Smile Series III

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This article is Part Three on a series on better smiles and what dentists can do to help you have a nice set of teeth. We will be covering topics such as implants, dentures, Invisalign amongst others.

Part III: Implant supported dentures

Many of my patients wear dentures. Either a full denture or a partial denture. Many of my patients who wear dentures, complain that they are loose, have difficulty eating, chewing, and have the embarrassment of the teeth falling out when they laugh. Does this sound like you? Or perhaps someone you know?

Dental implants are a fantastic option that can lock your dentures firmly in place… so you can function like how you used to before you had dentures.

There are two main types of dental implants:

Mini implants

This is new technology and are narrow diameter implants. Usually four implants are required. As the procedure is similar to keyhole surgery, the recovery is usually faster, and more comfortable.

Standard implants

This is the conventional way of securing a lower denture, requiring two implants in the front portion of your jaw.

The denture is then clipped onto the implants. Don’t worry, you can still take them in and out like you currently do. This can improve and overcome ill-fitting dentures. Many of our patients that have had implant-supported dentures have been say it’s the best thing they have done and they wished they done this earlier!

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Figure 1 and 2: Mini implants (left) and standard implants (right). Usually four mini implants are required as they are narrower, and two standard implants are needed as they are wider.

Gums Bleed

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Question:

Dear Jeff,

My gums bleed usually bleed when I brush or floss. Why is this so and how can I fix it?

– Karen K. Calamvale

Answer:

There are many reasons for bleeding gums, most are related to periodontal disease (gum disease) which can be treated by your dentist or in some cases he or she may refer you to a gum specialist who is known as a Periodontist. Treatment usually involves a series of special cleans of the gums and associated tissues. Also, the dentist will go through with you brushing and flossing techniques. Bleeding gums may also be a sign of other illnesses some of which are quite serious – so it is important to find out what the reason is as soon as possible. The first person that you should contact is your dentist for a diagnosis.

Dead Black Teeth

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Question:

Dear Jeff,

I am a 27 year old guy who has lived with two dead black teeth for too long. It is embarrassing and I find I always cover my mouth and don’t smile. The two teeth in question are my two front teeth. Can you help, with information and recommended type of procedure to undergo, I’d just like to have white teeth again. And if it is possible can you give me an estimate on how much the procedures would cost. Thanks for your help.

– Jamie T. Sunnybank Hills

Answer:

It is impossible to give out quotes on dental treatment via email. You are at liberty to query costs from any dental practice you speak with. You must keep in mind that quotes made over the phone without a clinical examination are only estimates. Your mouth is unique and so is the treatment provided for it.

Individual x-rays of the teeth involved will be necessary to determine a long-term prognosis. “Dead, Black teeth~ are susceptible to on-going infection/deterioration and fracture. A treatment recommendation may involve full porcelain crowns (caps). This treatment provides an increase in strength plus an aesthetic resolution. Alternative treatments may involve porcelain veneers or composite resin.

If there is disease activity occurring at these teeth, treatment may involve an initial step of a Root Canal Treatment. There is a potential that extractions are required. Replacement of the teeth can be treated with fixed implants, fixed bridgework or a removal denture.