What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have
lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. If you still have questions after reading this information, have a conversation with your periodontist.

What are the advantages of an implant over a bridge or denture?

A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options, including:

• Maintain the integrity of your remaining teeth. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that the adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge. When replacing multiple teeth, bridges and partial dentures rely on support from adjacent teeth, while implant supported bridges do not.

• Maintain bone health. Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, your jawbone is better preserved. Implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep your bone healthy and intact. With a bridge or denture, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth
starts to deteriorate.
 
• Long-term benefits. In the long term, implants are esthetic, functional, and comfortable. On the
other hand, gums and bone can recede around a bridge or denture which leaves a visible defect,
deteriorated bone from bridges and dentures can lead to a collapsed and unattractive smile, and cement holding bridges in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that are anchoring the bridge. Finally, removable dentures can move around in your mouth, reducing your ability to eat certain foods.

How is the implant placed in my mouth?
First, the implant, which looks like a screw, is placed into your jaw. Over the next few months, the
implant and bone are then allowed  to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial teeth.
During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn. Sometimes a second
procedure is needed to place an extension on the implant. This small metal post, called an
abutment, complete the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. The replacement tooth (or bridge or   denture) will then be created by your periodontist or other dental professional and attached to the abutment.

What procedures may have to be completed before placing my implant?

A procedure called “socket preservation” is sometimes needed to preserve bone and minimize bone loss adjacent to a tooth that has been removed. One common technique is to fill the socket with bone or bone substitute and allow the bone to heal for approximately four to twelve months before implant placement.

“Ridge modification” may be needed if you don’t have enough bone to support an implant. This bone loss could be caused by periodontal disease, wearing dentures, injury, or trauma. During this procedure, bone or bone substitute is added where needed to ensure a proper foundation for
implants. Your bone usually needs four to twelve months of healing time before placing implants.

“Sinus augmentation” may be needed to place implants in the upper back jaw, where your bone is very close to your sinus. In this procedure, the sinus floor is raised so there is more room for new bone to grow to provide a proper foundation for implants. After four to twelve months
of healing time, you will be ready to have your implants placed. All of these procedures have been shown to greatly increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.

For more information about dental implants, check out our website  www.stlouisdentalimplants.com and our youtube channel for testimonials www.youtube.com/georgeduello
or call our office 314-965-3271

The How To's of Oral Hygiene!!!!!!

Oral Hygiene for a Healthy Mouth and Gums!

One of the easiest ways to help prevent gum disease is to brush and floss every day, so therefore it is very important to know the correct way to take care of your teeth and gums. It does not matter if you brush first or floss first, as long as you do both.  In addition, you may want to add a waterflosser and tongue scraper to your daily routine. New research tells us that plaque biofilms are very difiicult to remove from the oral environment. These biofilms are very sticky and are retained on the surface of the tongue and  sometimes between the teeth after routine oral hygiene.

Equipment

Frayed or bent bristles....time to replace

The most commonly used toothbrush is the manual toothbrush. Another option is the electric toothbrush, which uses electrical power to move the brush head. The resulting vibrations that
are created gently clean the teeth. It is important to always choose a soft brush head when using either a manual or electric toothbrush, and to replace the toothbrush when the bristles begin to bend(or every two to three months).

According to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology, all dental flosses are equally effective. This means that it does not matter which type of floss you choose to use. There are many
different varieties of floss, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and shred-resistant, so
there is a type of floss out there for everyone!

Waterflossers (waterpiks) are experiencing a resurgence in today's dental care routine as an adjunct in removing the plaque biofilm from between the teeth. There are many companies providing waterflosser's, we have found that the "Waterpik" is a reliable brand with many different tips designed to help clean braces, implants and periodontal pockets.

Scraping the tongue removes the furry film that harbors bacteria which can migrate to the teeth and gums, reducing the effectiveness of your brushing and flossing routine. Also, it may contain sulfur compounds that cause persistent halitosis (bad breath). Tongue scrapers are available in many different styles. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what type you choose, as they all offer the same result by gently removing the bacteria buried in your tongue's hairy surface in one easy step.

How to Brush

Position the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. While applying
slight pressure, gently move the brush in a circular vibration motion using short strokes. Use this method to clean the front of your teeth, then move to the back of your teeth, then the biting surfaces, and then your tongue, using the same gentle movements. Sometimes it is necessary to change your head position by tilting or turning to the left or right to get better access to your front and back teeth. Your goal should be to remove the sticky plaque biofilm (bacteria) from the all surfaces of your teeth especially the at the gumline. Be sure you are constantly moving the brush head to avoid damaging your gums!

How to Floss

Using about 18 inches of floss, wrap the floss around your middle finger. Wrap the rest around your other middle finger, leaving 2-3 inches of floss between your hands. While tightly holding the floss between your thumbs and/or forefingers, insert it between two teeth. As you place the floss you will Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the tooth, and gently slide it up and down while maintaining about a 1 inch space between your fingers. Do this sliding motion 5 times  Then, with the floss still in between the two teeth, switch the “C” shape against the adjacent tooth, and repeat the sliding motion. Move to the next tooth over,  and repeat the
 process, unwrapping fresh floss from your middle finger as you go.

Waterflossing

Fill the reservoir with warm water (studies show that medicaments offer no significant clinical benefit when waterflossing). Select the appropriate tip. Select the pressure setting, for new users start with low pressure and gradually increase the pressure over time to allow your gum tissue to build up a tolerance for the higher pressure settings. Lean over the sink, keeping your lips closed to prevent splashing. Start with the back teeth and pause briefly between teeth. Aim the tip just above the gumline at a 90 degree angle. Never angle below the gum with a high pressure stream! There are many tips to choose from, check with your hygienist for special instruction around implants, braces and periodontal pockets!

Tongue Scraping

Stick your tongue out as far as you can. Place the scraper as far back on your tongue as you comfortably can. Then drag the scraper slowly and gently forward. Then repeat. You're done, it's as simple as that!

For more information on brushing
and flossing techniques, to learn
other ways to prevent gum
disease, visit perio.org.

The How To's of Oral Hygiene!!!!!!

Oral Hygiene for a Healthy Mouth and Gums!

One of the easiest ways to help prevent gum disease is to brush and floss every day, so therefore it is very important to know the correct way to take care of your teeth and gums. It does not matter if you brush first or floss first, as long as you do both.  In addition, you may want to add a waterflosser and tongue scraper to your daily routine. New research tells us that plaque biofilms are very difiicult to remove from the oral environment. These biofilms are very sticky and are retained on the surface of the tongue and  sometimes between the teeth after routine oral hygiene.

Equipment

Frayed or bent bristles....time to replace

The most commonly used toothbrush is the manual toothbrush. Another option is the electric toothbrush, which uses electrical power to move the brush head. The resulting vibrations that
are created gently clean the teeth. It is important to always choose a soft brush head when using either a manual or electric toothbrush, and to replace the toothbrush when the bristles begin to bend(or every two to three months).

According to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology, all dental flosses are equally effective. This means that it does not matter which type of floss you choose to use. There are many
different varieties of floss, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and shred-resistant, so
there is a type of floss out there for everyone!

Waterflossers (waterpiks) are experiencing a resurgence in today's dental care routine as an adjunct in removing the plaque biofilm from between the teeth. There are many companies providing waterflosser's, we have found that the "Waterpik" is a reliable brand with many different tips designed to help clean braces, implants and periodontal pockets.

Scraping the tongue removes the furry film that harbors bacteria which can migrate to the teeth and gums, reducing the effectiveness of your brushing and flossing routine. Also, it may contain sulfur compounds that cause persistent halitosis (bad breath). Tongue scrapers are available in many different styles. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what type you choose, as they all offer the same result by gently removing the bacteria buried in your tongue's hairy surface in one easy step.

How to Brush

Position the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. While applying
slight pressure, gently move the brush in a circular vibration motion using short strokes. Use this method to clean the front of your teeth, then move to the back of your teeth, then the biting surfaces, and then your tongue, using the same gentle movements. Sometimes it is necessary to change your head position by tilting or turning to the left or right to get better access to your front and back teeth. Your goal should be to remove the sticky plaque biofilm (bacteria) from the all surfaces of your teeth especially the at the gumline. Be sure you are constantly moving the brush head to avoid damaging your gums!

How to Floss

Using about 18 inches of floss, wrap the floss around your middle finger. Wrap the rest around your other middle finger, leaving 2-3 inches of floss between your hands. While tightly holding the floss between your thumbs and/or forefingers, insert it between two teeth. As you place the floss you will Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the tooth, and gently slide it up and down while maintaining about a 1 inch space between your fingers. Do this sliding motion 5 times  Then, with the floss still in between the two teeth, switch the “C” shape against the adjacent tooth, and repeat the sliding motion. Move to the next tooth over,  and repeat the
 process, unwrapping fresh floss from your middle finger as you go.

Waterflossing

Fill the reservoir with warm water (studies show that medicaments offer no significant clinical benefit when waterflossing). Select the appropriate tip. Select the pressure setting, for new users start with low pressure and gradually increase the pressure over time to allow your gum tissue to build up a tolerance for the higher pressure settings. Lean over the sink, keeping your lips closed to prevent splashing. Start with the back teeth and pause briefly between teeth. Aim the tip just above the gumline at a 90 degree angle. Never angle below the gum with a high pressure stream! There are many tips to choose from, check with your hygienist for special instruction around implants, braces and periodontal pockets!

Tongue Scraping

Stick your tongue out as far as you can. Place the scraper as far back on your tongue as you comfortably can. Then drag the scraper slowly and gently forward. Then repeat. You're done, it's as simple as that!

For more information on brushing
and flossing techniques, to learn
other ways to prevent gum
disease, visit perio.org.

PREGNANCY AND PERIODONTAL HEALTH

Baby your oral health during pregnancy

While it may be the time to keep your feet up, pregnancy is not the time relax your
brushing and flossing routine. That’s because expectant mothers often experience increased gingivitis
or pregnancy gingivitis beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy that increases
in severity throughout the eighth month. The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels during
this time causes the gums to react differently to the bacteria in plaque and may result in
swelling, bleeding or redness or tenderness in the gum tissue.

About half of women experience pregnancy gingivitis. However, women with no gingivitis
prior to pregnancy are unlikely to experience pregnancy gingivitis. As many people are 
unaware of the status of their periodontal health, a visit to a dentist or periodontist for a periodontalevaluation before getting pregnant is a good idea. In some cases, gums swollen by
pregnancy gingivitis can react strongly to the bacteria in plaque and form large lumps. These
growths, called pregnancy tumors, are not cancerous and are generally painless. They usually disappear after pregnancy, but if the tumor persists, it may require removal by a periodontist.

While alterations in psychology and behavior during pregnancy tend to make some women 
pay less attention to personal care, women-should actually make an effort to pay increased attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy to help minimize the effects of hormonal  changes in the mouth.
Good oral health is vital during pregnancy. Therefore, continue with your regular dental cleanings
and checkups to avoid periodontal infection.

Women who use oral contraceptives may be susceptible to the same oral health conditions that affect
pregnant women. They may experience red, bleeding and swollen gums. And, women who
use oral contraceptives should know that taking drugs sometimes used to help treat periodontal disease, such as antibiotics, may lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive. Always tell your dental professionals about any prescriptions that you are taking. And remember, good oral care
benefits you, as well as your unborn baby.

Healthy mouths, healthy babies

Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth weight babies.Any infection, including periodontal infection, is cause for concern during pregnancy. In fact, pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small! 

The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in dental plaque called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease. 

A study published in a 1999 issue of the Journal of Periodontology reports that at least 23 percent of women ages 30 to 54 have periodontitis (an advanced state of periodontal disease). Yet, many people are unaware they have periodontal disease because it often progresses silently.

According to recent research, the more of the mouth affected with periodontal disease, the more likely a woman is to deliver a premature baby. However, women with only a couple of sites in their mouths affected by periodontal disease are not off the hook. While the study showed there is a definite dose response, the trend for preterm deliveries was observed in women with as little as two sites with attachment loss (a measure of periodontal disease).

Research is underway to determine what happens when periodontal disease is treated in pregnant women. For now, the best advice continues to be that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal screening and get any problems with their oral health under control before becoming pregnant. However, women who are already pregnant should not shy away from dental care. The second trimester is the best time to have dental procedures performed to minimize any potential risk.

Change Your Smile....Change Your Life

YOUR GUMS AND YOUR SMILE

A smile is one of the most universally recognizable expressions. Smiling can demonstrate a person’s
happiness, confidence, attractiveness, sociability, and sincerity. However, the effects of
gum disease or other oral tissue disorders cannot only be dangerous to your health and well-being,
but can also have the potential to ruin your smile.

Luckily, periodontists are the experts in treating the tissues around the teeth. They have the
know-how to treat the effects of gum disease or other oral tissue disorders and help improve your
smile. There are a variety of periodontal cosmetic procedures that can improve and enhance the
overall artwork of your smile.

Missing Teeth

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. In the past, the only options for disguising tooth loss were dentures and bridges. Nowadays, dental implants are a more natural looking option because implants look and feel just like real teeth. They also allow the patient to speak
and eat with comfort and confidence. During this procedure, a dental implant is attached to the root and after a healing period, an artificial tooth is attached. The result is a permanent replacement tooth that blends right in with the rest.

Root Coverage

Gum recession as a result of gum disease causes the tooth root to become exposed, which can make
teeth look long and can prematurely age a person. In fact, the phrase “long in the tooth”, used
to describe the elderly, is derived from this very reason. A periodontist can fix this problem with a procedure called root coverage. During this procedure, tissue from the mouth’s palate, or other synthetic materials, are used to facilitate coverage of the exposed root.

Gummy Smile

Periodontists also have the ability to fix a “gummy smile” when a person’s teeth appear too short. The teeth may actually be the proper length, but they’re covered with too much gum tissue. Your periodontist can correct this by performing a procedure called crown lengthening. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. Think of it
like pushing back the cuticles on a fingernail. The outcome is longer looking teeth and a winning smile.

Your gums are an important part of your smile. They frame the teeth and play an integral role in
the overall aesthetics of your everyday appearance. While taking care of them by brushing and
flossing daily is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth, talk to your periodontist about the procedures available to maximize the potential of your smile.