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Dentist - Newton
400 Allison Street
Newton, KS 67114
 

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Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (2)
        • Your Gums Need Extra Care After Periodontal Disease
        • What Tara Lipinski Does to Protect One of Her Most Valuable Assets - Her Smile
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • This Laser Procedure Promises Big Benefits for Gum Disease Treatment
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
        • Some Bite Problems May Require the Help of Other Tools in Conjunction With Braces
      • November (3)
        • Vivica Fox and Zendaya Have This in Common: A Gorgeous Smile
        • Here's What To Do If Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
      • October (3)
        • If You Thought the Last Century Was Amazing for Dental Care, Just Wait
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
        • Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
      • September (3)
        • Eliminating an Infant's Lip or Tongue Tie Can Make Breastfeeding Easier
        • Improve Your Smile With These Dental Enhancements
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
      • August (4)
        • We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • Mouth Breathing Can Lead to Serious Oral Problems, Especially for Children
        • 4 Simple Things You Can Do to Stop Bad Breath
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
      • July (3)
        • Treating Gum Disease is Good for Your Whole Body, Not Just Your Mouth
        • Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
        • Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
      • June (3)
        • Why Kathy Bates Chose This Alternative to Braces and so Might You
        • 3 Reasons a Root Canal Treatment Might Fail and What You Can Do About It
        • Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
      • May (3)
        • 4 Ways to Avoid Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
        • Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
      • April (3)
        • Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
        • 4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
      • March (3)
        • Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
        • One Visit May Be All You Need to Restore a Chipped Tooth
        • Something Between Your Teeth? Don't Use Anything Else but Dental Floss
      • February (3)
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Avoid Harm From Gum Disease
        • Why Vaping isn't a Safe Choice for Your Oral Health
      • January (3)
        • Veneers May Not Be the Best Option for Your Teenager's Teeth
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
        • Is There a Better Way to Manage Pain Without Narcotics?
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Lasers are Making an Impact in Treating Gum Disease
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
      • November (3)
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
        • Eating the Right Carbs Helps Keep Your Gums Healthy
        • Getting a 'New Tooth in One Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
      • October (3)
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
        • How to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk From Halloween Candy
      • September (3)
        • You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • How Early Dental Visits Can Improve Your Child's Oral Health
      • August (3)
        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
        • "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • July (3)
        • Your Age Doesn't Have to Keep You from a Straighter Smile
        • See Your Dentist if You Have one of these Top 3 Oral Problems
        • If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
      • June (3)
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Smoking Could Shorten Your Implants' Longevity
      • May (3)
        • Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
      • April (3)
        • Beat Dental Plaque While Wearing Braces with These Tools and Tips
        • To Detect Oral Cancer Early, See Your Dentist
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • March (3)
        • 3 Things You Should Know About Teeth Grinding
        • Here's How to Manage School Snacks and Your Child's Dental Health
        • Spring Into Better Oral Health
      • February (3)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
      • January (3)
        • NSAIDs Could be Just as Effective as Narcotics Managing Dental Pain
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
        • New Year, New Smile
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
      • November (3)
        • Retain Your New Smile After Braces with a Retainer
        • Practice Caution with Energy or Sports Drinks to Protect Your Enamel
        • 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
      • October (4)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
        • What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • September (3)
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • August (3)
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
      • July (3)
        • Get Your Vitamins the Natural Way for Optimum Dental Health
        • What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
      • June (3)
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • Artificial Sweeteners Could Help You Reduce the Risk of Dental Disease
        • Sealants Could Protect Your Child's Teeth From Future Problems
      • May (3)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • 3 Things You Need to Know about Easing Anxiety Over Dental Visits
        • 4 Things You Should Focus on During Pregnancy for Optimal Dental Health
      • April (2)
        • Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory Was Not So Sweet to Cast's Teeth!
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • March (2)
        • Preventive Care for Your Child is a Partnership between You and Your Dentist
        • 3 Fluoride Sources You Should Monitor for Your Family's Dental Health
      • February (2)
        • A "No-Prep" Veneer Could Eliminate the Need to Remove Tooth Enamel
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • January (3)
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
        • New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
      • November (2)
        • Regenerating Lost Bone Can Make Dental Implants a Reality
        • Not Your Granddad's Dental Care: the New Approach to Tooth Decay Treatment
      • October (3)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
        • Your New Implants Need Proper Hygiene Just as Much as your Other Teeth
      • September (2)
        • Risk Factors for Gum Disease
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • August (2)
        • Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • July (3)
        • This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
      • June (2)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • Only a Dental Exam can Identify the Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
      • May (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
      • April (2)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Watch for These Developing Bite Problems with Your Child's Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • The Top 3 Oral Problems in America - and What You Should Do About Them
      • February (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • There are Good Reasons to Check Your Blood Pressure During Dental Visits
      • January (3)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Watch Out for Re-Infection After a Root Canal Treatment
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
  • 2016
      • December (1)
        • Having Trouble Flossing? Try Using an Oral Irrigator
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • An Assortment of Orthodontic Tools helps us Solve Complex Bite Problems
      • October (2)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • September (3)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Grafting can Help Regenerate Gum Tissue Lost Through Recession
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • August (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • July (2)
        • Patchy Discolorations on the Tongue Aren't a Cause for Worry
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • June (2)
        • A Retainer Helps you Keep Your New Smile after the Braces Come Off
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • May (2)
        • 3 Causes for Implant Failure and What You can do About Them
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • April (2)
        • Your Teenager may need to Wait on an Implant for a Missing Tooth
        • A Royal Fix
      • March (3)
        • Jaw Surgery may be Necessary to Correct Some Types of Poor Bites
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
      • February (2)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
      • January (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Stopping Tooth Decay Could Require Root Canal Treatment
  • 2015
      • December (3)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Don't Delay Treatment of Gum Disease
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • November (2)
        • Pay Attention to Gum Disease Warning Signs for an Early Diagnosis
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • October (2)
        • Dental Implants Help Maintain Bone Health
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • September (2)
        • Don't Allow Your Age to Stop You from a New Smile with Orthodontics
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • August (2)
        • Weighing the Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • July (3)
        • Some Blood Pressure Medications May Affect Your Oral Health
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
      • June (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • Dentistry is Changing to Meet Dental Care's Emerging Challenges
      • May (1)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • April (2)
        • Fixed or Removable: Deciding Which Implant-Supported Bridge is Best for You
        • How to Impress Supermodel Bar Refaeli
      • March (3)
        • Dental Hygienist - Your Partner in Preventing Disease and Maintaining Oral Health
        • Actress Florence Henderson Shares Her Secrets for Keeping Your Natural Teeth as You Age
        • Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
      • February (1)
        • Matthew Lewis's Metamorphosis
      • January (2)
        • An Early Orthodontic Evaluation May Alert to Developing Bite Problems
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
  • 2014
      • December (3)
        • Extra Care is Required When Treating Teenagers With Lost Teeth
        • 50 Cent Has His Own Style - Even in His Smile
        • Your Dentist can Help Guide you in the Best Treatment Option for Sleep Apnea
      • November (2)
        • Martha Stewart Shows Off Renovation Work - In Her Mouth!
        • Assessing Your Risk for Severe Gum Disease
      • October (2)
        • Jane Fonda Chooses New Teeth Over a New Car!
        • Other Factors Besides Hygiene Could Contribute to Gum Disease
      • September (2)
        • What Oral Appliance Does Oliva Newton-John Use to Protect Her teeth?
        • Acute Tooth Pain may be Signaling Your Need for Root Canal Treatment
      • August (3)
        • How Dental Implants Saved Taylor Hicks' Smile
        • Dental Health: Do You Make the Grade?
        • From Model to Mogul, Kathy Ireland Maintains a Sparkling Smile
      • July (1)
        • Crowns Preserve the Tooth While Offering Greater Protection Than a Filling
      • June (1)
        • Braces Are No Hurdle for Olympic Track Star
      • May (3)
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Breath
        • Florence Henderson Talks About Preventative Dentistry
        • Implant-Supported Teeth: a New Option for Patients With Total Tooth Loss
      • April (2)
        • The Gap Is No More
        • Does Root Canal Treatment Last Forever?
      • March (2)
        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
        • Reducing the Risks and Effects of Dental Sports Injuries
      • February (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Gets Into Character With Help From His Dentist
        • Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay and a Diseased Root Canal
      • January (1)
        • Dental Sealants: One of the Childhood Secrets TV Designer Nate Berkus Credits for His Beautiful Smile
  • 2013
      • December (3)
        • TADs Contribute to Greater Precision During Orthodontic Treatment
        • Flossing: An Important Part of TV Designer Nate Berkus' Oral Health Routine
        • Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
      • November (2)
        • Follow in Vanna White's Footsteps and Replace That Missing Back Tooth
        • Protecting Children's Teeth From Decay With Sealants
      • October (3)
        • Actress Jennie Garth Shares Tips for Making Oral Health Fun!
        • "No-Prep" Veneers may be an Option for Some Patients
        • Grandpa Knows Best: How Kristi Yamaguchi Manages Her Kids' Oral Health
      • September (1)
        • Are You an Athlete? Here Are Five Reasons You Should Wear a Mouthguard
      • August (2)
        • Actor Ed Helms' Tooth-Yanking Trick: It Was a Dental Implant!
        • Whitening is a Safe and Effective Way to get That "Hollywood Smile"
      • July (2)
        • Hilary Duff's Chipped Front Teeth Repaired with Veneers
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Posts for tag: dental implant

Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
July 12, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implant  
ReplaceYourTeethinStagesWiththeHelpofDentalImplants

Complete tooth loss is a common condition among older adults, gradually occurring one or two teeth at a time. There often comes a point of realization, though, that all the teeth will eventually be lost.

This can create a dilemma: Do you replace teeth as they're lost, or go ahead and have all of them removed at one time?

Up until recently, the latter choice seemed the most practical and affordable. But most dentists would agree that keeping natural teeth for as long as practical is better for a person's overall oral health and to slow any potential bone loss.

The emergence of dental implants has made this less of a dilemma: We can use this technology to more affordably replace teeth in stages rather than all at once. This is because an implant is technically a root replacement: a dentist inserts a titanium metal post into the jawbone. Because of an affinity with titanium, bone cells grow and adhere to the implant surface, which creates a stronger hold. It also impedes bone loss.

We can, of course, use implants as individual tooth replacements. But the expense of this approach with multiple teeth puts it well out of reach financially for many people. But implants can also be used as connective points between the patient's jaw and other kinds of dental restorations like bridges, partial dentures, and full removable or fixed dentures.

Using this approach, we can adopt a strategy of allowing healthier teeth to remain until it's necessary to remove them. We initially place implants to support a bridge, for example; later we can use the same implants along with additional ones to support a larger restoration, even a fixed full denture.

An implant-supported restoration is typically more expensive than traditional bridges or dentures, but far less than replacing teeth with individual implants. And because the stages of restorations may occur over a long period of time, the cost can be spread out to make it more manageable.

If you're facing a future where it's likely you'll lose all your teeth, you don't have to lose them all at once. Staged restorations with implants could help you hold on to your natural teeth for as long as possible, slow bone loss and make for a healthier mouth.

If you would like more information on the wide array of dental restoration options, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Replacing All Teeth But Not All at Once.”

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Getting a 'New Tooth in One Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
November 05, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implant  
GettingaNewToothinOneDayWillDependonYourBoneHealth

If you've thought the ads for a “new tooth in one day” seemed too good to be true, we have…sort of good news. You can get a new “tooth” in one visit, but only if your dental situation allows it.

The restoration in question is a dental implant, a metal post (usually titanium) surgically imbedded into the jawbone. They're especially durable because bone cells naturally grow and adhere to an implant's titanium surface, a process called osseointegration. Over time this process creates a strong bond between implant and bone.

Usually, we allow a few weeks for the implant to fully integrate with the bone before attaching the visible crown. With “tooth in one day,” though, we attach a crown at the same time as we install the implant, albeit a temporary crown. It's more aesthetic than functional, designed to avoid biting forces that could damage the implant while it integrates with the bone. When that process finishes, we'll install a permanent porcelain crown.

The health of your supporting bone and other structures will largely determine whether or not you're a candidate for this “tooth in one day” procedure. Your bone must be sufficiently healthy, as well as the gums surrounding the implant and the tooth's bony socket.

If, on the other hand, you have significant bone loss, gum recession or socket damage, we may first need to deal with these, usually by grafting tissue to the affected areas to stimulate new growth. Your implant, much less a temporary crown, will likely have to wait until the affected tissues have healed.

The bone can also be healthy enough for implant placement, but might still need time to integrate with the implant before attaching any crown. Instead, we would suture the gums over the implant to protect it, then expose and attach a permanent crown to the implant a few weeks later.

Obtaining even a temporary crown the same day as your implant can do wonders for your appearance. A more important goal, though, is a new tooth that you can enjoy for many, many years. To achieve that may mean waiting a little longer for your new beautiful smile.

If you would like more information on restoring missing teeth with dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Implant Timelines for Replacing Missing Teeth.”

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If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
July 08, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implant  
IfAppropriateAntibioticsbeforeImplantSurgeryCouldReduceInfectionRisk

Millions of microorganisms call your mouth home—and while most are friendly, some are not. An invasive procedure like implant surgery can disrupt the mouth's soft tissues and allow disease-causing bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

This isn't necessarily a major concern if your immune system is sound—your body will move quickly to quash any developing infection. But if your body's defense is weak or compromised by other health conditions, an ensuing infection could cause you problems. In the case of a dental implant, a localized infection around it could lead to its failure.

The bone normally grows and adheres to the surface of an implant soon after it's placed, giving it the added strength and durability for which implants are best known. A bacterial infection, though, could impede bone integration and weaken the implant's hold within the jaw.

One way to avoid this is by treating patients at high risk for infection with an antibiotic before the procedure. In one recent study, researchers concluded that patients receiving a 2-gram dose of amoxicillin an hour before implant surgery helped reduce the risk of future implant failure.

But before taking this route, the dentist must first decide whether antibiotic pre-treatment might be more detrimental than beneficial to an individual patient. Antibiotics can cause side effects in certain people ranging from diarrhea to allergic reactions. Healthcare providers must also be prudent with administering antibiotics for the good of society in general—overuse can potentially give rise to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A number of healthcare associations highly recommend antibiotic pre-treatment for any dental patient with prosthetic heart valves, a history of infective endocarditis, a heart transplant and similar heart conditions. They also recognize patients with conditions like prosthetic joints, weakened immune systems, diabetics or other serious health problems could also benefit from antibiotic pre-treatment, but leave it to the physician's discretion on whether or not it's appropriate for an individual patient.

If you're planning to undergo implant surgery or a similar procedure and are concerned about infection, speak with your dentist about whether you would qualify and benefit from antibiotic pre-treatment. If appropriate, taking an antibiotic beforehand could minimize your infection risk.

If you would like more information on pre-surgical antibiotic treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Implants & Antibiotics: Lowering Risk of Implant Failure.”

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Smoking Could Shorten Your Implants' Longevity

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
June 08, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implant   smoking  
SmokingCouldShortenYourImplantsLongevity

Although costly in the beginning, dental implants often turn out to be the least expensive tooth replacement option. That's because their enviable record for longevity often outpaces dentures or bridges. Over the long-term you might spend less for implants than these other restorations.

But even with the high success rate of dental implants (greater than 95% survive the ten-year mark), we can't guarantee they won't fail. And if you're a tobacco smoker, the risk of failure might be even higher. One study, for example, found early implant failures were twice the rate for smokers over non-smokers. Although implant failures overall are low, smoking seems to be a factor in those that do.

There are a number of reasons to account for this. For one thing, inhaled smoke can damage salivary glands, reducing the flow of this important fluid. Saliva helps control bacterial growth and neutralize mouth acid, so without it you're more susceptible to tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. Either infection could ultimately weaken implant-supporting bone.

The nicotine in tobacco can also restrict oral blood vessels and lower their ability to supply antibodies and nutrients to the teeth and gums. This slows healing, which could have one particular effect on implant durability.

During the intervening weeks between implant placement and crown attachment, the implant's titanium post attracts bone cells that grow and adhere to its surface. The effects of nicotine on healing, especially right after implant surgery, can interfere with this integration process so that the implant doesn't anchor in the bone as well as it should.

If you're a smoker, you can increase your chances of implant success—and have a healthier mouth overall—by quitting smoking beforehand with the help of a cessation program. Or at the least, consider stopping smoking for one week before implant surgery and for two weeks afterward.

And be sure to brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Stopping smoking and practicing effective oral hygiene could make a big difference in the success or failure of your implant.

If you would like more information on smoking and your dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implants & Smoking.”

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The Gap Is No More

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
April 17, 2014
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implant   missing tooth   replacing teeth  
TheGapIsNoMore

This is the story of a well-known man, fearless in most respects, who was afraid of the dentist. Even though his fears had resulted in neglect and serious damage to his teeth, modern dentistry and a talented dental team were able to restore his smile to health. If you share this fear, his story may inspire you to take action.

We're talking about William Perry, former defensive lineman and fullback for the Chicago Bears. Here is a man who could fearlessly face a football squad — but not a visit to the dentist. Nicknamed “The Refrigerator” for his 380-pound massive frame, Perry played for ten years in the NFL before retiring in 1994. Since retiring he founded and operated a construction company in South Carolina in addition to making celebrity appearances.

With his celebrity in mind, a team composed of a talented restorative dentist, implant surgeon, and lab technician agreed to give “The Fridge” a makeover. After discussing modern technology and virtually pain-free dentistry with him, they managed to overcome Perry's fears. “I had been in constant pain for many years and I neglected myself, not having had any dental care for over 20 years, not even emergency care. Unfortunately, as I grew older my teeth started to get loose,” Perry told an interviewer. He had lost many teeth and became known for his gap-toothed smile.

Perry had severe gum disease and many of his remaining teeth were loose. In the past his only option would have been a full set of dentures. But his new dental team was able to place dental implants (permanent tooth replacements) supporting fixed bridges. In most cases dental bridges are attached to healthy teeth, but in Perry's case the implants served as anchors for the bridges. They also stabilized his jawbone, which would otherwise “resorb” or melt away after his teeth were lost. This is important because it helps preserve the contours of his face.

After careful planning “The Fridge” had eight dental implants placed in his upper jaw and seven in his lower. The final bridgework was completed four months later. It turned out that even though the gap between his teeth had become his trademark, “the Fridge” never really liked it. He was thrilled with his new smile.

Even if you have some fears, don't hesitate to follow Perry's example and make an appointment with us for a consultation about dental implants, smile makeovers, or bridgework. For more information about William “The Refrigerator” Perry, see the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Immediate Implants Saved 'Refrigerator' Perry's Smile.”

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