Implants Prevent Denture-Related Health Problems

tooth implants Provo

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of adults over 65 have no remaining teeth. Many of them choose dentures. But dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are a state-of-the-art alternative.

Problems With Dentures

Conventional dentures usually fit properly at first, but the mouth changes as you age. Normal wear and tear takes a toll. Eventually, the dentures will need to be relined or replaced.

In addition:

  • Ill-fitting dentures can aggravate gums and cause inflammation. Inflammation can result in additional health issues.
  • Dentures can change a person’s bite, which impacts the (jaw) joint. This, in turn, can lead to pain in the face, neck, and head.
  • Dentures trap food debris. This can result in gum disease.
  • Missing teeth eventually result in bone loss. When the jaw no longer has tooth roots, it shrinks and recedes.

With dental implants you can avoid these health issues.

Dental implants are titanium posts inserted into your jaw. The post gradually fuses with the bone to provide a solid base of support, much like a natural tooth root. One implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support dentures.

Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo may be the best investment you ever make. We have placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. People also come to us for our full range of general dentistry services. Call today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8088

What are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

risks of dental implants Utah

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology. But like any medical or dental procedure, there are risks. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

  • Infection. Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow healing. A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus problems. Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity. This is rare.
  • Implant failure. If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve damage. Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from American Fork and Lehi trust us with implants and also come to us for complete general dentistry. Call us for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8296

Are There Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

tooth implants Orem

Dental implants have been called one of the most important steps forward in the history of modern dentistry, and we are proud to make them available to our patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Dental implants as we know them today have been around for decades, but they’re one of those things that most people to learn about until they need one. When they do, certain questions crop up pretty consistently:

  • Are dental implant procedures too expensive?
  • Are implants unsafe?
  • Are they experimental?
  • Is the surgery painful?
  • Does it take a long time to recover?

The answer to all of these is: No.

Dental implants are an investment in a better quality of life

Dental implants aren’t cheap. We understand that. But you get so much more than a titanium post and porcelain crown or denture.

You get the ability to chew steak and raw vegetables. You gain self confidence. You preserve the shape of your face. You prevent your teeth from shifting after an extraction. You avoid embarrassing dentures slipping around in your mouth.

Permanent dental implants are a safe, mainstream dental procedure.

In healthy patients who are good candidates for the procedure, implants have a success rate around 98%. Are you thinking about an implant? We only recommend them for those who are good candidates.

If you get a permanent dental implant, it could last the rest of your life.

Dental implant surgery has very little pain and patients usually recover swiftly.

The procedure doesn’t usually take very long, though it depends on how many implants you’re getting. When it’s finished you may experience:

  • Minimal pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ibuprofen and ice packs usually take care of the pain. We will have specific instructions for you.

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo restore smiles and restore lives! To find out if they are right for you, please call our office for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8271

Bridging The Gap

cosmetic dental Provo

Do you have a missing tooth that is detracting from your otherwise pleasant smile? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we can fill the gap with a dental bridge, and help you get back your sensational smile!

A dental bridge could be the perfect answer for your missing tooth. A bridge not only restores your smile: it can help you chew and speak properly.

Traditional bridges are strong enough to replace a missing molar. In order to  get one, you need to have natural teeth on each side of the gap left by the missing tooth. These teeth are prepared by removing their  enamel so there is enough room for the crowns that are cemented on top of them. These two crowns support the artificial tooth.

A traditional dental bridge is just one of the tooth replacement options available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to our practice for family dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7265

Why is the 4-Step Tooth Implant Timeline Necessary?

why does a tooth implant take several months? Provo

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement.

The process for getting an implant can take several months, but don’t let that discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is important. It’s not a drawback; it is indicative of the permanent nature of an implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).

It all starts with a consultation. We’ll take X-rays and analyze your mouth and examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting.

2. Placement

The first step is to insert the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how fast and easy the procedure is. It usually takes one to two hours.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery discomfort. Most people can go back to work after the surgery.

3. Osseointegration

The key to implant placement is called osseointegration, which means the titanium post fusing with the bone. In most cases it takes three to six months for this to happen. Once it does, you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for the implant.,

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

Teeth supported by dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are life-changing. We’ve placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. We also offer porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Please call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8248

Royalty At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

porcelain crown Provo

When we crown one of our patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, the coronation is a celebration of a stronger smile.

The need for a dental crown is usually apparent. Crowns (sometimes called caps) restore a decayed or damaged tooth to its original size, shape, and functionality.

Crowns are sometimes extended down to a tooth’s root surface. Most often, though, they replace the top portion of the tooth – also known as the crown, hence the name of the restoration.

Dental crowns are custom-made for each tooth. Once a crown is cemented permanently into place, they strengthen what was a weakened tooth. They prevent cracked teeth from cracking any further and provide support to teeth that have large, existing fillings.

Dental crowns from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are an excellent solution for damaged teeth. We have placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi, who also come to our practice for dental implants and much more. Call our office to schedule a checkup today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 6944

A Ginormous Cavity?

Provo Cosmetic Dentistry

When we repair a decayed or damaged tooth at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, the procedure we use depends on the location of the problem.

If there is a chip, crack, or tooth decay on the biting surface of a tooth, an inlay or onlay is often created to restore it.

Inlays and onlays are usually bigger than a conventional filling, yet smaller than a complete crown. An inlay is used to fill an area inside the cusp tips or bumps of a tooth. An onlay covers an area that includes more than one cusp.

Our inlays and onlays:

  • Are stain resistant
  • Do not result in tooth sensitivity
  • Are beautifully matched to natural teeth
  • Strengthen the tooth and safeguard against further decay or degeneration

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we use a variety of procedures to repair teeth and restore smiles. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for family and cosmetic dentistry, and a full range of other services. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 1473

Crowning Achievements In Dentistry

dental crowns Orem

This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo looks at one of the miracles of modern dentistry: the dental restoration.

Let’s pretend you are a biomedical engineer working in the field of dentistry before the conception of dental restorations. The men and women of your generation who have missing or damaged teeth want to repair or replace them with a man-made substitute. You have been hired to find or create a material that can be used to fabricate fillings, crowns, and dental bridges.

Consider the physical and chemical requirements of this incredible material. It must tolerate forces of 162 pounds per square inch (PSI), hundreds of times a day–day after day, year after year. It must be resistant to cracking and chipping. But there’s a catch regarding its stability; it must not weaken the enamel on opposing teeth. This material must also maintain its size and shape and be resistant to shrinking.

It must be bondable to living tooth structure as well as other materials needed for specific appliances. It must be biocompatible with the soft tissues in the mouth as well as tooth enamel, dentin, and bone. It can’t generate allergic reactions in the wearers. It must be corrosion-resistant to the chemicals in saliva, foods, and beverages. It must resist infection regardless of ever-present bacteria in the mouth. And it can’t contain toxic chemicals that could be absorbed into the bloodstream.

And we haven’t even touched on the artistic properties yet. Ideally, this incredible material would look exactly like real-life teeth in color, opacity, and translucence.

Of course, we know that such a substance exists because dental restorations have been around for a long time. Nowadays, there are several materials used alone or in combination including porcelain, ceramic, and metals such as gold and silver amalgam. Though the metals are very strong and malleable, they don’t meet some patient’s esthetic requirements and are used mainly for back teeth.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo offers complete family dentistry services. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to us to create their dream smiles. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7320

How Dental Implants Are Changing Dentures

How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in Provo

If you wear dentures, you know that they are not an ideal solution for missing teeth. They can slip, cause gum irritation, bone loss, and leave you with an inability to taste food due to a covered palate. The good news? Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo offer a better solution.

If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures can dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth and you will be able to eat hard foods again.

What makes them such an improvement is in the name, “implant.” A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the patient’s jaw. It fuses with the bone to provide a solid support for replacement teeth.

It takes multiple implants, usually four, to support a full dental arch. In addition to supporting dentures, they help to prevent bone recession.

To find out more about implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, please give us a call. We’ve placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi, whose families also come to us for cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7726

Will a Dental Implant Cause a Problem With Airport Security?

tooth implants Orem

In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we look at one of the common questions people have about dental implants. It isn’t what you might think!

Airport security checks might be necessary, but they can be a major annoyance. Emptying your pockets. Pulling your laptop out of your carry-on. Taking your shoes off.

Some men and women considering whether to get a dental implant may wonder if it will affect airport security.

Let’s answer the questions typically asked about implants and airport security.

Will a dental implant show up on the metal screening?

Yes.

Will a TSA agent need to run a wand over my jaw?

Not likely. A tooth implant has a diameter between 3.4 and 5.5 mm. And the agent can see where it is located.

What about artificial hips and knees?

Prosthetics and metal joint replacements may trigger a secondary screening. We have never heard of an incident where an implant prompted a wand or intrusive body check.

The very slim chance that it could delay you at an airport screening checkpoint is no reason to avoid getting an implant.

A dental implant is a permanent replacement for all parts of the tooth. It consists of three parts: the post (usually titanium), the abutment, and the restoration.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we have placed dental implants in patients from American Fork and Lehi. We also offer complete family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8287