Westside Dental Associates

Tooth loss usually isn’t sudden. It can also be the result of a planned extraction due to a severely fractured tooth, advanced tooth decay, prolonged gum disease, or some other type of issue. Thanks to dental implants, gone are the days when a patient must endure life without a beautiful, realistic set of replacement teeth. Dental implants mimic natural teeth in color, luster, form, and function, making them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the smile.

Even though dental implants are ideally placed immediately or shortly after the tooth extraction, some people go for years without replacing their missing teeth. Fortunately, the procedure can be performed successfully even after the natural teeth have been gone for many years. Read on to find out more about dental implants after an extended period of missing teeth.

Is your smile less than perfect? Each smile is distinct, with unique characteristics like chipped teeth and gaps. Even so, having missing teeth can affect one’s self-esteem. Luckily, dental implants offer a solution to give you a full, beautiful smile once more. But how many implants are needed? There are several factors influencing the quantity and types of dental implants you’ll need, so keep reading to learn more.

If you wear dentures, you’re well aware of the significance of selecting foods that enhance your comfort and overall dining experience. Making wise food choices can significantly affect your ability to savor meals and ensure the proper functionality of your dentures. Whether you’re a novice denture wearer or seeking advice to enhance your eating habits, keep reading to uncover the foods to avoid with dentures and healthier alternatives.

If you are considering completing your smile with dental implants, you are probably aware of the various benefits they offer. Considered the top choice for restoring missing teeth, they give incomparable stability and longevity. Since they replace the tooth from root to crown, they not only return the functions of having a complete set of pearly whites but also look completely natural! However, you may still wonder if they are susceptible to tooth decay. Here’s what to know about dental implants and cavities.

The benefits of modern advancements in technology and techniques are plentiful. People can get problems solved much easier and reliably than before. This even includes missing teeth! Dentures or dental bridges were the only solutions for a gapped smile for many years. Now, dental implants are considered the top of the game in tooth loss solutions. But are they the absolute pinnacle of restorations? Is there something better coming? Here’s what to know about dental implants.

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using customized, flexible, clear plastic aligners. The aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours per day to be as effective as possible and will gradually shift teeth into new, more ideal positions. If you have bruxism and are interested in undergoing Invisalign treatment, you may be wondering: Can I use Invisalign if I grind my teeth? Keep reading to find out if this is a suitable option for a straighter smile.

Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. They provide a natural look and can last for several decades or over a lifetime with proper care. However, some patients may need preparatory procedures before receiving implants to ensure that placement goes well. Continue reading to learn about these three preliminary procedures you may need to undergo before you get dental implants.

If you need a dental crown, you don’t have to worry about needing a replacement often. The customized cap is meant to provide a long-lasting solution. However, many factors affect the lifespan of restorations. Here’s how long you can expect your crown to last before needing a new one. 

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Other than when brushing and flossing, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about your teeth, unless you have a toothache. However, your teeth are pretty amazing. They do much more than just grind up food or influence the appearance of your smile. Here are 6 interesting facts you might not know about your pearly whites.

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Bruxism is the formal name for teeth grinding, and it’s remarkably common. Sleep bruxism in particular is very prevalent, occurring in around 13% of adults. If you’re one of them, it may be a good idea to understand how it can affect other aspects of your oral health.

For example, dental implants are one of the most common tooth replacement options, favored for their durability and realistic feel. If you have bruxism, however, that could potentially interfere with the dental implant procedure. If you’re wondering how, here’s a little bit more information about why that might be.