What are dentures?

Dentures are dental prostheses designed to replace natural teeth that have been lost or removed. These artificial teeth and gums are custom-made by your dentist to fit your mouth and restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Depending on your needs, dentures can be full or partial, replacing either all teeth on the top or bottom gum line or just a few missing ones. Your dentures will be tailored to fit your unique mouth shape and color-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, ensuring a natural-looking and comfortable fit.

What Should I Expect When Being Fitted for Dentures?

In the event that you have damaged or decayed teeth that need to be extracted, our dentist will first perform the necessary extractions before taking a mold of your remaining gum structure and the roof of your mouth. This mold serves as a blueprint for the fabrication of your dentures, ensuring that they fit comfortably and securely.

Once the mold is taken, it will be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will create your customized dentures. 

When the completed dentures are ready, you will return to our dental office in Gaithersburg for a final fitting. During this appointment, our dentist will check the fit and adjust the dentures if necessary to ensure that they are comfortable and secure. We will also provide instructions on how to properly care for your new dentures to ensure their longevity and performance.

It’s important to keep in mind that adjusting to new dentures can take time and patience. You may experience some discomfort or soreness as your mouth adjusts to the dentures, but this is normal and should subside within a few weeks. As you become more accustomed to your dentures, you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits they offer, including improved chewing ability, clearer speech, and a restored sense of confidence. With proper care and maintenance, your dentures can provide you with a functional and natural-looking set of teeth for many years to come.

What is a full mouth restoration?

Full mouth restoration is a comprehensive dental treatment that involves restoring or replacing all of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws. This treatment is designed for individuals who have multiple dental problems, including missing, damaged, or decayed teeth, gum disease, bite problems, and other oral health issues. Full mouth restoration is a customized treatment plan that may involve a combination of dental procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, gum treatments, and orthodontics. The goal of full mouth restoration is to restore the health, function, and appearance of the entire mouth, improving the patient’s oral health and quality of life. If you have multiple dental issues that are impacting your smile, Full Mouth Restoration may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Are you a candidate for a full mouth restoration?

Patients who suffer from multiple dental issues such as chipped or missing teeth, cracked or broken crowns, severe decay, enamel breakdown, and stains may benefit from a full mouth restoration. This comprehensive treatment approach aims to restore the function, health, and aesthetic of the entire mouth.

Dental issues such as missing or damaged teeth can make it difficult to chew, speak, and even smile with confidence. A full mouth restoration can address these issues and restore the ability to perform basic oral functions with ease. It can also enhance the appearance of your teeth and boost your self-esteem.

Moreover, some patients choose to undergo a full mouth restoration to correct crooked or misaligned teeth without undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is especially beneficial for those who may not have the time or patience for traditional braces or aligners.

If you’re experiencing dental pain or discomfort, difficulty eating or speaking, or if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, schedule a consult with our Gaithersburg dentist to determine if a full mouth restoration is right for you. We will evaluate your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs and goals.

What is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While these teeth can be useful for chewing and grinding food, they can also cause problems if they do not have enough space to grow properly. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that is often recommended to prevent potential issues.

The procedure of wisdom teeth removal involves a minor surgical process to extract the teeth. The process is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist, depending on the complexity of the case. Before the procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. In some cases, the dentist will administer laughing gas sedation or general anesthesia to put the patient to sleep during the procedure.

It is common to experience some pain and swelling following wisdom teeth removal. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to manage any discomfort and prevent infection. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and quick recovery.

What are reasons why wisdom teeth might need removal?

There are several reasons why wisdom teeth might need to be removed. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Lack of space: If there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to fully emerge, they can become impacted and cause pain or infection.
• Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding, shifting, and damage to adjacent teeth.
• Angle of growth: If wisdom teeth grow at an angle, they can cause pain, discomfort, and damage to other teeth.
• Decay and gum disease: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth, causing pain and potential damage to the jawbone.

If you experience any of these symptoms or signs, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our Gaithersburg dentist to determine if wisdom teeth extraction is necessary.

How can I prepare for wisdom teeth extractions?

Preparing for a wisdom teeth removal procedure can help ensure a smooth and successful surgery and recovery. Here are some tips on how to prepare:

• Consult with our dentist: Before the procedure, it is important to consult with our dentist to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions or medications you are taking that may affect the procedure or recovery process.
• Arrange for transportation: You will likely be under the influence of anesthesia during the procedure and will not be able to drive home. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the dental office.
• Plan for downtime: Plan to take a few days off work or school to allow for a proper recovery period.
• Stock up on supplies: Before the procedure, purchase soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies, as well as ice packs to help reduce swelling.
• Follow pre-operative instructions: Your dentist will provide you with instructions on what to do and what to avoid before the procedure. This may include avoiding food and drink for a certain amount of time before the procedure.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for your wisdom teeth removal procedure and set yourself up for a successful recovery. Schedule a consult with our dentist to determine if a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary.

UNDERSTANDING TOOTH EXTRACTIONS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Periodontal disease is often the leading cause of tooth extraction, and if needed, there are several ways that we can go about the procedure. First and foremost, we will administer a numbing agent to the specific area to minimize any discomfort you may feel. Though you may experience slight pressure during the process, you can otherwise expect a comfortable and relaxed experience. If the tooth has matured and emerged from the gum line, our dentist at Gaithersburg Dental Care may use specialized dental instruments to gently wiggle the tooth and remove it from the socket. The area will then be thoroughly cleaned, and gauze will be applied to prevent bleeding during the recovery period. However, if the tooth is impacted or still beneath the gum line, such as with wisdom teeth, oral and maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, we will create an incision in the gums and gently lift the flap to access the impacted tooth. If needed, we may have to remove any bone or tissue that is covering the tooth. In some cases, we may need to break the tooth into smaller pieces for removal. Once the tooth has been successfully removed, we will clean the area thoroughly before placing the flap back down and suturing it in place. Following tooth extraction and bone grafting, a blood clot will form in the socket, and we will use gauze to control any bleeding.

Importance Of Replacing The Missing Tooth

The significance of replacing a missing tooth cannot be overstated. When a tooth is extracted, the resulting gap can cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place, resulting in misalignment, difficulties with chewing, or jaw-joint issues. Additionally, these misaligned teeth are more challenging to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, or even further tooth loss. It is therefore crucial to fill the gap with a dental appliance such as a dental bridge, removable partial denture, or dental implant to prevent these issues from occurring.

What is a cavity?

Cavities are a common dental issue that refers to the presence of holes in teeth, caused by decay. Typically, the surrounding area of the cavity will appear dark brown or gray. Bacteria in your mouth, found in plaque, are the main culprits of cavities. These bacteria interact with carbohydrates and sugars in your food, creating an acidic environment that dissolves the protective enamel on the outer layer of your tooth. Once the enamel is compromised, the softer dentin layer is exposed, leading to the formation of a cavity. If left untreated, the decay process will quickly progress and spread deeper into the tooth. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding sugary foods, to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

Composite Fillings vs Metal Amalagram

Tooth colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, offer several benefits over amalgam fillings:

Aesthetics: Tooth colored fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin material that can be matched to the natural color of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. In contrast, amalgam fillings are silver or gray in color, which can make them more noticeable, particularly in the front teeth.

Bonding: Tooth colored fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, creating a tight seal that helps to prevent further decay. In contrast, amalgam fillings do not bond as well to the tooth structure and require the removal of healthy tooth structure to hold them in place.

Preservation of Tooth Structure: Since tooth colored fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process. This means that more of the natural tooth can be preserved, which is important for long-term dental health.

Durability: While amalgam fillings have been used for many years and are known for their durability, tooth colored fillings have also been shown to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care, composite fillings can last for many years.

Safety: There are concerns about the safety of amalgam fillings due to the presence of mercury. While the American Dental Association maintains that amalgam fillings are safe, some individuals prefer to use alternative materials, such as tooth colored fillings.

Ultimately, the choice between tooth colored fillings and amalgam fillings depends on the individual’s preferences, the location and extent of the decay or damage, and the dentist’s recommendation. We can help you choose the best option for your needs and preferences.