Tips For Eating With Dentures

Aug 20th, 2022
Easton Dentists Nov 18th, 2022

Dentures, like bifocals or wrinkles, are often seen as an inevitable part of the aging process, and eating with dentures can be a challenge for many people at first. The following tips can help to make the transition to wearing dentures easier.

The easiest way to feel comfortable eating with your dentures is to start off with a liquid diet, including soup, apple juice, purees, broth, scrambled eggs, and cooked cereal until you are ready to move on to more solid foods. However, at first, you should cut any solid food into smaller and more manageable pieces. Your dentures should be more stable and therefore more comfortable if you try to distribute food evenly on both sides of your mouth when chewing.

You may find that some foods taste different at first when eating with dentures, although this should improve over time. Your dentures mean that you won’t be able to accurately tell if food or liquid is extremely hot, so be extra careful with hot foods. You should also make a point of not holding the liquid in your mouth longer than necessary before swallowing it; this can actually loosen your dentures. Try to take small bites, chew slowly, and not gulp your food down.

Although you should be able to eat just about anything while wearing dentures, be careful when eating crusty bread, cereals, chewing gum, peanut butter, foods with small seeds, and sticky or hard candy. In general, try to avoid foods that are extremely sticky or chewy, or very hard, although denture adhesive can be useful for eating certain foods. Over 40 million Americans of all ages wear dentures, and if you are just joining them, it is important to understand that your life as you know it isn’t over – it may just take a little adjusting to.

For more dental advice, feel free to call The Dental Center at Easton in Columbus Ohio.

Are You a Good Candidate For Dental Implants – Things to Consider

Jun 15th, 2021
Easton Dentists Jul 16th, 2021

Has a broken tooth gotten you depressed? Dental implants are artificial teeth that are inserted into the jaw of a patient via an implanted screw. This screw serves as an anchor to hold the replacement tooth in place and looks identical to your real teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants are a permanent solution to a difficult problem and may be covered by dental insurance or company plans. So why go through life embarrassed by a broken tooth when dental implants are just a call away.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you’re interested in replacing one or more broken teeth with the help of a dental implant dentist? Here’s a few things to consider first. While the procedure is relatively simple to perform, there are several qualifications for patient’s to consider before considering this dental procedure.

A Good Candidate for Dental Implants Requires the Following:

  – Strong and healthy gums (Smokers are not preferred for dental implants, as smoking is detrimental to healing and may endanger a successful implant)

  – Good oral health practices, such as brushing and flossing twice daily.

  – A healthy bone mass in the jaw (Those who have lost bone within the jaw are still qualified to receive dental implants, but the jaw must be rebuilt first)

Qualities That Work Against Qualifying for Dental Implants Include:

  – Pregnancy

  – Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, or diseases involving the connective tissue.

  – People who have undergone radiation in the neck or head

  – Alcoholics

  – Jaw troubles. Youth’s whose jaws are still in the growing process. It is also recommended that excessive teeth-grinders or those taking steroids should avoid the dental implant process.

Are you a candidate for dental implants in the Ohio area? Come find out today and see how Easton Dentists can change your life, and your smile! With dental insurance and company plans available, there’s no reason not to call today at 614-414-0111 and schedule an appointment to get your implants started.

Let’s Talk About Dental Implants

Nov 7th, 2019
Easton Dentists Dec 2nd, 2019

A missing tooth used to be a permanent problem, but now has a permanent solution: dental implants.  Patients in the Columbus area who have missing teeth can greatly benefit from dental implants both cosmetically and functionally.

Though it is a relatively common procedure, this innovative method of tooth replacement can be implemented by only the most technically skilled dentists, such as Dr. Gilmer.

The procedure begins with a comprehensive oral exam, a full set of X-rays, and a complete review of the patient’s medical history.  Before the individual is determined to be a good candidate for dental implants, a complete review of the patient’s oral habits is taken into consideration.  A treatment plan is created to meet the specific needs of the patient and, by the end of the initial visit with cosmetic dentistry services, the patient will have a full understanding of what the treatment entails and the cost associated with it.

Patients with a long history of missing teeth or poor oral hygiene typically do not qualify for placement of implants.  Soft tissue contours and changes over time and cannot be rebuilt without extensive surgical procedures that involve modifications to the existing gingiva.  If any widespread soft tissue discrepancies are noted by the dentist, the patient will be presented with other options of tooth replacement.

After the implants have been placed and the healing process is completed, the restoration process begins.  Single crowns or bridges are fabricated to imitate the patient’s natural smile.  Porcelain restorations are placed over the implants and seamlessly blend with the existing teeth.  Fully edentulous (toothless) patients benefit from the application of dentures mimicking their natural smile line.  Dental implants serve as anchors and help with the retention of the dentures and quality of chewing and speech patterns.  Proper facial tissue support provided by superbly manufactured dentures elevates the patient’s confidence and correct how the jaw lines up.  Nothing can replace the effect a smile can have on a person but the right, competent dentist can replace and mend the teeth in a smile.

The costs of dental implants may be of concern to you.  The Dental Center at Easton may be able to offer you a payment plans or other financing options to help alleviate the financial burden of this life changing treatment option.  We know that a smile is often worth more than monetary value so we are willing to work with patients to give them the best smile possible.  If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact our Easton Town Center dental office in Columbus Ohio at 614-414-0111.

Dental Implants Fix Your Smile By Replacing That Missing Tooth!

Oct 16th, 2019
Easton Dentists Nov 1st, 2019

If you’re missing a tooth, due to an accident, an extraction, or gum disease, you know it’s a cause for concern. Not only is a missing tooth, especially in the front of the mouth, unsightly- it can affect the alignment of your existing teeth and even cause problems in chewing.

Luckily, there’s an answer in dental implants. You can replace a single tooth with a properly placed implant, which will preserve the appearance of your existing teeth and restore your smile.

What is a dental implant, exactly? It’s simply a titanium screw, placed in the bone in between the existing teeth. This “screw” acts just like your existing tooth roots- anchoring the new toot in place. It will be several weeks while the implant bonds to your bone – but after that, your dentist will make a dental crown that fits onto the implant- and you can enjoy your new smile.
Is the surgery painful? Actually, most patients report less discomfort than a normal cavity filling. Local anesthesia takes care of pain during surgery, and pain medication can be prescribed for post-op soreness.

A dentist right here in Columbus Ohio can be the best resource for finding out if a dental implant is right for you. There are factors to consider, including the condition of the existing bone and surrounding teeth, which may impact the effectiveness of the implant. Bone grafts or braces may be required before an implant can be placed.

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants has advantages for almost all patients: improving appearance, oral health, chewing and speaking normally, and improved self-esteem. Talk to Dr. Gilmer today to find out your options for dental implants.

Why Are Implants Becoming More Popular?

Feb 25th, 2019
Easton Dentists Feb 27th, 2019

Almost everyday now you encounter advertising for dental implants. Why has implants taken the world of dentistry by storm?

Since their introduction into the market over thirty years ago, implants have zoomed ahead of more conventional tooth replacements to become the top choice among both implant dentists and patients. What makes these modern dental devices so popular?

Resemblance to natural teeth. Dental implants can more accurately emulate both the appearance and function of natural teeth. Just as teeth have two main components—the roots beneath the gum surface and the visible crown, implants have a similar in design. Implants have a root replacement by utilizing a titanium metal post that is embedded in the jawbone. Then a life-like porcelain crown or even another form of restoration is permanently attached.

Durability. Due to implant materials and unique designs, a long-term success rate are achieved after the ten year span in the 95-plus percentile. This longevity is primarily achieved due to the use of titanium as the primary metal in the implant post. Since bone has an affinity for titanium, it will successfully grow and adhere to the post over time, creating well-anchored hold. With proper maintenance and care implants, it is reasonable to expect them to last for decades, making them a wise, cost-effective decision on the consumers part.

Added stability for other restorations. While a good many people think of implants as a single tooth replacements, technological advancements have created a much broader reach. For instance, with a few strategically-placed implants a removable denture can be supported, giving this traditional restoration much more security and stability. Better yet, bone loss can be stopped, one of the main drawbacks of conventional dentures. Also, implants can support a fixed bridge, getting rid of the need to permanently alter adjacent teeth that are often used to support a conventional bridge.

With continuing dental advancements, implants are becoming increasingly useful restorative dental work. Depending on your individual tooth-loss case, you can ask your Easton cosmetic dentist if implants would be the smartest choice to put the form and function back in your smile for many years to come.

Steps To Take To Preserve Your Implants

Feb 4th, 2019
Easton Dentists Mar 4th, 2019

There are many reasons as to why dental implants are more popular than ever. One of the most important, though, is their how long they last in the human mouth.  If taken care of properly, your implants can last for decades. But believe it or not, they are not indestructible—certain conditions inside of your mouth could put them in jeopardy. But if you address these situations early, you may be able to prevent implant failure.

Your implants may be eventually compromised, as an example, if you have a teeth grinding or clenching problem. This can happen when a person involuntarily and repeatedly bites down on their teeth for no productive reason. Triggered by high stress, teeth grinding can incur damage to both natural teeth and implants to greater than normal levels of force. Eventually, this can inflict bone loss around an implant and weaken their support. It could possibly cause a direct break in an implant.

But there are several ways to stop or reduce the harm of grinding the teeth. One proven to be successful method is a custom-made bite guard that can be worn while you sleep. Constructed of hard plastic, the teeth guard prevents the solid contact with each other, thus reducing the amount of force applied.

A more common problem is periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that is the end product of built-up dental plaque on tooth surfaces. This can trigger inflammation, a normal defensive response that when the gums are stressed for an extended period of time,  damaging tissues and supporting bone. This can lead to a specific form of gum disease related to implants known as peri-implantitis, where the tissues that support an implant become infected and weaken, eventually leading to possible implant failure.

As to the prevention for a good many dental issues, brushing and flossing daily is a productive step in prevent gum disease, as well as seeing your implant dentist at least every six months for cleanings and checkups. Should you notice anything such as reddened, swollen or bleeding gums, see your dental professional immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your implants will function as well as maintaining your overall health.

Dental implants can provide years of great service and can prove very cost effective. But you’ll need to stay vigilant against gum disease and other mouth conditions that could endanger as time passes.

Dental Implants 101

Dec 1st, 2009
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements used to counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic dentistry, though it also falls into the category of cosmetic dentistry as well.

While you have several restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

The Dental Implants Procedure

Today’s dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration, which can take as long as six months. Once the implants have fully healed, your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. However, if osseointegration does not occur, the implant will fail.

Preparing the Jaw for Implantation

A dental implant is commonly composed of a titanium material screw and a crown. A small-diameter hole is drilled in order to guide the titanium screw that holds a dental implant in place. To avoid damaging vital jaw and face structures like the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw, a dentist must use great skill and expertise when boring the pilot hole and sizing the jaw bone.

Placement of the Implant

After the initial pilot hole has been drilled into the appropriate jaw site, it is slowly widened to allow for placement of the implant screw. Following this placement, a protective cover screw is placed on top to allow the implant site to heal and the dental implant to anchor. After several months, the protective cover is removed and a temporary crown is placed on top of the dental implant. The temporary crown serves as a template around which the gum grows and shapes itself in a natural way.