What Are All On 4 Dental Implants? – Everything You Need To Know

Posted on Thursday, December 16th, 2021 at 8:50 pm by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

A few years ago, the only option available for replacing all missing natural teeth was removable dentures. Despite being cost-effective, denture wearers often complained of insufficient chewing efficiency, difficulty in speech, and their potential for staining. But, thanks to modern dentistry, you don’t need removable dentures for replacement if you have lost all your teeth. Instead, you can benefit from al-on-four dental implants. So what are dental implants, and how do they work? This article explains everything you need to know about all-on-four implant-supported prostheses.

What Are All-On-4 Teeth Implants In Dentistry?

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, all-on-four implants, also known as full mouth implants, are prostheses used to replace all missing teeth in a jaw. These appliances are supported by four or six implants, placed in strategic locations, usually in the front and two in the middle. The missing teeth are replaced by attaching a fully fixed bridge over the implants.

What Are The Advantages Of All-On-4 Dental Implants?

The all-on-four implants offer various benefits over conventional complete dentures. These include:

Durability and strength
A 10-year success rate of more than 90%
Prevention of jawbone degradation, unlike removable dentures that accelerate bone loss
Superior aesthetics
Improved chewing and speech efficiency
Minimal risk of side effects or allergic reactions

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Unlike removable dentures, implants are built to last. Dental implants are made from titanium, which gives them excellent strength and durability. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants can last for a lifetime with proper care, optimal oral hygiene maintenance, and regular dental checkups. In short, dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth.

Is It Possible To Do Dental Implants On Every Tooth?

In short, yes, it is possible. However, you don’t necessarily need an implant for each missing tooth. For example, if you have a missing tooth, your dentist will replace it with a porcelain crown. However, if you have more than one missing teeth, depending on their location, your dentist may use an implant-supported partial overdenture or bridge to replace them. On the other hand, for individuals who have lost all their teeth, tooth replacement is done using the all-on-four treatment concept.

Is The Price Of A Dental Implant Justified These Days?

No doubt, removable dentures are more cost-effective than implants. However, if we consider the benefits implants offer over dentures – such as their durability, aesthetics, and restoration of dental function – their high cost is a small price to pay in the long run. In addition, getting your teeth replaced with implants saves you from frequent denture repair or replacement. Therefore, the cost of dental implants is justified.

What Is The Recovery Time For Dental Implants?

Once your dentist has surgically inserted the implants, they will ask you to wait for 4-6 months. This ensures that the implant site heals optimally and the implants become firmly anchored with the jawbone. Don’t worry; you won’t have to go without your teeth during the healing phase; your dentist will attach temporary teeth to restore the facial aesthetics. However, these temporary sets of teeth are not meant for eating hard and sticky foods. Once complete healing has taken place, your dentist will attach the permanent prosthesis over the implants. So, the entire process may take around 6-8 months. However, in some cases, dentists choose to attach a prosthesis to the implants immediately after implant placement. This protocol is called immediate implant loading, and it is not performed routinely.

How Do You Care For Dental Implants?

One of the best things about dental implants is that they do not require extensive and time-consuming maintenance compared with conventional dentures. Simply ensure optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist regularly. That’s all you need to do to look after your implant-supported teeth.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are made from titanium alloys, which are safe for use inside the human body and oral cavity. In addition, unlike removable dentures that carry the risk of allergic reactions and have other adverse effects, titanium alloys are biocompatible: they don’t cause any allergic or toxic reaction inside the oral cavity. Therefore, implants are absolutely safe and among the most preferred tooth replacement options among patients and dentists.

What Leads Someone To Need Dental Implant Surgery?

You may need implant surgery if you have one or more teeth missing. The exact number of implants required and the prosthesis needed for tooth replacement will be decided by your dentist following a thorough clinical examination. After careful examination and treatment planning, your dentist will suggest a suitable tooth replacement option for you. In cases where someone is not eligible for getting implants due to insufficient jawbone, your dentist will perform additional surgical procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lift surgery to restore optimal bone density.

Dental implants function, look and feel just like natural teeth. That is why they are so popular among patients and dentists as a tooth replacement option. However, while implants have lifelong durability, their success depends on the dentist’s skill and expertise. If the implant placement is not done properly, there is a risk of implant failure. Therefore it is advisable to visit a qualified and trained implant dentist for getting implants.

If you’re looking for the best implant dental clinic in Ballsbridge, Dublin and surrounding areas, Pembroke Dental should be your first choice. We offer high quality, affordable dental services – all under one roof. So, book a new patient appointment today and let us give you a healthy and charming smile.

Orthodontics

Clear Ceramic Braces – Are They The Best Option?

Posted on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 8:20 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

If you have misalignment or crooked teeth that affect your self-esteem and smile, orthodontic treatment is the answer to your problem. However, when we talk about orthodontic treatment, the first thing that comes to mind is the metal braces – which most people do not like because of their discomfort and metallic appearance. Thankfully, metal braces are not the only orthodontic treatment option available these days. If you are looking for convenient and comfortable braces that are not visible whenever you speak or smile, ceramic braces are a good option.

Ceramic braces are similar in design and work the same way as traditional ones; the only difference is that they are made from tooth-coloured material, making them much more aesthetically pleasing than conventional ones. This article explains everything you need to know about ceramic braces so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right option for your orthodontic treatment.

What Is The Difference Between Clear Braces And Clear Aligners?

While both clear braces and clear aligners are cosmetic orthodontic treatment options, they are different in various ways. First, clear braces are made from tooth-coloured ceramic, while the clear aligners like Suresmile are made from a transparent flexible polymer. Secondly, clear braces remain fixed to your teeth while the aligners are removable. Finally, the clear braces align teeth through the orthodontic wires – which connect the teeth and generate pressure that moves them. On the other hand, the clear aligners are designed to sit on the teeth and generate forces to move them accordingly.

Are Damon Braces And Ceramic Braces The Same Thing?

Both the ceramic and Damon braces are cosmetic orthodontic treatment options that rely on tooth brackets. However, they do differ from each other in various ways. First, the ceramic braces have ties that hold the orthodontic wire and connects it with the brackets. On the other hand, Damon braces do not contain ties or elastics. Instead, they have self-ligating brackets. This makes the Damon braces effective in treating misalignment and allows for improved oral hygiene due to the absence of the ties. Furthermore, Damon braces are available in two versions: metal and clear braces. On the other hand, ceramic braces are made from dental porcelain.

What Are The Different Types Of Clear Braces?

“Clear braces” is a broad term that encompasses various orthodontic treatment options. Broadly, there are two main types of clear braces:

removable
fixed.

Removable clear braces consist of orthodontic aligners such as Invisalign, Suresmile and Clearsmile while fixed clear braces constitute different types such as ceramic and Damon clear braces.

Is Invisalign or Suresmile Really Better Than Braces?

Every orthodontic treatment option has its own merits and demerits. If we consider the overall esthetics, then clear aligners aligners are certainly better than the conventional braces. However, if we consider the efficiency and the scope of orthodontic problems that can be fixed, then fixed braces are expected to offer better results. Your orthodontist will recommend a suitable treatment option for you after careful examination and treatment planning.

What Is More Painful, Braces Or Invisalign?

All orthodontic systems cause some level of discomfort. This is because discomfort is an indication that your teeth are moving and your treatment is progressing accordingly. However, braces wearers often complain of moderate pain, especially a few days after getting their braces or having them tightened. Besides, the sharp edges of the braces often cause soft tissues and make speech difficult. On the other hand, the Invisalign and Clear Smile aligners are designed to fit precisely over your teeth and exert gentle forces to move them without causing significant pain.

How Can I Remove My Ceramic Braces At Home?

Whether you are wearing ceramic, lingual or conventional braces, all these braces are fixed, meaning you cannot remove them at home. The ceramic braces are bonded to your teeth with a strong adhesive, and they don’t typically fall off. Only your dentist can remove them once your treatment has been completed. In case one of your ceramic braces accidentally falls off, you can get it rebonded by visiting your orthodontist.

Do Clear Braces Stain? How Can You Prevent It If So?

Like other ceramic dental prostheses such as porcelain crowns and veneers, ceramic braces can also get stained. However, these braces mainly stain either because of the intake of strong coloured food and drinks or poor oral hygiene maintenance. Therefore, the best way to prevent staining of the ceramic braces is to ensure optimal oral hygiene – by making sure to brush and floss daily as recommended by the American Dental Association.

How Long Will It Take For Braces To Straighten My Teeth?

How long your treatment will take depends mainly on the severity of your problem and the orthodontic system your dentist uses to realign your teeth. Generally, mild issues can be corrected with braces within 6-8 months, while highly complex and complicated problems may take 24 months.

What Are The Teeth Straightening Options For Adults?

Today, age is not a limiting factor to getting your teeth straightened. So whether you are sixteen or sixty years old, you can get your teeth straightened. For adults, several options for straightening teeth are available:

Traditional metal braces
Lingual braces
Ceramic braces
and removable Clearsmile aligners.

Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable option for you based on your oral health and orthodontic treatment needs.

Can I Get Ceramic Braces On My Lower Teeth?

It may not always to possible to have ceramic braces fitted on the lower teeth. This is because ceramic braces cause significant wear of the opposing natural teeth. If you have a “deep bite” – one in which there is excessive vertical overlap between the front upper and lower teeth when they come in contact – then your dentist may suggest an alternative orthodontic option.

Finding a gentle dental orthodontic practice is not easy. If you are living in Ballsbridge, Pembroke Dental should your first choice. Apart from a top-notch therapeutic and diagnostic system, we boast a team of highly experienced dental professionals who are there to take care of all your dental problems. So, book a free consultation today to get rid of your misaligned and crooked teeth.

Dental Health, Tooth Whitening

The Importance Of Dental Crown Cleaning

Posted on Thursday, September 30th, 2021 at 7:59 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

We all know that regular brushing and flossing are most effective in keeping our gums and teeth healthy. But did you know that it is even more essential to keep dental prostheses like crowns, bridges, and dentures clean? So, whether it’s natural, restored, or artificial teeth, ensuring optimal cleaning is necessary to ensure their long clinical life and survival. This article discusses why it is important to ensure optimal teeth cleaning is restored with dental crowns and other prostheses. Continue reading to find out more.

Can You Put A Crown On A Decayed Tooth?

A dental crown is a cap-shaped structure that rests on damaged natural teeth and restores their aesthetics, structure, and function. If you have a grossly damaged tooth, your dentist may reinforce it with a porcelain or composite crown. However, dental crowns cannot be directly placed over decayed teeth. First, your dentist will remove the decayed tooth structure and replace it with a suitable filling. Only then can they put a crown over the tooth.

Can I Get A Cavity Under A Crown?

Although not very common, it is possible to get a cavity under a crown. This type of tooth decay is known as secondary caries or decay. When your dentist places a crown over a tooth, they place an adhesive inside the crown, which fills the space between the tooth and the prosthesis. This adhesive serves two purposes; ensure that the crown remains firmly adherent to the supporting tooth and to fill the space to prevent bacterial growth, which may lead to secondary tooth decay. Secondary teeth cavities can arise either due to improper dimensions of the prosthesis or incomplete sealing by the adhesive cement.

How Do I Take Care Of My Dental Crown?

Looking after your crowned teeth, even a dental implant is simple as taking care of your natural teeth:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Use fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day.
Avoid eating hard or sticky foods – they can exert pressure on the crown and result in their dislodgment.

Finally, you should visit your dentist regularly for checkups to ensure the optimal health of your teeth, gums, and dental prostheses.

Why Does Crowned Tooth Gum Smell?

When healthy, there should be no smell from teeth are restored with dental crowns. However, if the gum tissues surrounding a crowned tissue become inflamed due to plaque deposition and bacterial penetration, the gums appear red and swollen and give off a foul smell. If you feel an unpleasant odour emanating from your gums, don’t take this condition lightly and visit your dentist immediately for treatment without delay.

Is It Possible For A Permanent Dental Crown To “Taste Funny”?

Crowned teeth function just like normal teeth; they don’t have any smell or taste. However, if your crown tastes funny or salty, it may be due to an underlying problem. In most cases, it may be due to the inflammation of the gums, which leads to the release of the highly concentrated gingival fluid. In some cases, it may be due to the blood coming from infected gum tissues. Regardless, such conditions should not be taken lightly, and immediate dental help should be sought.

How Do I Remove Black Lines Around The Crown Of A Tooth?

Black staining of the crowns can occur for various reasons, most commonly due to strong-coloured foods and drinks. Naturally, stained crowns create an aesthetic problem. Unfortunately, stains on dental crowns cannot be removed through professional teeth whitening. If you have stains around your crowns, your dentist will suggest replacing them with fresh ones.

Can You Floss Around A Crown?

Oral hygiene maintenance for crown-supported teeth is just like natural ones. You should brush and floss normally around the crowned teeth just like you do with the natural ones. In fact, it is even more important to ensure optimal cleaning around the crowns as the crowned teeth are at a higher risk of developing secondary tooth cavities and gum problems.

What Are The Types Of Teeth Cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning is one of the most effective methods for the prevention and management of gum disease. When it comes to teeth cleaning, there are two main types. The first type of cleaning simply involves removing the plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth using ultrasonic instruments. This type of cleaning is reserved for mild to moderate periodontal problems. The other type of professional teeth cleaning, also called deep cleaning, involves plaque removal from the teeth and below the gums, followed by polishing the tooth surfaces to prevent future infection.

Is The Oral Irrigator Helpful To Teeth?

An oral irrigator is an appliance that works like dental floss. The device generates a pressurised stream of water that helps remove plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth. According to the Mayo Clinic, while water irrigators or flossers can remove plaque and tartar deposits from interdental spaces, they cannot be considered a substitute for regular brushing and traditional flossing.

Why Is Dental Deep Cleaning Necessary?

Deep cleaning is a procedure in which your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and below the gumline. Dental experts recommend that everyone should visit their dentist for a checkup at least twice a year. During the routine checkup, if your dentist or dental hygienist finds underlying signs of gum disease, they will recommend professional cleaning. However, in advanced stages, a deep cleaning may be necessary to treat the underlying issue.

Dental crowns and other prostheses should be looked after just like natural teeth. More importantly, visiting your dentist regularly for checkups ensures that your natural and restored teeth remain healthy and last for a lifetime. If you are in Dublin, and looking for a family dental practice, then Pembroke Dental in Ballsbridge should be your choice. We offer high-quality dental care under one roof in a calm, relaxing, and comfortable environment. So, book a consultation appointment with us today and let us take good care of your family’s oral health.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What You Can And Can’t Do With Invisalign?

Posted on Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 at 9:24 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

Are you thinking about teeth straightening with Invisalign aligners? An excellent decision. Invisalign aligners have become one of the most preferred orthodontic treatment options worldwide due to their comfort and ease of use. But before you make a decision, it is best to learn more about clear braces treatment.

This article will help you understand the dos and don’ts of clear aligner therapy so that you can make the most out of your orthodontic treatment.

And, just so you are fully aware, there are also other types of clear Aligner such as SureSmile which is often more cost effective than Invisalign… So continue reading to find out more.

Can You Smoke With Invisalign?

Smoking is not only harmful to your physical health, but it can also affect your dental health. More importantly, it is not a good idea to smoke while undergoing aligner therapy. Nicotine, being the major constituent of cigarettes, can damage the structure of your clear aligners besides staining them. According to the British Orthodontic Society, nicotine and other cigarette ingredients can harm one’s oral healthy by damaging the periodontal tissues, slowing down tooth movement, and increasing the risk of oral cancer. However, if you cannot control your urge to smoke during aligner treatment, best do it while not wearing them. The heat generated from the cigarette alone is sufficient to warp and de-shape the aligners.

Can You Drink With Invisalign?

The best thing about clear aligners is that you can remove them whenever you wish to eat or drink something. While there is no harm in drinking water while wearing Invisalign aligners, it is not recommended to consume any other drinks such as milk, soft drinks, and alcohol. This is because, on the one hand, these drinks may stain your aligners, while on the other hand, they may penetrate beneath the aligners and stick to your teeth, causing teeth cavities. That is why it is always better to remove your aligners before drinking or eating anything.

Can You Eat Food With Invisalign?

The Invisalign aligners are not designed to help with chewing food. If you eat anything with your aligners, it may crack them or change their shape permanently. That is why the manufacturers of Invisalign aligners recommend removing them before you eat or drink anything and putting them back on only once you have washed them with lukewarm water.

Can You Brush Your Teeth While Wearing Invisalign?

The idea behind burying and flossing is to remove the food deposits that promote plaque and tartar accumulation that can cause various dental problems like teeth cavities and periodontal issues. If you brush your teeth while wearing your aligners, you would only be cleaning your removable aligners and not your teeth. Besides, the abrasives present in the toothpaste can also damage your aligners. Hence, you should always remove your aligners before brushing your teeth.

Do You Really Have To Wear Invisalign For 22 Hours?

For optimal tooth alignment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends wearing your aligners, including Sure Smile for at least 22 hours each day – removing them only for eating, speaking and oral hygiene maintenance. The reason is that the longer you wear them each day, the more pressure the aligners will exert on your teeth and move them in the desired direction, thereby reducing your treatment time. So, the best practice is to wear your aligners each day for as long as you can.

How Many Times A Day Can I Remove Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are most effective when they are worn for maximum duration each day. While there is no restriction to the number of times you can remove your aligners in a day, you must ensure that you wear them for at least 22 hours. Apart from that, there is no harm if you remove the aligners for either eating, drinking, brushing or flossing. If you remove your aligners frequently, there is a higher chance that you forget to put them back on, which can significantly affect your treatment progress.

Foods To Avoid With Invisalign Attachments

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the Invisalign aligners is that they allow you to eat all your favourite foods, unlike the metal braces that have a long list of foods you must not eat. Since the Invisalign aligners are removable, you can simply take them off while eating or drinking and enjoy all types of foods and drinks. However, when you have finished eating, make sure to clean your aligners with lukewarm water before putting them back on.

What Are Some Tips For Getting Used To Braces?

Wearing braces for the first time can be an overwhelming experience for some people. Whether you are wearing fixed braces or Invisalign aligners, you may feel something additional placed in your mouth. Initially, braces and aligners may cause discomfort and pain that can be managed by taking pain medication. If your braces are impinging on your cheeks, you can cover the sharp edges with utility wax or sugar-free chewing gum. You should also avoid sticky and hard foods if you are wearing braces, as they can dislodge the brackets.

If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasant, comfortable, and convenient option for straightening your teeth, Invisalign aligners should be at the top of your list. At Pembroke Dental Balsbridge in Dublin D4, we offer all types of orthodontic treatments to our esteemed patients. No matter how complex your problem is, we have the expertise, skill and equipment to fix it.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a free consultation appointment with us today, and let us give you a set of perfectly aligned teeth and a beautiful, healthy and lasting smile.

Replacing missing teeth

Dental Implants – 8 Questions Answered

Posted on Monday, July 26th, 2021 at 10:27 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

If you ask any dentist about the most reliable, lasting, and aesthetically pleasant tooth replacement option, they will recommend dental implants. Why? Because dental implants are by far the most durable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option currently available. If you are thinking of getting your missing teeth replaced with dental implants, and you’re wondering if you are a suitable candidate, this article is for you. This article provides answers to questions that patients commonly ask their dentists regarding dental implant therapy. Continue reading to find out more!

Can You Wear Dentures While Implants Are Healing?

Generally, dentists wait for a few weeks or months following the insertion of dental implants before they attach removable dentures or fixed bridges over them to replace missing teeth. This is done to ensure uninterrupted healing of the surgical site and help the implants to anchor themselves firmly within the jawbone. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, this process is known as osseointegration, and it allows the implant to support the artificial teeth firmly. This is why dentists typically wait for a few weeks to ensure optimal implant osseointegration.

However, in some instances, dentists may choose to attach a denture or a fixed bridge to implants immediately after their placement. This is known as immediate implant loading. In this procedure, your dentist will attach a temporary denture or bridge to your implants, and after a few weeks or months – once complete healing has ensued – replace it with the permanent prosthesis.

How To Heal Faster After Dental Implants?

The quickest and most effective method to ensure optimal implant healing is to leave to surgical site undisturbed. That is why dentists place a healing cap over an implant after its insertion. This healing ensures that osseointegration takes place under optimal conditions. Another method to accelerate the healing process is to prevent excessive loads on the implants. This is why dentists do not normally load implants with a prosthesis immediately after insertion.

Finally, you can also accelerate the process by taking good care of your oral health through some of these routine practices:

Regular brushing
Flossing
Dental checkup visits

What Are Some Dental Implant Recovery Facts?

According to the American Association of Endodontists, the recovery of the implants and their success depends on various factors, the most important among them being the quality of the underlying jawbone and the patient’s oral and general physical health status. The healthier the jawbone is, the lesser time it will take to anchor the implant and heal the surgical site firmly. On the other hand, the healing process may be significantly delayed if there is underlying periodontal inflammation, slowing down the recovery process.

Are All Dental Implant Treatments Successful?

Dental implants have the highest success rate among all tooth replacement options. Research has shown that dental implants have a 10-year success rate of more than 95%. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants can last for a lifetime if they are looked after properly. Despite their excellent success rate, there is still a small percentage of unsuccessful implant procedures. One of the most common reasons for implant failure is poor implant treatment planning and failure to treat periodontal inflammation before implant placement.

Can I Get A Dental Implant Years After Extraction?

It is recommended to get a missing tooth replaced immediately after it is extracted or lost – especially if you intend to replace it with an implant. This is because as soon as a tooth is removed from its socket, the surrounding jawbone starts to degrade at a faster rate. Over time, there is so much bone loss in the region that the residual bone cannot support an implant. In these cases, your dentist will have to perform a bone graft procedure to replenish the lost bone tissue, which will not only incur additional treatment costs but also delay your implant procedure. That is why it is always best to get your missing teeth replaced with implants immediately after their extraction.

After Tooth Extraction What Is The Implant Timeline?

Once your dentist has extracted your teeth, they will wait for a few weeks or months to allow for the surgical site to heal properly. After a few weeks of the extraction, your dentist will examine the healing status of the surgical site using x-ray images. If sufficient bone quality and volume are available, they will proceed with the implant placement.

Once the implant has been inserted, you may have to wait for a few weeks to ensure that the implant has become firmly embedded in the bone before a suitable prosthesis is placed over it.

What Is The Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-step?

The dental implant procedure is completed in multiple steps. During your first appointment, your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination to ascertain your eligibility for getting implants and prepare a detailed treatment plan. In the next appointment, your dentist will place the implants and attach healing caps over them to promote healing. In the meantime, temporary prosthesis so that you don’t have to go without your teeth. After a few weeks or months, your dentist will attach the prosthesis over them to complete the artificial tooth.

Can Everyone Get Dental Implants?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for getting implants. If you are interested in getting your missing teeth replaced with dental implants, consult your dentist regarding your eligibility.

If you are looking for an implant clinic in Ballsbridge, look no more. At Pembroke Dental, not only do we have a highly qualified and experienced team of implant dentists, but we also take pride in having state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic to ensure the success of your implant treatment. So, book a consultation appointment today and walk away with a brand-new, healthy and lasting smile.