Here’s a shocking statistic: more than 2% of adults between 20-65 years have lost all their teeth. Missing teeth is a common issue amongst most Americans and often leads to self-esteem issues. The good news is that people with missing teeth or unevenly spaced teeth can get dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial structures installed into the jawbone by a dental surgeon in place of missing teeth. They are typically installed with screw-like devices that act as an anchor to the crown. The crown is usually made to look, feel and function like the person’s natural teeth. With the technology and expertise involved in this procedure, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell a dental implant apart from the surrounding natural teeth.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
For most people, dental implants are often out of their budget. Luckily, there are various dental implants to choose from, and you can select the option that suits your needs and budget. There are several fees involved in the procedure. They include:
Comprehensive dental exam
Tooth/ teeth extraction
Installation of the dental implant
Placement of the screws and other abutment hardware
Molding the crown
Placement of the dental crown
The cost of the procedure will depend on the dental practice; some dental practices offer a free scan for first visits. However, if you use 3D imaging, you might have to shell out between $350-$515.
The average cost of one tooth implant, from scan to crown placement, is $4,000. Getting a mouthful of implants can cost between $60,000 and $90,000. The cost discrepancy happens because although the initial procedure is similar for all implants, patients can choose the type of dental implant, and the material they want for the crown.
What Is the Procedure to Get Dental Implants?
Getting dental implants can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced and the condition of your jawbone. The steps involved in this process include:
A Comprehensive Dental Exam
The dental exam determines the number of teeth that need to be replaced. It is done using dental X-rays and 3D imaging. Molding the teeth and jaw is also done during this process.
Placing the Implant
The dental surgeon cuts into the gum until the bone is exposed and drills holes into the bone where the dental implant metal screw will be placed. It is implanted deep into the jawbone for stability since it serves as the tooth root.
Waiting for Bone Growth
The jawbone needs to grow and unite with the dental implant before anything else can be done. This helps provide a stable base for the new artificial teeth.
Placing the Abutment
The abutment is placed after the jaw heals. It’s done by cutting the gum, exposing the dental implant, attaching the abutment to the implant, and then closing the gum tissue around it. Your gums need to heal for about 2-3 weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached.
Installing the Artificial Teeth
After your gums fully heal, it’s time to install the customized crown. You can choose removable or fixed teeth or a combination of the two.
Bottom Line
Some of the typical discomforts you are likely to deal with after the procedure include swelling gums and face, minor bleeding in the gums, jaw pain, and bruising of the gums. You might need to take pain medication if the pain is unbearable and persists for an extended period. Eating soft foods after the procedure is also advisable.
If you need dental implants or are experiencing any dental problems, don’t hesitate to call us here at Briargate Dental. We’re always happy to help, and we’ll guide you through every step of the way.
Has your dentist recently recommended a root canal for you? While many people likely recognize the name of this procedure, they probably don’t know much about the procedure itself, and most importantly, why a dentist would recommend such a treatment for one of their patients.
What Is a Root Canal?
Most people are familiar with dental procedures such as dental fillings and crowns, both of which address issues with the exterior portion of a tooth. A root canal differs from these types of procedures in that it corrects an issue with an interior portion of a tooth called the pulp.
Anatomy of the Pulp
Inside a tooth, the pulp extends all the way from the crown (the exterior surface of the tooth that first meets the gums), down to the lower tips of a tooth’s root system. The pulp itself is rich in nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Sometimes the interior pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed. During a root canal procedure, the inflamed tissue is removed, the surrounding areas are cleaned and disinfected, and the space where the pulp formerly resided is filled and sealed with a special material.
How to Know if You Need a Root Canal
A dentist may tell their patient they need a root canal if the pulp of one of their teeth is badly infected or decayed. The decay or infection can stem from a variety of issues. Sometimes a person may injure a tooth through facial trauma. In other cases, a tooth may crack or chip, which invites infection/decay into the inner tissues (the pulp). Some people may have a cavity on the exterior of one of their teeth that has been allowed to decay. Over time, the decay from the cavity extends into the interior portion of the tooth where the pulp resides.
A person may need a root canal if they notice recurring, severe pain when they chew or bite down on foods with the affected tooth. Other symptoms associated with infected/decaying pulp include:
Tender or swollen gums
Heat/cold sensitivity
Darkening of the gums
Pimples on the gums near the affected tooth
If left untreated, infected/decaying pulp can eventually become very sensitive and painful as pus begins to form in the affected area. This is known as a tooth abscess. Without treatment, an abscessed tooth can quickly become a very painful, serious condition.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
A patient can expect to be awake and pain-free during their root canal. After the procedure is over and as the anesthetic wears off, you’ll likely begin to feel some pain around the affected tooth, and you may notice that the surrounding gums are swollen. For pain after the procedure, your dentist will likely recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your pain lasts more than several days, or if it becomes severe at any time, you should report it to your dentist.
You should plan to take it easy for the rest of the day after your root canal, and you should avoid chewing on the side of the affected tooth until your next dentist appointment (typically a few days after your root canal). Most people can resume their normal level of activity the day after having a root canal.
When you return to the dentist, they’ll take an X-ray to make sure all the infection and decay are gone. Although the purpose of having a root canal is to preserve a tooth, sometimes the tooth may have undergone significant decay. If a dentist feels there’s not enough structure to properly support the original tooth, they may decide to place a permanent crown over the affected tooth.
Root canals are very effective and have a 95% success rate. Many people, especially if they take good care of their teeth, have no further issues with their once-infected tooth.
Takeaway
If you’ve been experiencing pain in one or more teeth, it’s always a good idea to see a dentist sooner rather than later. Prompt treatment can eliminate your pain, and it increases the likelihood you’ll be able to save your tooth while also avoiding some of the more complicated dental issues that may occur.
We want to help you maintain a bright, healthy, and confident smile for a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment with Briargate Dental.
Everyone wants to get the best dental care possible, and sometimes, you need it in a hurry. When it comes to the installation of crowns, the method used over the years has been a time-consuming procedure. Considering how busy the world has become, it has been inconvenient for most people. Thanks to technology that brought the emergence of same-day crowns. You can restore your smile and return to your daily activities. Here is what you should know about same-day crowns:
WHAT ARE SAME-DAY CROWNS?
Same-day crowns also referred to as single-visit crowns, are a type of dental crown made to fit the patient in a single appointment. Thanks to state-of-the-art E4D dentistry, the dentist can make fast crown impressions and CEREC technology for accurate and fast crown formation.
WHAT ARE SAME-DAY CROWNS MADE OF?
Same-day crowns are made through CEREC technology which stands for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics. These crowns are custom milled from ceramic solid blocks using a machine. The dentist chooses the color of the ceramic according to the color of the existing teeth to achieve a natural look.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAME-DAY CROWNS AND TRADITIONAL CROWNS
Time and convenience
Same-day crowns help save time and are more convenient, as dentists use CEREC technology to fabricate crowns quickly. You don’t have to wait several weeks for lab-made crowns while using temporary ones. With same-day crowns, you can save time and return to work and other daily activities.
For traditional crowns, you need an appointment and a series of other visits. In your first appointment, the dentist will get the impression of your teeth, so present it to the lab for crown making. The process in the dental lab takes several weeks, which can be inconvenient to people who are in a hurry or require an emergency.
Material used
Same-day crowns are made of ceramic. But the traditional crowns can be a combination of metal, ceramic, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal. The materials used in traditional crowns, such as metal, make them more durable than same-day crowns.
Temporary crowns
If you choose same-day crowns, you’ll not require temporary crowns, as the crown will be fully installed during the first visit. However, for traditional crowns, you’ll require temporary crowns as you wait for the lab to complete the process of making your permanent crown.
Temporary crowns tend to cause discomfort, especially when they move from their installation position. Also, some don’t fit accurately, which leaves gaps for food to rest, leading to tooth decay.
Attention to detail
Same-day crowns are pleasing and accurately positioned to the eye. But if you need a crown that looks similar to other teeth, a traditional crown made of porcelain is the best fit. This is because an expert hand-crafted traditional crown in the lab, so it can look more natural than same-day crowns.
Strength
Traditional crowns are stronger than same-day crowns due to their make. They are made using more durable materials, making them less prone to wear and tear, such as porcelain and metal. Despite the strength, traditional crowns aren’t aesthetically attractive compared to ceramic, especially for the front teeth.
BOTTOM LINE
Same-day crowns can be so convenient if you have a dental emergency. You don’t even have to wait until the next day! If you’re ever in need of an emergency crown, be sure to speak with your dentist right away. He or she can assess your situation and determine whether a same-day crown is right for you. At Briargate dental center, we offer same-day crown services with advanced technology to ensure your crown restores your smile perfectly. If you have any questions, contact us or schedule an appointment today.
Are you experiencing a sudden onset of pain in your mouth or a cracked tooth keeping you up all night? Many will try to alleviate these kinds of dental emergencies on their own with home remedies, but why suffer when finding after-hours dental care is easy if you know where to look?
A Dental emergency can leave a patient feeling anxious depending on the severity of the emergency. The last thing you want to think about is where to find the best emergency dentist in your area when you have tooth pain. Skip the home remedies and seek immediate attention to avoid future dental issues.
Dealing With A Non-Life Threatening Dental Emergency
The first thing to consider when dealing with any kind of dental emergency is how severe the issue is. Dental emergencies can range from a painful cavity that will keep you up all night to a broken crown or molar that needs emergency repair.
If your dental emergency is life-threatening you should call 911 right away, rather than a dentist. For everything else, an emergency dentist is a good place to start.
People visit an emergency dentist for many reasons:
The city of Colorado Springs is like any other city when it comes to connecting with a dentist for emergency dental care. Most people will Google a dentist when dental emergencies occur or contact their insurance carrier however this can lead to confusion as to not knowing who is a good urgent care dentist and who is the best emergency dentist.
When you contact an emergency dentist you will want to ask a few questions:
Does the dentist accept your insurance?
Can you be seen in an efficient manner?
Does the dentist specialize in the injury or issue you are experiencing?
Is the emergency life-threatening?
Is your jaw, gumline, or teeth fractured?
Lost a crown or filling because of an accident?
Do you have a tooth abscess?
Do you have a serious tooth infection?
Are you experiencing a root canal issue or abscess gums?
At times an emergency requires you to visit a dentist that might cost more or doesn’t accept your insurance. If you can stand to wait and call around you may save money by using an in-network dental office but this is sometimes not ideal depending on your emergency.
You will also want to know how long it will take to be seen. There is nothing worse than sitting around with oral discomfort or jarring pain. Get an estimate of time so you can make a good decision on choosing the right emergency dental office for you.
Lastly, is your injury unique? Most injuries are, but you will want to know if the dentist who will be working with you specializes in your type of dental emergency. Obviously, if you are an adult, visiting a pediatric dentist for an emergency is not ideal but could work in a pinch.
Briargate Dental Center Offers Professional Emergency Dental Care
Whether you are a new patient or a current patient, Briargate Dental Center in Colorado Springs offers the best emergency dental care in the city. Our experienced dentists specialize in many common dental emergencies. We offer same-day appointments as well as after-hours care in the event that you suffer a dental emergency during non-business hours.
If you happen to live in or visit Colorado Springs during a dental emergency and need dental care, the Briargate Dental Center for urgent dental care is only a phone call away for an emergency appointment.
BDC welcomes dental insurance from many providers and is here for your urgent dental needs. Our emergency dentist has been voted “Top Dentist in Colorado Springs” by Colorado Style Magazine. We take great care when it comes to your comfort and oral health.
Any emergency dentist should have access to the latest dental technologies as well as offer convenient care, which at Briargate Dental Center, we take great pride in.
Emergency Dental Services in Colorado Springs
The professional dentists at Briargate Dental Center provide the best emergency dental care in Colorado Springs, CO. In business for over a decade, we have a history of excellent emergency dental care.
Our emergency dental care solutions have helped many patients in successful treatment by alleviating the pain associated with the emergency as well as further treatment plans to stabilize and resolve the dental issue.
Equipped with the latest technology and the latest education is what makes Briargate Dental Center the 24/7 dentist that Colorado Springs counts on.
Give us a call if you are experiencing a dental emergency and our staff will guide you through the process so you only have to worry about getting better.
Children do not know how to brush their teeth or hold a brush so it is vital to teach your children about proper oral care. Kids Brushing their teeth is something they should learn and practice from early on for them to keep the teeth and gums healthy. As a parent, you understand that it’s a battle with your child to maintain their hygiene, especially brushing their teeth.
Not only do you want your children to keep their teeth clean for health reasons, but healthy teeth will help you avoid expensive trips to your Colorado Springs Dentist due to teeth problems. Also, good oral hygiene is one of the factors for the strong health of the kids. Protecting their teeth, mouth, and gums early on will lead to better health as they grow into adulthood. Establishing oral care for your kids early on is essential, but many parents find it hard to do.
More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.
More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.
Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).
But the good news is that cavities are preventable. Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth.3 Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated.4 Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.5
This article discusses fun tips you can follow to establish a solid oral care culture for your kids.
Tips on Teaching Kids About Brushing
Brush your teeth together
One of the ways you can instill strong dental hygiene practices in your child is by brushing your teeth together. Parents should make brushing time fun and turn it into bonding time with their kids. You can ask them to follow what you do; as a result, they will enjoy it and learn how to do it correctly. This method will ensure they brush for the recommended time under your supervision.
Make it a routine from an early age.
For the kids to know how to brush their teeth properly, let them do it from an early age. Doing it every day from an early age instills a routine, and they will become comfortable doing it regularly.
The parents should work together and teach them the importance of brushing their teeth daily. Also, teach them the effects of not doing it, like the formation of cavities on the teeth, bad breath, and tooth decay. This makes them willing to do it rather than experience the effects of avoiding it.
Allow them to pick their favorite toothbrush and paste.
When you want to buy a toothbrush or paste for your child, take them to the store and allow them to pick their favorite ones. With so many color patterns and designs, let them choose different colors that they can choose whenever they want. Also, make sure you buy different flavors since some aren’t enjoyable for them when brushing. This will make the process enjoyable when choosing the brushes and paste they like.
Compliment their brushing skills every time.
When parents compliment a child whenever they do something good, it usually motivates them and boosts their morale. As a parent, it is recommended that you always complement your brushing skills and encourage them to do it every day. It is a great way to establish a strong oral care culture that will follow throughout their lives.
Let them play pretend on stuffed dolls.
If the children have stuffed animals or dolls, let them practice brushing their teeth on them. It would be best if you showed them how to do it on their toys using the proper technique. They will master the proper methods to do it and replicate the process when brushing their teeth.
Use correct tools
Kids will enjoy brushing their teeth if you use the correct kids’ brush and kids’ toothpaste. There will be less struggle if they use A toothbrush that is easy to handle and maneuver and a tooth that tastes good for them. You can allow them to use a toothbrush with a timer to alert them whenever they brush for 2 minutes.
Bottom line
Establishing routine oral care for your kids should not be a problem for you as a parent. When your kids develop their teeth, it’s essential to have regular visits to the dentist for them to have good dental hygiene. Contact us at Briargate Dental to book an appointment or get help in creating oral care for your child.
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