Missing Teeth leads to Bone Loss and More!
Tooth loss has many frustrations. Dentures can lead to uncomfortable rubbing over time due to what is occurring under the gums – bone loss! This, in turn, can create reduced self-confidence, decreased ability to chew, and health problems resulting from a poor diet.
Bone loss occurs from the lack of stimulation to the jaw bone by natural tooth roots. When tooth roots are missing, the bone begins to shrink, or ‘resorb’.
This resorption also contributes to deep wrinkling and a sunken-in appearance aroundd the mouth, a ‘witches chin’, jowls, and severe reduction in biting strength.
As the bone shrinks, the ridge under the denture begins to flatten. Over time, the denture has less of a foundation, decreasing one’s ability to bite and chew comfortably. While the biting strength of natural teeth is 250 pounds, a denture wearer bites with 5 to 6 pounds, on average.
Bone loss is accelerated by the pressure of wearing dentures. For those who sleep in their dentures, this 24/7 pressure speeds up the pace ven more. This is why dentures that once fit securely eventually begin to loosen due to the change in the jaw underneath the gums.
It’s no wonder so many adults are now choosing Dental Implants to replace missing teeth! Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, halting bone loss and restoring the strength of your
Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime and can bring you as much pleasure as natural teeth.
To discuss your options in tooth replacement, call (586) 739-2155 to arrange a free consultation with Dr. Barbat or ask about Dental Implants at your next visit.
SUGARY TREATS – Just As Bad On ADULT Teeth
Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day… so many holidays and so many goodies, with adults often indulging in sweet treats as much as children. Yet, it’s not necessarily and occasional indulgence that takes its worst toll on adult tooth enamel.
Plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria in the mouth, is continually forming on teeth and gums. When these bacteria come in contact with sugar or starch, they produce an acid that attacks teeth for 20 minutes or longer.
Repeated attacks can expose tooth enamel to decay, Cough drops, hard candy and breath mints that linger in the mouth subject teeth to acid attacks for the duration the product is in the mouth. Sweet beverages are equally as harmful. Sipping cola or sweet tea over and extended time has the same effect.
Plus the stickier things are, the more difficult it is for saliva to cleanse the sugar out of the mouthh. For example, a piece of butterscotch candy that sticks to teeth can be more harmful than a chocolate bar that is rinsed out of the mouth easily through saliva.
How do you enjoy these treats and minimize harm to your teeth? First, try to treat yourself to these items along with mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps to neutralize acid production and rinse the mounth.
Another tip is to chew sugarless gum after you indulge if brushing your teeth is not possible. Sugarless gum increases saliva flow to wash away decay-producing acid.
Drinking lots of water, particularly fluoridated water, helps prevent tooth decay. And, of course, stay committed to your brushing and flossing routine at home and keep your regularly scheduled hygiene exams and cleanings. These are easy, inexpensive ways to prevent problems from occuring in the first place or catch those at their earliest stages, which minimize treatment needs.
Follow these tips and you’ll still be able to enjoy occasional sweet treats and have a smile that shows you also indulge in good oral health!
The Advantages Of A DENTAL LASER
Dr. Barbat always strives to provide the latest in dental technology and techniques to save you treatment time and optimize your comfort. Her goal is to also help you prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
If you are not familiar with one of her advanced features, the Nd: YAG Laser, you’ll find its many features for patient care interesting.
This dental laser eliminates or greatly minimizes bleeding during procedures, reduces numbing requirements, removes bacteria and easily uncovers gum tissue where implants have been placed. Additionally, it can quickly repair oral ulcers and beautifully recontours or repairs gum tissue with a precision line. Because the Nd: YAG Laser seals tissue as it goes, this means patient comfort is enhanced and healing time is faster.
The dental laser is another cutting-edge feature Dr. Barbat feels her patients have come to expect in her state-of-the-art dental practice. “I’ve always been committed to providing advanced features that benefit our patients,” she states. “Selecting those that give patients a better outcome is our continual goal.”
Financing Your Dentistry
When the cost of dental treatment seems beyond your means, financing is available so you can enjoy a healthy, appealing smile while making payments that fit your budget. Dr. Barbat has partnered with Chase Healthcare Advance to provide financial support to patients, with most plans requiring:
- NO down payment
- NO prepayment penalty
- LOW monthly payments
- LOW fixed interest rates
- Monthly payments that fit most budgets
- Possible tax advantages
For an application, call our office at (586) 739-2155 or ask to speak with our Financial Coordinator, Deb Ramsey, at your next visit. The confidential process is quick and easy!
A Special Offer for a Special Smile YOURS!
Crooked teeth can ruin the appearance of a smile and compromise the ability to maintain good oral health. Dr. Barbat has advanced training in Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Both are comfortable methods of improving your smile while preserving the integrity of natural teeth.
Now through June, take advantage of a special rate to enjoy a naturally beautiful smile at a reduced price, and enjoy free whitening when treatment is completed!
CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE INVISALIGN CONSULTATION & EXAM
Begin Treatment Between March 1 – June 28, 2012
RECEIVE $150 OFF
Get a FREE Whitening at Treatment Completion!
Hurry! This is a limited time offer!