Blog

Why Choose Dental Implants to Replace Teeth?

At Todd Curley D.D.S., dental implants are small titanium rods surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as the root of a tooth. After the implant has been placed, a period is required for the jawbone to heal and fuse with the implant before it can act as a secure anchor for a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Once the implant is securely in place, an abutment can be connected to the top portion of the dental implant, and a custom restoration can be attached to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are beneficial because they provide a secure and stable base for teeth restorations that feel natural and comfortable in the mouth. They are also helpful for oral health because they replace tooth roots and stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss. Dental implants cannot be affected by decay as they cannot get cavities like natural teeth. If cared for properly with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, dental implants can last a patient’s lifetime! TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS ENDOSTEAL IMPLANTS An endosteal implant is a type of dental implant that is placed directly into your jawbone. This implant most commonly consists of a titanium screw post-surgically implanted into your jaw after an incision in the gum tissue. A custom abutment and crown are placed over the implant once fully healed, creating a realistic-looking tooth replacement. These are among the most popular dental implants due to their longevity and ability to keep your jaw bone healthy. SUBPERIOSTEAL IMPLANTS Subperiosteal implants are secured on top of the jawbone and underneath the gums, unlike endosteal implants surgically inserted into the jawbone. They are typically placed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist who places the implant and healing abutment into the mouth. Once the gum tissue heals around these pieces, a patient’s restorative dentist will place the artificial tooth or teeth onto the healing abutments. Patients who choose subperiosteal implants must have enough bone tissue to support them.  THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth, so patients don’t have to worry about their smile being changed. This is especially valuable for patients who already wear dentures so that they can feel confident about their smile and can chew and speak normally. Plus, the implants are durable, so they have a long lifespan and rarely need to be replaced.  Dental implants prevent deterioration of the jawbone and facial muscles that can occur after tooth loss, giving the patient’s jaw the support it needs to stay healthy. This also prevents further tooth loss in the future because the bone that is necessary to support a replacement tooth is preserved. You can experience improved oral health, an enhanced smile appearance, and confidence by choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth. To learn more about dental implants, contact Todd Curley D.D.S. at Hot Springs Rd, Ste D110, Murrieta 39755, or phone (951) 698-6220.

Six Worst Foods And Beverages For Oral Health

Oral health plays an important role in your overall health. A poor diet can negatively impact your teeth and gums. Here are some foods you should avoid to maintain good oral health: Hard Candy Hard candies are the worst type of candy for your dental health because they are not just sticky but are also very hard on your teeth. The sugar in hard candy acts as fuel for bacteria in the mouth, which itself creates cavities by feeding on the food you eat after you consume the candy. These candies also tend to stick to the teeth for long periods of time, which increases the amount of time the sugar is in contact with your teeth. The longer the sugar stays in contact with your teeth, the more chance it has to damage your enamel. In addition to causing damage to the teeth and gums, the hard texture of these types of candies can also chip or crack teeth, making them even weaker and prone to cavities. Once your teeth become chipped or cracked, bacteria can get into the damaged area and cause more problems. Soft Drinks Sugary drinks like soda and sports beverages are some of the worst for oral health because they contain a lot of sugar which feeds the bacteria in the mouth and causes tooth decay. Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your health overall. Water helps to prevent dry mouth, maintain healthy saliva levels and promote good overall health. Soda and other sugary drinks should be avoided as much as possible. If you do drink them, try to limit your intake to once a day or only occasionally. You should also rinse your mouth with water after drinking them to help wash away the sugars. Look for sugar-free alternatives whenever possible. Coffee and Tea Do you know that coffee and tea can wreak havoc on your teeth? Aside from staining them, drinking coffee can also cause tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. This is mostly due to the acidity of coffee, which isn’t great for your oral health. This type of acidic beverage can also lead to tooth decay and cavities over time as well. If you just can’t give up your morning cup(s) of joe, consider drinking it through a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. Using a straw can also reduce the amount of sugar that’s in your coffee as well, so if you’re concerned about calories or sugar consumption, this may be a good option for you. The acidity in tea can also make your smile less attractive over time as well. Try rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming an acidic drink, especially one like tea or coffee, to help reduce the acid’s contact with your teeth. Wine Alcoholic beverages can cause dry mouth, which can lead to periodontal disease. A dry mouth allows plaque to build faster, leading to cavities. The acidity in wine can also erode enamel, causing yellow teeth, bad breath, and other dental problems. Limit your consumption of alcohol to no more than two drinks daily for men and one drink per day for women. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages can also help combat dry mouth. Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day for minimal oral health issues. Sports Drinks Sports drinks contain harmful acids that can erode the protective enamel covering your teeth. Some sports drinks are sweetened with sugar, which can increase your chances of developing cavities or tooth decay. Always choose sugar-free options for the best oral health care benefits. Water is always the best choice for hydrating before, during, and after physical activities. Citrus Fruits and Juices Citrus fruits and juices are high in acid content and can be harmful to tooth enamel if consumed regularly – especially in large quantities or after brushing the teeth. The acidity in citrus fruits can be responsible for eroding the protective layer on the teeth, leaving the sensitive and vulnerable area exposed. The high acidity of lemons can weaken your enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to stains and yellowing. Although lemons and other citruses contain Vitamin C, which is beneficial for your health, too much acidity can cause damage to your teeth and gums. We suggest drinking a glass of lemon water in the morning as part of a healthy morning routine but staying away from other citrus fruits and juices throughout the day. If you do consume them, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water immediately after to prevent damage that could occur from the high acidity levels. Wish to learn more about maintaining good oral health? Call our dental office and schedule an appointment with us.

What Are the Common Orthodontic Conditions?

Are you curious about common orthodontic conditions? Whether you're considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, it's important to have a good understanding of these conditions. Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps in teeth – we'll cover them all and more in this article. CROOKED TEETH Crooked teeth are a common orthodontic condition that occurs when the teeth are misaligned or don't fit together properly. It's often caused by genetics, but it can also be influenced by habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. When you have crooked teeth, it not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also impact your oral health. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean effectively, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, crooked teeth can cause issues with chewing and speaking. CROWDED TEETH Crowded teeth, also known as dental crowding, is a common orthodontic condition that occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for all of the teeth to properly align. It can result from various factors such as genetics, late tooth eruption, or early loss of baby teeth. When teeth are crowded, it can cause discomfort and affect oral hygiene. The tight spaces between teeth make it difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, crowded teeth may lead to an improper bite alignment which can impact chewing and speech patterns. GAPS IN TEETH Gaps in teeth, also known as diastema, can occur for a variety of reasons. One common cause is when there's an imbalance between the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth. This can result in gaps between one or more teeth. For some people, these spaces may be nothing more than a cosmetic concern. However, larger gaps can affect speech and chewing ability. They may also make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene as food particles can get trapped in these spaces. OVERBITE Overbite is a common orthodontic condition that occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth. It can be caused by genetic factors, thumb-sucking habits, or improper jaw development. Having an overbite can affect not only the appearance of your smile but also your overall dental health. It may lead to problems such as difficulty chewing and speaking properly, increased wear on the tooth enamel, and even jaw pain. UNDERBITE Underbite is a common orthodontic condition where the lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth. This can result in an uneven bite and an imbalanced facial appearance. Having an underbite can cause various issues, including difficulty chewing and speaking properly, as well as potential jaw pain or discomfort. It may also affect one's self-confidence and overall oral health. DEEP BITE Deep bite is a common orthodontic condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth when biting down. This can be caused by factors such as genetics, thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use. A deep bite can lead to various issues. The excessive overlap of the teeth can put pressure on the gums and palate, leading to discomfort or even pain. It may also cause wear and tear on the enamel of both the upper and lower teeth, increasing the risk of dental problems like cavities. In addition to oral health concerns, a deep bite can affect your appearance. The excessive overlap of your front teeth may make them more visible when you smile, giving you an unbalanced or "gummy" look. OPEN BITE Open bite is a common orthodontic condition that can affect both children and adults. It occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between them. This can result in difficulty biting or chewing food, speech problems, and even jaw pain. There are several factors that can contribute to an open bite. One possible cause is prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use during early childhood, which can interfere with proper tooth alignment. Another factor may be genetics, as some individuals may be predisposed to developing this condition. Luckily, modern orthodontics offers various solutions for correcting this condition. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, provide a more discreet option that is removable for eating and cleaning. To learn more, contact Todd Curley D.D.S. at Hot Springs Rd, Ste D110, Murrieta 39755, or phone (951) 698-6220.

Good Oral Health Begins at Home

Good oral health is not just about having a dazzling smile; it's about maintaining overall wellness and preventing potential dental issues down the road. From brushing techniques to dietary choices, this article will equip you with practical tips on how to achieve and maintain good oral health in the comfort of your own home. THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH Your oral health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. It's not just about having pearly white teeth and fresh breath; it goes beyond that. Good oral health is linked to better digestion, improved self-esteem, and even reduced risk of serious medical conditions. Neglecting your dental hygiene can lead to a host of problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. These issues can be painful and expensive to treat. By prioritizing oral health, you can save yourself from the discomfort of dental procedures and costly treatments. Did you know that poor oral health has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even certain types of cancer? The mouth serves as a gateway to our body - bacteria present in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Taking care of your teeth and gums is like building a strong foundation for your overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits also contributes to maintaining fresh breath. No one wants persistent bad breath lingering around! Regular brushing and flossing remove food particles that get trapped between teeth or along the gumline - prime spots for bacteria growth causing unpleasant odors. Investing time in proper dental care not only benefits you physically but mentally too. When we have healthy smiles, we feel more confident about ourselves. A bright smile boosts self-esteem levels which positively impacts our social interactions and relationships with others. HOW TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HEALTH Taking care of your oral health is essential for maintaining a bright smile and preventing dental problems. So, how can you ensure that you're doing everything possible to maintain good oral health? Here are a few simple tips that will help you on your journey to a healthy mouth. * Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Be thorough in your brushing technique, paying attention to all areas of your mouth. * In addition to brushing, don't forget about flossing! Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline, where toothbrush bristles can't reach effectively. Incorporate this into your daily routine for optimal oral hygiene. * Another important aspect is watching what you eat. Limit sugary foods and drinks as they contribute to tooth decay. Instead, opt for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which promote overall well-being, including dental health. * Regular visits to the dentist are crucial as well. Schedule check-ups every six months or as recommended by your dentist so that any potential issues can be identified early on before they become more serious problems. * Last but not least importantly - avoid tobacco products altogether! Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the risk of various dental problems, such as gum disease and oral cancer. By following these simple guidelines consistently over time, you'll be well on your way toward achieving good oral health! Remember – prevention is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. To learn more, contact Todd Curley D.D.S. at Hot Springs Rd, Ste D110, Murrieta 39755, or phone (951) 698-6220.