lot to help you out. The rising cases of sports injuries while sporting events have literally proved that sporting injuries are a boom for emergency dentists.

Treating Different Sports Injuries

There are many dental sports injuries where dentists prove to be of great help. The below section talks about the injuries where dental experts offer great help to the all those who are injured while playing sports.

Cracked Tooth

Be it a huge or trivial crack in the teeth; the dentist has different treatment options to help. In most of the cases, for dentists suggest that fractured or cracked teeth need dental crowns. Experts believe that yet a minute split in the tooth should be fixed, and it is so because, with time, it will extend and will shear off. In some cases, dental bonding is also used for small cracks in order to make the tooth hard and sturdy.

Tooth Displacement

It remains no doubt that losing a tooth during a sporting injury is a very serious issue. In case this happens with you, the dentist might help you out. It is always suggested topick the teeth and put it softly in the opening and immediately rush to the dental practitioner to get the best help for the same.

Visiting an emergency dentist would be an ideal decision to make as such professionals offer a quick resolution. Nowadays, people believe that dental marketing should include sporting club sponsorship, so athletes should get the immediate attention of the dental experts and get better results from the pain, injury, or suffering.

Tooth Intrusion

This is a situation where the teeth usually get driven back to the jaw while playing. This could be extremely painful and can also result in the loss of a tooth with some severe dental trauma. The cure or solution for this particular injury is based on the severity of the harm and vary from person to person, but in usual cases, it deals with surgical involvement.

Experts recommend that the best way to stay protected from a dental sports injury is to make the best use of the sporting guards or safety measures like mouth guards. Make sure that the product is of genuine quality and fits comfortably. Still, if you get a dental injury, do not wait and seek attention from the dental practitioner.

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Dental crowns have long been heralded as a solution to myriad dental issues, from restoring the strength and functionality of a damaged tooth to enhancing its aesthetic appeal. These tooth-shaped caps, typically made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination thereof, are custom-fitted to encase a damaged or weakened tooth, providing protection and support. While advancements in dental technology have made procedures like CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crown placements more accessible and efficient, complications can still arise, highlighting the importance of understanding potential issues and seeking prompt treatment.

As perfect as CEREC dental crown procedures can be, complications may occur due to various factors, ranging from improper fit to underlying dental health issues. One common complication is discomfort or pain following crown placement. While some discomfort immediately after the procedure is normal as the tooth adjusts to the new crown, persistent pain could indicate issues such as nerve irritation, improper fit, or an underlying infection. It’s crucial to communicate any discomfort to your dentist promptly to address potential concerns.

Another complication that may arise with dental crowns is sensitivity. While mild sensitivity to hot or cold substances is normal immediately after crown placement, persistent or heightened sensitivity could signal an improper fit, nerve exposure, or decay beneath the crown. Your dentist may need to adjust the crown or address underlying issues to alleviate sensitivity and ensure your comfort.

Furthermore, dental crowns can sometimes become loose or dislodged, compromising their functionality and leaving the underlying tooth vulnerable to damage or decay. This may occur due to factors such as inadequate cementation, trauma, or underlying structural issues with the tooth. If your crown feels loose or comes off entirely, it’s essential to see your dentist promptly to prevent further complications and secure the crown back in place.

In some cases, dental crowns may cause gum irritation or inflammation. This can occur if the crown margin is too close to the gum line, leading to irritation and potential gum recession. Additionally, inadequate oral hygiene or plaque buildup around the crown can contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal issues. Regular dental visits and meticulous oral care are crucial for maintaining gum health and preventing complications associated with dental crowns.

While complications with dental crowns can be concerning, prompt treatment and proactive dental care can often resolve these issues effectively. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the nature and severity of the complication but may include:

1. Adjustment or Replacement: If a dental crown is causing discomfort, sensitivity, or other issues, your dentist may need to adjust the fit or replace the crown entirely to ensure proper function and comfort.

2. Endodontic Therapy: If complications such as nerve irritation or infection are present, endodontic therapy, commonly known as a root canal, may be necessary to address underlying issues and preserve the tooth’s integrity.

3. Gum Treatment: If gum inflammation or recession occurs due to a poorly fitting crown, your dentist may recommend gum treatment to alleviate irritation and restore gum health. This may involve deep cleaning, medication, or other periodontal procedures.

4. Crown Recementation: If a crown becomes loose or dislodged, your dentist can often recement it back in place. However, if the crown is damaged or if underlying issues are present, a new crown may be necessary.

5. Replacement with Alternative Materials: In some cases, complications with dental crowns may prompt the need for alternative materials or treatment approaches. Your dentist will assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable course of action.

While dental crowns can effectively restore function and aesthetics to damaged teeth, complications may arise, necessitating prompt attention and treatment. As perfect as CEREC dental crown procedures can be, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues and communicate any concerns to your dentist promptly. With proactive dental care and timely intervention, complications associated with dental crowns can often be effectively managed, ensuring the longevity and success of your dental restoration.

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