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Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to counter tooth loss. Although
you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective
and durable as implants. In may cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary
functionality of teeth and supporting structures.
Teeth are lost because of:
People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.
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Current Dental Research
Reversing Decay
Wouldn't it be great if we could prevent and reverse tooth decay instead of continually placing
fillings? This is the modern goal of preventative dentistry. Well, believe it or not we now have several products that can
reverse the progression of decay and strengthen teeth to make them more resistant to tooth decay.
Let's first review how a cavity starts. There needs to be three things present to form a cavity:
1) a tooth, 2) bacteria, and 3) sugar. Dental Plaque is a sticky film that forms on our teeth after we eat, it consists of
large quantities of harmful bacteria and broken down food products. A specific type of bacteria in dental plaque (named Streptococcus
mutans) and is the primary cause of cavities. This bacteria gets energy from sugars and releases acid on the tooth as
a by-product of its metabolism. The more sugar to energize the bacteria, the greater the acid attack is on the teeth. this
is a big reason why dentists and hygienists will stress diet changes and plaque removal by good brushing and flosing. The
acid released from the bacteria over time will cause serious tooth decay.
There are three products we now use to counteract the harmful effects of the acid attack on the
tooth.
1). Xylitol, a natural sweetner which helps prevent cavities. It works because the harmful bacteria
responsible for acid attacks on teeth cannot use Xylitol for energy, thus cannot metabolize it, and therefore cannot multiply
in number or release acid. In addition to reducing cavities, it also reduces plaque build-up and bacteria, stimulates saliva
flow, buffers the mouth, and allows for re-mineralization of the tooth to take place. Xylitol is now found in many types of
chewing gum and mints.
2). Fluoride, is a naturally occuring element found in vegetation, rock, soil, and air. In most
parts of the country is in incorporated into the water supply and is also applied topically to teeth in dental offices. Fluoride
works by creating an acid resistant 'shield' on the outside surface of teeth. Fluoride is also toxic to the acid producing
bacteria (S. mutans) found in dental plaque, thus reducing the overall acid attack on the teeth. It makes tooth enamel
less soluble to these acids, and will remineralize (repair) soft areas of the tooth before a full cavity develops. Fluoride
also has profound desensitizing properties when it is topically applied to cold sensitive teeth. Many types of toothpaste
contain small amounts of fluoride but it is also dispensed in many forms of oral rinses, foams, varnishes and gels. Research
continues to show that fluoride is both effective at reducing tooth decay and is safe.
3). Recaldent, derived from natural milk protein, and is essentially vitamins for your teeth.
It contains bio-availible calcium and phosphate that will bind to areas of a tooth that have been damaged by acids. Recaldent
allows for an increased effect of fluoride when used in comination. It also stimulates saliva production, buffers plaque acids,
and has fantastic desensitizing properties for cold sensitive teeth.
To review the basics of tooth decay...acid is the enemy! Depending on how susceptible you are
to cavities, dry mouth, sensitivity or acid attack, Dr. Reid and Dr. Perrett will recommend a customized approach (using one
or more of the above products) to protect your teeth.
Lab Work From China
The recent news stories reporting of lead content in dental crowns has been all the buzz in recent
dental publications. These stories are about crowns and bridgework that have been outsourced to Chinese dental labs from
American dentists. With international shipping these days, this is actually seen as an option by some dentists. Apparently
the lab bill for crowns made in China can be as cheap as $10 per crown compared to the American lab costs of several
hundred dollars per crown.
The American Dental Association has asked the nation's leading health agencies to address saftey
concerns raised by these reports.
The Centers For Disease Control have responded by saying that the amount of lead present in these
crowns is so small as to be inconsequential and "unlikely to cause adverse effects in adults."
The FDA has assured the ADA that they are working on the concern but as of yet, they will not
be issuing a Consumer Update.
The ADA noted in letters to the various government agencies that they would be conducting their
own studies on contaminants in dental prosthetics from both overseas and domestic laboratories.
I called the local dental laboratories and was assured that there are no contaminants such as
lead in any of the materials they use. Their response was the same as mine. Why would you use some overseas lab!? Of course
it's all abou the money.
I have worked with some of the same lab technicians for over twenty five years. Our office works
with two laboratories. We have settled on these two labs after scrutinizing several other labs over the years. We know that
we can count on the quality of work they deliver. This, of course, is best for the patient but also makes our job easier.
We can't imagine compromising the quality of our care and increasing the stress it would take to deliver the work for the
sake of price.
Fluoride, Not Just For Kids
People are living longer today and maintaining their own natural teeth. Studies throughout the
years have proven flouride to be a measurable tool in prevention against dental caries (cavities) in children and adolescents.
Recently a study done in Indianapolis at Indiana University School of Dentistry, has investigated the advantages of flouridated
water, as well as fluoride application in all age groups, noting that the older adults benefited the most.
The ADA has reviewed certain factors that also increase decay rate for
a person. The list includes but is not limited to: poor oral hygiene, multisurface restorations, chemotherapy or radiation
therapy, eating disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, irregular dental care, presence of exposed root surfaces, poor dental margins,
and/or side effects of medications. Looking at this list, some or many of these factors may apply to you or someone you know.
While we are always using fluoride on children at their regular dental
visits, we may not be so diligent with our adults and older adults. An exciting new material called "Fluoride Varnish" is
now availible that is highly recommended by the American Dental Association. The fluoride varnish is applied after a dental
cleaning and exam. We are very excited about this new application of fluoride and the ADA has strongly recommended this process
over the application of gels and foams due to the long-term advantages.
Our role as dental health professionals is to stay on top of new preventaive measures and share
them with our clients to help save time, money and discomfort.
Research provided by Doug Reid DDS, W. Bradley Perrett, DDS and Alesia Jacobsen, RDH
