Dupont Dental - Your Washington DC Dentist


  Contact : 1234 19th Street NW Suite 604 | Call us: 202.296.7714

All Posts in Category: Dental Implants

Comments Off on How to Get Food Stuck in Your Dental Implants Out
How to get food stuck in your dental implants out

How to Get Food Stuck in Your Dental Implants Out

Posted by

Dental implants can be a boon for patients who are missing a tooth here or there but who otherwise have a healthy oral structure. One of the most unpleasant things that can happen after they are installed, though, is having food get stuck in them. Not only does this look unsightly, but the food can also cause discomfort for you. Below, the Dupont Dental team shares a few tips for dealing with this common problem.

Using an Oral Irrigator

While taking care of your dental implants shouldn’t be any more difficult than taking care of your natural teeth, there are ways to make it easier. Flossing regularly is one reason, but doing so does have its limitations. For example, to be effective at flossing, you need to have the manual dexterity to maneuver the dental floss to get food out of all the hard to reach places in your mouth.

Another drawback to flossing is that you might not know the proper technique to use, so you skip it altogether. Flossing is also limited in the area that can be reached. Using an oral irrigator can help remove food debris that’s under your dental implant and provide instant relief.

Oral Irrigator Basics

It’s likely that you’ve heard of an oral irrigator though you might know it by another name. A “water pik,” “water flosser” and “hydroflosser” are all names of an oral irrigator. Most models have a reservoir that is filled with water. A hose is then directed at different areas of your mouth, and the water from the reservoir is squirted inside.

It’s important to charge up the oral irrigator before using it to get the full effect from it. A relatively inexpensive dental tool, an oral irrigator is an effective way for patients with dental devices, such as dental implants and braces, to keep their teeth clean and free of food debris. Many models feature different levels of pressure so that the user can customize it to suit their needs and preferences. Also, there is often a feature that allows you to pause the pulsing of the water so that you can switch the location of the stream of water or angle it better.

For most people, finding an oral irrigator is quick and easy. Available in many drug, grocery and department stores, prices range from around $30 and up with some models costing as much as $100. For most purposes, though, a model in the middle price range — around $60 — will be sufficient for your use.

Reasons for Keeping Your Dental Implants Clean

As we mentioned previously, there is the perception that it can be difficult to keep dental implants clean. In fact, many patients can find the process intimidating, and they might even avoid it altogether. The reality is that keeping your dental implants clean is no more difficult than keeping your natural teeth clean. The reasons for doing so are also much the same as well.

While the fact that food collects around your dental implants is not an uncommon occurrence, some people may experience more difficulty than others. Another possibility is that you might experience more issues with food getting stuck in one implant but not another. One reason for this difference could be because of the natural way that your teeth fit together in your mouth.

If food gets stuck to your dental implants or near the gumline, it could cause your gum to become inflamed and red. If they aren’t removed promptly, this food can lead to your gums becoming infected due to an increase in the bacteria. Not only does the collected food introduce bacteria of its own, but it can also lead to an increase in the number of bacteria that your dental implant is exposed to. This can overwhelm your body’s defenses and quickly lead to an infection.

Food that is stuck between your dental implants and your gums can also lead to impaction. This potentially more serious condition generally occurs when food debris or particles are forcefully wedged in those spaces. You’ll usually notice more inflammation and pain if there is food impacted. Also, when you bite onto the dental implant that’s affected, you’ll experience more pain. Even worse, the food will continue to be forced more firmly into the space.

What Should You Do if You Have Food Stuck in Your Dental Implant?

If you have food stuck in your dental implant and you aren’t able to remove it using dental floss, toothbrushing or an oral irrigator, it’s time for you to seek out professional care. If you are experiencing pain, inflammation and/or redness in the gum area surrounding your dental implant, this also warrants a visit to your dentist. It’s important not to put off making an appointment with your dentist if you are having this kind of issue with your dental implant. Also, if you are experiencing any kind of pain, discomfort or change in how the dental implant feels, you need to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Like most other health issues, pain, inflammation, and swelling in the area near your dental implant is a condition that will only worsen over time. Quick intervention by your dental professional can not only relieve you of your pain and discomfort; it can help prevent the failure of your dental implant.

At Dupont Dental, your comfort and health is our top priority. We work closely with you to determine the best options for oral health to meet your needs. We encourage you to keep all your scheduled appointments so we can find and address any issues that might arise before they get worse. Contact us today if you need any assistance with your dental implants or if you have any other dental health issues.

 

Read More
Comments Off on 3 Things About Dental Implants You Need to Know
dental implant benefits

3 Things About Dental Implants You Need to Know

Posted by

If you need to have one or multiple teeth replaced, there’s a good chance your dentist will recommend dental implants. These are often the first choice as they are a long term solution that can provide function while still looking natural. While they are considered the most efficient form of tooth replacement, it’s important to do your research. Knowing what the procedure entails and the benefits of having them can help you determine whether they are a suitable option for you. So before you make a decision, use this guide to find out more.

They are as Strong as Your Natural Teeth

One concern that many patients have is that their new dental implants won’t last or break easily. Unlike other tooth replacement treatments, dental implants are built to last. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist, there is no reason why your dental implants shouldn’t last a lifetime. Dental implants are inserted into the hole where your missing tooth used to be. It is then fixed directly onto the jawbone in the place of the original tooth’s root. This bonding with the jaw bones means that the dental implant has the same amount of function and strength as the rest of your teeth. So you can bite into foods such as apples without being concerned of a breakage.

They Can Be Color Matched

Another concern for patients is that the implant will stand out and look unnatural next to their other teeth. Many feel that this will affect their confidence and make them less inclined to show off their smile. Advances in dental implants have provided more colors than ever before giving you plenty of options. You and your dentist can look at the current color of your teeth and use that to color match the artificial tooth that is attached to the implant. This will give you a natural looking result that complements the rest of your teeth. The color matching of dental implants has improved so much that it’s hard for people to tell the difference.

They Will Require You to Stop Smoking

It’s important to know before you have this procedure that your dentist may ask you to stop smoking. This can often come as a shock to many patients, but it is for a good reason. Dental implant success rates are usually 90% and above. But recent studies have found that smoking increases the risk of the implants failing. This is because smoking cigarettes hinder the healing process. It can also cause infections after the procedure. This prevents the dental implants from working effectively while also causing pain and discomfort. So if you are a smoker and intend to have implants fitted, it might be wise to join a quit smoking group beforehand.

Hopefully, this guide will have provided you will some useful dental implant information. If you are still unsure whether this is the right procedure to solve your tooth loss problem, talk to your dentist. They can answer any questions you may have, as well as talking through alternatives you can also consider.

Read More
Comments Off on Surprising Benefits of Dental Implants
dental-implants-benefits

Surprising Benefits of Dental Implants

Posted by

Healthy, strong teeth are essential for a stunning smile that lasts a lifetime, but the truth is that most people weren’t born with perfect teeth that stay strong and look great forever. Having a healthy and complete smile helps overall health while boosting confidence. It’s important for anyone missing one or more teeth to seek a replacement to prevent bone loss and preserve their facial structure. With today’s dental implants, it’s possible to have permanent tooth replacement and a complete smile at any age. Dental implants have many benefits, but some of them may be surprising.

Youthful Smile and Face

A healthy smile keeps a person looking younger because teeth help preserve facial structure. The lips, cheeks and skin of the face remain firmer and tighter when teeth are present. Missing teeth and the gaps they leave can lead to bone loss, which gives the face a sunken appearance and causes the skin around the cheeks, eyes, and mouth to look more wrinkled and looser. Patients who receive dental implants often comment on how they feel and look younger and how much more willing they are to smile.

Success in Social Life and Career

A smile is one of the first things people notice during a first impression, and a healthy smile ensures that it’s a positive impression. A study showed that men found smiling women without makeup were more attractive than women hiding their smiles and wearing makeup, which proves the impressive power of a great smile. It’s common to hide one’s smile due to missing teeth, and this can make them seem unapproachable or unfriendly when they’re truly not. Having a full set of teeth encourages a person to feel more confident and smile more, and this can lead to greater opportunities in social and professional aspects of life.

Healthier Food Options

Someone living with missing teeth or traditional dentures that slip and aren’t as durable as natural teeth may live on a limited diet with foods that are easier to chew and may not be healthy. Difficult or painful chewing due to missing teeth makes it difficult to enjoy harder, healthier foods like apples, carrots, and other firm option.  Bones stay healthy and strong with exercise, and this applies to the jawbones too. With dental implants replacing missing teeth, a person can chew on healthy foods that keep teeth and bones strong.

Halt Bone Loss

The loss of bone material in the body, a condition called osteoporosis can affect both women and men and the jawbone is one of the first areas doctors find a loss of bone. When a person has all their teeth thanks to dental implants, they can chew properly and have a strong jawbone. The placement of dental implants directly into the jawbone can slow down, halt and sometimes reverse bone loss. Dental implants help keep surrounding teeth healthy too as they don’t require modification for implant placement and the new teeth prevent natural teeth from shifting.

Learn how dental implants can address any missing teeth issues by contacting Dupont Dental today.  

 

Read More
Comments Off on Conditions That Require Oral Surgery
oral-surgery-jaw-tooth

Conditions That Require Oral Surgery

Posted by

There are multiple conditions that can require treatment with oral surgery, but with today’s innovative dental practices, a patient can feel safe and comfortable undergoing such a common practice. Sometimes oral surgery is avoidable with good oral hygiene and sometimes it’s necessary to treat any oral issues that could become worse without attention. Tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgeries, but there are also jaw problems that may require surgery.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

The third molars or wisdom teeth develop last and most of the time there isn’t room for them in the mouth, which prevents them from emerging and leads to impacted teeth. The impacted teeth become trapped between the gum tissue and jawbone, and this can cause pain, swelling, and infection in the gum tissues. Impacted wisdom teeth may damage nearby teeth, bone, and gums permanently and cause tumors or cysts that can destroy jaw sections. For these reasons, dentists perform oral surgery to remove the impacted wisdom teeth. Sometimes other teeth such as bicuspids become impacted too and require removal.

Tooth Replacement

Someone who has suffered tooth loss and seeks tooth replacement with dental implants will have to undergo oral surgery to place the implants. Dental implants replace the tooth root with a titanium rod anchored in the jawbone and the dentist then places an artificial tooth that functions like the remaining natural teeth.

Jaw Problems

For some people, their jaw doesn’t develop properly and this unequal jaw growth can lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, breathing, and swallowing. While issues such as misaligned teeth are correctable with orthodontics, more serious jaw problems need oral surgery to reposition the jaw for proper function. Sometimes severe cases of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) require oral surgery on the joints to correct problems in the temporomandibular joint.

Proper Fit for Dentures

First-time denture wearers may need oral surgery to correct jaw irregularities before the dentists makes the dentures. These corrections help the dentures fit better. Long-term denture wearers may also benefit from oral surgery if the jawbone deteriorates and the dentures don’t fit properly anymore. The oral surgeon may perform a bone graft to strengthen areas of bone loss.

Repair After Facial Injury

Someone who has suffered a facial injury, such as broken facial bones or fractured jaws, may require oral surgery to restore the structure and health of the teeth, gums, and jaw.

Treat Facial Infections

Infections in the neck, jaws or face can become life threatening without proper treatment. Oral surgery such as tooth extraction or making an incision to drain the infections may be necessary.

Oral surgery has many beneficial issues to oral and overall health and today’s dental professionals work to make it as stress-free an experience as possible. Learn about your oral treatment options by contacting Dupont Dental.

 

Read More
Comments Off on Preparing for a Post-Dental-Treatment Soft-Foods Diet
Soft Foods

Preparing for a Post-Dental-Treatment Soft-Foods Diet

Posted by

Undergoing a dental treatment that involves a significant recovery time can be stressful enough without worrying about what you’ll be able to eat following the procedure. Thankfully, with some planning ahead, you can be prepared with a soft diet that won’t aggravate your tender mouth or cause issues with dental work. A soft diet consists of foods that are easy to chew and swallow and how long you’ll have to be on it depends on the type of dental procedure you’ve undergone.

Types of soft diets

Soft diets consist of two main types. One type is usually medically recommended and a way of life that resembles a regular diet but doesn’t have fiber, spices or fatty foods. The other type of soft diet is a temporary measure called a mechanical soft diet that’s done mainly for comfort during recovery. This type of soft diet can include any foods you want as long as it’s softened through mashing or puree.

Planning a soft diet

When you know you’ll need to be on a soft diet after a dental treatment, planning ahead is a good idea, as you may not want to fuss with preparing food immediately after the procedure. Stock up on soft foods including fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, dairy products and meat, anything you think you can handle eating after it’s gone through a food processor or blender. If you have a smoothie maker, that’s a great way to get all your fruits, vegetables and even dairy together in one meal that’s easy to swallow. Another good way to eat vegetables is by cooking them until they’re soft enough to mash with a fork.

Foods to avoid

Although you can eat just about anything that appeals and that can be softened during a soft diet, some types of food don’t do well in food processors or blenders. These foods include crackers, nuts, snack foods and vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower that don’t mash easily. Raw fruits, coconut, beef jerky and anything containing large meat chunks won’t do well as part of a soft diet, but as it’s only temporary, you can look forward to enjoying them later.

Have your soft diet tools ready

During a temporary soft diet, you need the right tools to make your meals such as a blender, food processor and/or smoothie maker. Before your dental treatment, look around online for recipes that fit in with your soft diet. Find foods that don’t require a lot of chewing and don’t have extreme temperatures such as ice cream or hot soup, as they can cause discomfort in your healing mouth.

 

If you have any questions regarding a mechanical soft diet following a dental procedure, you can always discuss them with our professionals at Dupont Dental. We want you to be comfortable before, during and after any dental treatment.

Read More
Comments Off on Dental Implants Washington DC – Preventing Bone Loss
Dental Implants Washington DC

Dental Implants Washington DC – Preventing Bone Loss

Posted by

There are many causes of tooth loss including periodontal disease, injury, trauma or decay and sometimes permanent teeth don’t develop where they should, which leaves gaps in your teeth. Some instances of tooth loss require immediate action and replacement such as when you lose a front tooth during a sport or accident. The lost tooth creates a noticeable gap in your smile that you want to be fixed for cosmetic reasons. Other instances of tooth loss, such as losing a back tooth that isn’t obvious, may not seem like an immediate concern, but it’s important to address all types of missing teeth promptly to prevent bone loss. So keep reading as Dupont Dental, the leader in providing the most efficient dental implants Washington DC has to offer.

Consequences of Bone Loss

When you lose a tooth, the alveolar bone that surrounds and supports your tooth atrophies (diminishes) and this leads to bone loss. People who are missing teeth and who have worn conventional dentures for years can have a sunken appearance around their mouths due to the loss of supporting teeth and facial bones. Along with losing bone when you lose a tooth, the remaining teeth in your mouth can shift resulting in jaw pain and bite problems. Loss of bone from one or more lost teeth can have detrimental cosmetic and physical consequences, even if the location isn’t in a prominent area of your smile. Fortunately, this type of bone loss is preventable with modern dental implants for tooth replacement.

Dupont’s Dental Implants Washington DC – How They Prevent Bone Loss

Tooth loss doesn’t have to lead to a bone loss when you treat the lost tooth promptly and efficiently. With advances in dental implant technology, your smile receives restoration whether you’ve lost a single tooth or many teeth. With the implant in place of the lost tooth, you’re less likely to suffer bone loss, and you maintain the facial structure. Today’s dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, have the strength of natural teeth, require regular oral hygiene for maintenance and can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental professionals also use implants to stabilize and anchor bridges or dentures, which improves comfort and function.

The fastest bone loss occurs within the first six months after you lose a tooth, so it’s important to address the issue quickly. Find out more about dental implants, what’s involved and if you’re a good candidate by contacting Dupont Dental today. We can talk about how our implants are the top dental implants Washington DC can provide! Our top priority is helping our patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile and we offer several kinds of dental implants to suit your specific needs.

Read More
Comments Off on Advances in Dental Implants
Dental Implants DC

Advances in Dental Implants

Posted by

During an experiment in 1952 that involved implanting titanium into the bones of rabbits, Per-Ingvar Branemark accidentally discovered that titanium and bone were integrated together when he tried to remove the titanium from the bones and found it difficult. This discovery led to the future development of knee replacements, hip replacements and tooth replacement with titanium dental implants. This integration of bone and titanium phenomenon received the name osseointegration from Branemark, and it opened up a world of possibilities for the medical and dental profession.

Advances in dental implant surface area

Since Branemark’s discovery of osseointegration, many technological and procedure advances have helped improve the success rate of both implants supported dentures and single dental implants. The improved finish of titanium on dental implants is one such advance. Earlier dental implant procedures used titanium screws that had a very smooth surface, but more advanced, modern dental implants use titanium implants with a porous finish achieved from a newer surface treatment. This more porous finish increases the surface area of the implant, which can aid in integration between bone and implant.

Technological advances in dental implants

For patients who require single implants or implant supported dentures, computer programming technology, and imaging technology help design tooth replacement options customized for their particular mouth shape. An accurate 3D image from a CT scan of a patient’s jaw uploaded to special software allows dentists to place dental implants digitally on the 3D replica for an ideal position. Once the dentist has discovered the best placement using computer software, the program creates a custom stent that the dentist places over the patient’s jaw to ensure precision placement. These technological and computer advancements have helped revolutionize dental implant procedures.

Increasing options for dental implants

With the advancements in dental implants, there’s now more options than before for teeth restoration. Dental implant options include implant-supported dentures, single implants with crowns, implant-supported bridges, and All-on-4 implants. Although the cost of implants may seem initially higher than other tooth replacement options, they’re becoming less expensive as technology advances and their benefits are substantial when compared to conventional dentures or bridges. Dental implants are lower maintenance than traditional restorations and don’t usually require the replacements that dentures and bridges may need over time. With proper care including good oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Discuss the possibility of dental implants for tooth replacement with Dupont Dental and move a step closer to achieving your perfect, healthy smile.

Read More
Comments Off on Understanding Dental Implants
Beautiful woman smiling with new dental implants

Understanding Dental Implants

Posted by

When comparing dental implants to dentures, implants have several advantages over conventional dentures or bridges. Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement option that can last a lifetime with proper care.

During dental implant placement, your dentist implants a titanium rod into the gums, and this rod bonds with the jawbone in place of the missing tooth root. The rod of the implant receives a dental crown, implant-supported dentures, or implant supported bridge to replace your missing teeth. By replacing the tooth root, dental implants prevent the bone deterioration that can occur with traditional dentures or bridges and lead to health issues and compromised facial features. Dentures and bridges may require replacement after a period time, whereas dental implants generally do not.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants offer various benefits, including a restored smile, which has a positive impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence. Implants have advantages over other tooth replacement options, including:

  • Permanence – Dentures, bridges, and other restorative procedures can need additional restorations or replacements over time, but dental implants are a permanent solution that last a lifetime with proper care.
  • Natural appearance and functions – The titanium rods used in dental implants are compatible with your body so they fuse with the jawbone as a natural tooth root would. The rods fit snug in the gums, which helps secure the natural-looking crown, bridge or dentures supported by the dental implants and enables normal speaking, biting, and chewing.
  • Durability – Dental implants prevent the recession of the bone and gums that can occur with other tooth replacement options. With the strong, durable support of the dental implant anchored in your jawbone, you can enjoy normal eating and speaking without worry of dentures slipping or bridges suffering damage.
  • Minimal maintenance – Caring for your dental implants is as easy as caring for natural teeth. With normal oral hygiene including brushing, flossing and exams, dental implants last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
  • Highly effective and multi-purpose – For patients in good health with sufficient gums, bone structure to support dental implants, they’re highly effective and successful. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, a row of teeth or an entire mouth of teeth and can serve as durable support for dentures or bridges.

Investing in dental implants

Dental implants have a success rate of 95-98% when patients practice proper maintenance and care. Proper oral hygiene, including daily flossing, brushing and regular dental visits are essential for dental implant success as is quitting any tobacco use. Dental implants present a higher initial investment than other tooth replacement procedures, but their benefits over dentures and bridges including longevity, lower maintenance and a smile you’re proud of, making the financial expense well worth it.

If you’re tired of dealing with uncomfortable or ill-fitting dentures or a bridge and need a way to replace one or several missing teeth to restore your confident smile, contact Dupont Dental and inquire about our restorative dental services.

Read More