Author: Jon

When researching options for dental implants, it’s vital to know the right questions to ask. Here you can find a quick list to help you interview your prospective implant provider. Even if you aren’t able to come to New Teeth Now for your procedure, we want to make sure you understand all your options so you can make the best decision possible for your long term health and happiness.

Is the doctor you are considering a board-certified oral surgeon?

Will the surgeon you meet at your first visit be the same surgeon to perform your implant procedure?

Has the doctor you are considering for treatment ever had to turn away patients due to bone loss?

How is the facility equipped to handle your care?

Does the provider you are considering have additional systems in place for your safety and peace of mind?

Is the quoted price all inclusive?

Is the Doctor You Are Considering a Board-certified Oral Surgeon?

In recent years, it has become more common to see general dentists advertise All-on-4® and zygomatic implants. Please be aware that these procedures are very sensitive and specialized, and they should only be performed by a board-certified oral surgeon. We strongly advise against having zygomatic implants placed by your general dentist. For your safety and to avoid unnecessary complications, zygomatic implants should only be placed by a qualified board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

When you choose New Teeth Now, you are choosing a team of highly experienced, world-renowned surgeons. They are all board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with decades of combined experience. Our surgeons are specialists in implant dentistry and routinely perform New Teeth Now, a full mouth dental implant procedure, every day. On average, our surgical teams place 500 arches each year. In addition, a specialized team of restorative dentists supports our surgeons for every procedure. These skilled oral surgeons are dedicated to the care of New Teeth Now patients.

Will the Doctor You Meet at Your First Visit Be the Same Doctor to Perform Your Implant Procedure?

When you visit New Teeth Now for your consultation, you will meet with the board-certified oral surgeon who will be performing your implant surgery. You will receive a customized plan that caters to your specific treatment and needs. We are committed to treating every patient with dignity and respect, and to providing the highest level of personalized care from our entire staff.

Has the Doctor You Are Considering for Treatment Ever Had to Turn Away Patients Due to Bone Loss?

When you are choosing a doctor for your implant procedure, you want to know you are in the care of a highly experienced surgeon that specializes in this treatment. Many providers will turn patients away and determine that they are not a candidate for dental implants simply because they do not have the proper knowledge, training, or resources to help you. The likelihood that you will be deemed untreatable at New Teeth Now is very slim. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons take pride in the fact that our facility is one of the few in North America with the ability to successfully place zygomatic implants. These specialized implants allow our surgeons to treat those who have been told they are not dental implant candidates and eliminate the need for bone grafting.

How Is the Facility Equipped to Handle Your Care?

At New Teeth Now, our facility offers three state-of-the-art surgical suites, fully equipped with the latest in leading-edge technology, as well as 18 patient procedure rooms for general oral surgeries. We perform and manage every part of the implant process under one roof. We provide a one-of-a-kind experience with an on-site dental laboratory led by master-certified dental technicians, who assist in creating your new custom teeth at our facility. Our office is uniquely designed to provide total comfort and the highest quality of care for every patient at each stage of their procedure. New Teeth Now patients rest after their procedure in our private and semi-private recovery areas. As our patients recover, family members can relax in our in-office theater and lounge. There, they can enjoy movies, beverages, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Does the Provider You Are Considering Have Additional Systems in Place for Your Safety and Peace of Mind?

The New Teeth Now implant facility is equipped with a full-size generator in case of a power outage. We also provide on-call specialists in the event of a post-operative emergency. We partner with anesthesia professionals (CRNAs – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) on a daily basis. This support allows our surgeons to fully focus on your procedure while the CRNA fully focuses on monitoring your anesthesia.

Is the Quoted Price All Inclusive?

The price we quote you at New Teeth Now is all-inclusive with no hidden costs to our patients. This includes all surgical fees, anesthesia, extractions, customized first set of nonremovable teeth, a final set of customized zirconia teeth, two years maintenance, and as many implants as your surgeon prescribes.

The post Questions to Ask When Choosing an Oral Surgeon appeared first on New Teeth Now.

We occasionally hear from patients who ask us, “Does New Teeth Now do All-on-4®?”

To which, we reply, “We provide full mouth dental implants.”

Within the dental care community, the All-on-4® brand is sometimes used interchangeably with a full mouth, implant-based restoration, in a similar way that Kleenex® is associated with tissues.

But it’s important to recognize that while providing a similar solution, the All-on-4® treatment concept is not the same as the New Teeth Now process. Why? Because, simply put, four implants is not enough!

What Is All-on-4®?

All-on-4® is a surgical protocol designed by dental implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare as a teachable solution to provide graft-less, full-mouth restorations for patients who need to replace all or most of their teeth. Their products and services have contributed to an increased public awareness of how dental implants can help someone recover from debilitating oral health issues.

When used conversationally, the trademark often refers to the placement of four dental implants, primarily toward the front of the lower jaw. A set of teeth is fabricated that typically goes from the lower molar on the left to the lower molar on the right. These teeth are fixed into the mouth. The person cannot take the teeth in or out; they are actually screwed down onto the implants. The All-on-4® procedure can benefit patients in need of lower teeth, upper teeth or even a full mouth of implant-supported teeth.

Franchises and overseas practices have built reputations on providing four-implant, full mouth restorations. Keep in mind that just because a clinic or dental office provides All-on-4® does not mean they have qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons providing care.

Who Benefits from All-on-4®?

Many different kinds of patients can fall into the category of needing implants. A person who is miserable with dentures or has a mouth of badly decayed or painful teeth, or a person with bone loss could all be great candidates for implant treatment.

As the dental industry has progressed, more and more people are looking to dental implants as the initial solution in contrast to dentures. Our surgeons have seen this transition over the years and have seen many patients benefit from the All-on-4® process. However, it’s important to note that there are even better dental implant procedure options out there.

We hear from many patients who have researched All-on-4® who tell us that they’ve been turned away by other surgeons due to insufficient bone. And many of these same patients will later leave our office with a restored smile, and a functional set of brand-new teeth.

New Teeth Now Provides Exceptional Care for Bone Loss Patients

A person’s oral health rarely follows hard and fast rules, especially once things get to the point where one of our oral surgeons will need to replace most or all of their teeth with implants.

While the New Teeth Now process will have the teeth prosthetic placed on as few as four implants, our oral surgeons will not limit treatment to this approach. In fact, it is very rare for us to rely on only four implants when anchoring to the upper jaw. When sufficient bone is available in the jaw, our surgeons often recommend at least six implants to secure a bridge. In cases of severe bone loss, they will likely recommend specialized zygomatic implants to further guarantee sufficient support for the upper bridge.

Zygomatic implants are specialized implants placed into the cheekbone. There are a select few surgeons in the world with the expertise to perform this type of surgery. Our surgeons at New Teeth Now are qualified and have been routinely performing the procedure with zygomatic implants for many years.

Why Are Six Implants Better than Four?

Our surgeons agree that having six implants is much more reliable than just four. With two additional implants securing each arch, the six-implant option provides our patients with a much stronger foundation to support their new teeth. This works especially well for patients with additional bone available to support the upper or lower arch. Each case requires careful considerations including the number of implants, the angle of each implant, and the type of implants and abutments most suitable to provide long-term support. The new terms All on 6 and All on X refer to the options that our doctors often use to treat their patients, as they also lead other dental professionals to take note of this approach.

All in One Day, All in One Location

New Teeth Now’s in-house lab is located within the same facility as our Lakeland office. Designing your smile is a guided discussion. Our restorative doctors are available throughout the process to help set expectations while we craft your custom smile with you. While you’re working out the details with the doctor, the restorative team is right across the hall hard at work designing custom teeth for you and our other patients.

Our Commitment to You

As an American-owned and operated business, the New Teeth Now process has been developed and refined by the same surgeons who guide our patients from consult date all the way to the day of surgery. Our surgeons are patient-first innovators devoted to providing only the highest quality of care.

To be able to smile comfortably and chew your food is such an important part of life. This is something people don’t realize until that one simple thing is taken away from them. We do care and we are committed to finding a functional, effective and safe treatment plan whenever possible. This is why our surgeons go to great lengths to find dental implant solutions for patients with severe bone loss and advanced periodontal disease.

The post It’s Better Than 4! The All-on-4® Alternative appeared first on New Teeth Now.

The post How to Clean Dental Implants appeared first on New Teeth Now.

In a nutshell, dentures are the cheap, low-quality alternative to full-mouth dental implants provided by a New Teeth Now oral surgeon. 

Many people recognize that dentures typically aren’t the best replacements for missing teeth. Dentures are notorious for slipping out of place, fitting poorly, and even causing mouth sores and gagging sensations. However, some of the alternatives aren’t much better. This is why people specifically look for high-end alternatives to dentures rather than just any substitute. 

Here we’ll discuss some of the tooth replacement options besides dentures, starting with high-end alternatives like dental implants and why they deliver superior results. 

Evaluating the Benefits of Denture Alternatives 

Not all denture alternatives offer the same benefits, even when they’re in the “high-end” price range. That’s why it’s important to consider what you’re getting for the price instead of assuming that paying a lot will lead to the perfect choice. Dental implants are the true high-end alternative, which is why we specialize in perfecting them through the New Teeth Now procedure. Here are some of the benefits of high-end alternatives to dentures: 

Functionality   

Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants function like natural teeth. They’re not designed purely for cosmetic improvement but to help you chew and maintain oral health without the inconveniences of dentures or temporary fixes. Among the many benefits that come with dental implants are fewer dietary restrictions. Our implant patients can enjoy anything they would be able to eat with natural teeth. Dentures cannot offer this! 

Appearance 

Although their primary purpose is to replace missing teeth, dental implants also provide a cosmetic benefit: They look much more realistic than dentures and are often mistaken for a natural smile. In fact, some patients may request that minor flaws be added to make their implants look more natural. Additionally, implants can help stop bone loss. As a result, they can prevent sunken or sagging facial features from becoming worse due to bone loss. 

Compatibility 

Dental implants are relatively easy on your existing teeth. They don’t put extra strain on surrounding natural teeth. They’re also easier to care for than dentures or other alternatives, as they require fewer trips to the dentist. Typically, implants need to be professionally cleaned only once or twice a year, just as natural teeth do. 

Customization  

Dental implants are also a fantastic option to fit the widest variety of oral health situations. They are the gold standard for tooth replacement and are great for patients who are missing one tooth or several, or who need the full-mouth implant we offer at New Teeth Now. 

Longevity and Value  

While dental implants are considered a high-end option, they are stronger and last much longer than dentures or other alternatives. This makes them a cost-effective option, as they typically last for a patient’s lifetime without requiring any sort of replacement or refitting. 

Enhanced Quality of Life 

With dental implants, patients experience higher confidence as they rediscover how to smile easily and freely again. Some have even attributed rejuvenated love lives to their dental implants! 

What Are Some Other Alternatives to Dentures? 

While not the highest-quality alternatives to dentures, there are other procedures that can help you maintain your smile before needing full extractions. These have benefits over dentures but lack the quality and lasting value of dental implants. You may hear about options such as: 

Overdentures – If you have teeth left, and they’re in the right places, they can be used to secure an overdenture. The benefit is that the appliance won’t slip around like a traditional denture; however, the natural teeth may fail prematurely because overdentures put a lot of excess strain on them, despite any crowning. As with bridges, the quality of the crowns used for the appliance and on the natural teeth can greatly affect the expense. 

Dental bridges – These devices can be used to replace one or a few teeth. They are supported by adjacent natural teeth, which must be crowned. The crowns for these teeth can sometimes be made of high-end materials that are cosmetically superior. Fancy crowns can make your bridge much more expensive than a bridge crafted from lower-quality options, but functionally, it will be no different. Another important consideration is that a dental bridge that does not have implant support requires the patient to sacrifice healthy surrounding teeth to support the bridge. This also will not protect the jaw from bone loss and can lead to unexpected complications. 

What to Expect with High-End Alternatives to Dentures 

Unlike dentures, bridges, and overdentures, implants don’t just sit above your gums. Instead, titanium posts are implanted in your jaw, and these support the visible crowns. This technique provides several benefits: 

Chewing forces are transmitted to your jawbone. This preserves the mass, shape, and strength of the bone. One benefit of this is that the problem of the fit changing is eliminated. You also won’t end up with the sunken chin and upper lip that often develops in long-term denture wearers. 

You won’t feel permanent implant dentures “sloshing around” in your mouth. Your speech will be crisp and clear. You’ll also be more comfortable. 

You have more choices. You can go with permanent implant crowns, which you care for much like real teeth but clean more like dentures. These options make it easy to keep your new teeth clean, even if you have dexterity challenges. 

Once your implants have healed, your dental replacement will be almost fuss-free. Other than cleaning, implants require very little maintenance. There’s no relining and refitting, and implants don’t move unless you want to move them. If you get the permanent kind, they won’t move at all – they’ll be cemented to their posts, much like a regular crown is cemented to its tooth. 

Implant crowns look natural. None of the implant hardware is visible once the installation is complete. What you’ll see in the mirror is a row (or two rows, if you have both arches done) of disease-free, natural-looking teeth. You can even get perfect-looking teeth if you want to, but most people go for a realistic look so it isn’t obvious to others that work was done. 

Dental Implants Are an Investment 

Implants are the largest investment for tooth replacement, making them high-end by definition. These denture alternatives require surgical procedures, meaning you need a skilled oral surgeon for the best results. However, they bring many extra benefits compared to dentures, bridges, and even overdentures.  

The biggest advantage is that if you haven’t had extractions yet, then you can have any problem teeth pulled while under general anesthesia. For dentures, patients normally are awake during any necessary extractions, which can be a very uncomfortable experience.  

In addition, dental implants preserve your jawbone integrity. Only implants can preserve your jaw and avoid a sunken appearance associated with toothlessness. 

The Best Alternative for Full-Mouth Teeth Replacement 

A dental implant is the ideal solution, no matter how many teeth need replacement. However, implants are especially beneficial for patients who have few viable teeth remaining in their dental arch. In many cases, it just makes sense to remove the remaining natural teeth to make way for a beautiful, new set of implants. Patients who need extractions as part of their full-mouth dental implant procedure benefit from the use of general anesthesia when they turn to the highly qualified oral surgeons at New Teeth Now. 

Former Denture Wearers Are Thrilled with New Teeth Now 

Our patients who used to wear dentures share with us all the time that they are happier with New Teeth Now. After being freed from the discomfort and hassle of dentures, they are overjoyed. Now, they no longer deal with ineffective denture adhesives, poor fit, or new bone loss. Instead, they have a set of replacement teeth that are the closest thing to natural teeth available! 

Set Up a Consultation for Dental Implants 

Here at New Teeth Now, we specialize in improving the lives of patients who are sick and tired of wearing dentures. We can handle routine and challenging cases, and our surgeons have the expertise to offer implant solutions to patients who have been turned away by other specialists. Call us today to request your treatment plan! 

The post The Highest-Quality Alternative to Dentures appeared first on New Teeth Now.

Yes! On the day of the New Teeth Now procedure, patients go home with new teeth and a new smile.

New Teeth Now is a sophisticated process designed by the best board-certified oral surgeons in the world. Our surgeons truly have the patient’s best interests at heart. It’s important to understand what the “Now” in New Teeth Now truly means. So, let’s hear what our very own board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. David Kirkpatrick, has to say about it.

When Will You Receive Final Teeth Following Your Full Mouth Dental Implant Procedure?

Undergoing a full mouth dental implant procedure is a significant life decision to restore not just the functionality of your bite but also your confidence in your smile. The journey to discovering your new smile is not one that you will take alone. You deserve to have a team of experts who put your interest first at your side. The timing for receiving your final teeth is important, and it shouldn’t be rushed. Here’s why rushing into final teeth too soon can be detrimental to the outcome of dental implants:

Understanding the Healing Process for Same Day Dental Implants

The post-surgery healing process is crucial for the success of dental implants. Your bone needs time to recover and fuse with your new implants. This healing process takes several months. During the healing period, your gums can undergo significant change. Immediately following the implant procedure, your gums will typically be swollen. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process, and your gums shrink to a different level as they heal. The natural shrinkage that occurs during healing is unavoidable. You are refitted for final teeth after healing is complete, ensuring that your new teeth fit properly.

Skipping the healing phase, is not in your best interest. Expediting the placement of final teeth ignores the time required for critical biological processes and risks a less-than-optimal fit between your gums and the new teeth. Impatience on the part of a dentist or surgeon can lead to discomfort and even additional costs down the line.

The Waiting Period: A Necessary Phase

Contrary to the approaches of some clinics that may offer immediate placement of final teeth — sometimes as soon as 24 hours after surgery — reputable dental centers advocate for a waiting period of five to six months. At New Teeth Now, this interval is not because we want you to have to wait but to ensure that your implants and gums have sufficiently stabilized to support the final teeth.

During this waiting period, temporary teeth or bridges are provided to ensure you are not without teeth. These temporaries accommodate the initial changes your mouth undergoes post-surgery, including the crucial gum shrinkage.

The Value of Precision

Once the gums have healed, precise measurements can be taken to create final teeth that fit your healthy gum tissue. This means no unnecessary gaps that could cause severe speech issues or discomfort. The keyword here is “unnecessary” as there will still be a small gap for functional purposes. If you have a question about the fit of your new teeth, our team will be available throughout the process to answer questions and address your concerns. Our approach ensures that your final teeth not only look natural but feel comfortable and function as close to the real thing as possible.

Think of New Teeth Now as the high-end, tailored option, whereas other clinics offer All-on-4® as a big-box-store solution. Do you really want to entrust the quality of your smile and your health to retail medical services?

The Risk of Rushing

Those clinics that rush the process, placing final teeth before the mouth has fully healed, often leave patients facing avoidable risks and additional costs. As gums shrink and spaces emerge between the bridge and gum line, these patients find themselves returning for adjustments and new bridges, incurring more expenses, discomfort and long-term challenges.

Choosing the Right Clinic

Seeking immediate results is understandable, but the journey toward a perfect smile with a full mouth dental implant procedure is a rewarding one. New Teeth Now prioritizes the needs of our patients, which means doing things right the first time. Our approach ensures a better fit, better functionality and a design that lasts.

During the healing period, our in-house lab will take this time to carefully craft your final teeth from zirconia, the strongest prosthetic material available, ensuring a fit that’s not only precise but long lasting. Once your final teeth are in place, you have a future of brighter, healthier smiles to look forward to.

Trust in the process and choose a path with a more satisfying journey and a positive outcome. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at New Teeth Now are eager to share more about our unique process. Contact us today to embark on your journey to a perfect smile.

The post Do You Really Receive New Teeth on the Same Day? appeared first on New Teeth Now.

The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure. Patients rightfully wonder how a dentist or oral surgeon can help with pain and anxiety during implant placement. Fortunately, there are several types of anesthesia for dental implants available to keep patients comfortable during dental procedures. Here at New Teeth Now, we offer general anesthesia to our full-mouth dental implant patients to truly make the implant experience as comfortable and easy as possible. 

Are You ‘Put Under’ for Dental Implants? 

In some cases, yes. If you’re getting multiple implants or you have anxiety about the procedure, some oral surgeons can offer general anesthesia. While under this type of anesthesia, you’ll be completely asleep and will feel no pain.  

During the New Teeth Now procedure, any extractions will take place while you’re asleep, meaning you won’t have to experience them. When you wake up, the implants will already be placed, and you’ll have no memory of the procedure. 
 
Ultimately, the use of general anesthesia for dental implants depends on what kind of dental implants you need and, most importantly, the credentials of your doctor. An oral surgeon who has the required training and certification is authorized to administer general anesthesia while a family dentist is not. 

What Anesthesia Options Are Available? 

The two anesthesia options available for dental implants are IV sedation and general anesthesia. In addition, numbing injections are common, especially for those getting just one or two implants. Nitrous oxide – commonly known as “laughing gas” – is often added to control mild anxiety. 

Twilight Sleep/IV Sedation 

There’s a reason IV sedation is referred to as twilight sleep. During this form of anesthesia,  patients remain conscious but unaware. They can obey commands from the dentist but will experience no anxiety and remember little to none of the procedure once the drug wears off. A local anesthetic is used to block the actual pain. When a dentist performs a full-mouth procedure, for example, this is the only method they are licensed to offer. 

General Anesthesia 

General anesthesia is the best choice for dental implant patients, but it’s not available at a dentist’s office. It can be administered only in a surgeon’s office. At New Teeth Now, a full team of anesthetists prepares the patient and monitors their vitals throughout the procedure.  

Patients under general anesthesia neither experience nor remember anything from their procedure. It is much like being in an extra deep, dreamless sleep. Only oral surgeons can provide this option, which is typically selected for patients getting multiple implants or bone grafts. Your oral surgeon may also choose general anesthesia for your procedure if you’re likely to suffer from extreme anxiety.

Can Any Dentist Administer General Anesthesia? 

No, regular dentists are limited to providing local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and in some areas, IV sedation. Only an oral surgeon is allowed to provide true general anesthesia. Learn more about the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon.

When to Choose General Anesthesia for Dental Implants 

The use of general anesthesia for full-mouth dental implants provides a number of benefits compared to IV sedation. Here are a few reasons that make general anesthesia the superior option for this complex procedure: 

Patient comfort – After the procedure, you’ll appreciate how general anesthesia for dental implants makes it seem like they were all done in an instant. You won’t have to feel someone doing things inside your mouth at all, let alone for hours. 

Physical and psychological health – General anesthesia provides a valuable solution to alleviate psychological stress by ensuring you remain asleep throughout the entire procedure. When under general anesthesia, you are intubated and your airways are kept clear of surgical obstruction or drainage. Contrast this to IV sedation, during which drainage could be swallowed and cause choking. Another benefit of general anesthesia is that the patient is not aware of the sights, sounds, or sensations associated with surgery, so the patient does not come away feeling the trauma associated with other dental procedures.  

Efficiency – With general anesthesia, patients are fully asleep and unresponsive, making procedures quicker and easier for the surgeon and patient alike.   

Safety – General anesthesia is not only more comfortable and convenient, but it makes lengthy procedures, such as zygomatic implants, much safer.  

Is General Anesthesia Safe for Older Patients? 

Yes! General anesthesia is a safe option for older patients getting dental implants. At New Teeth Now, our team will review your medical history to make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure. This option is very common for older patients visiting our office, and we would never perform the procedure if we felt it weren’t in the best interest of the patient. 

What Do Patients Think of Anesthesia? 

According to one study, dentist-phobic patients had a 100% satisfaction rate after receiving general anesthesia during dental implant placement. The patients in this study were unlikely to get the recommended treatment under other conditions. 

Is There Pain After Dental Implantation with General Anesthesia? 

You may experience relatively mild pain once you wake up. This can be well-controlled by pain medication. For the first few days, you may be given a prescription. After that, over-the-counter pain pills should be sufficient. 

Will Implant Placement Be Complete When You Wake Up? 

There are a variety of methods used for placing implants. Most of them require multiple sessions between the start of the process and the final placement of the implant crown(s). If your dentist uses one of these methods, then no, you will not wake up with your implants completely ready.  

One type of implant process promises to give you a new smile in one day, and it’s one of the top reasons we’ve treated thousands of satisfied patients at New Teeth Now. With New Teeth Now, you will go home the same day with new teeth! There’s no waiting for bone grafting to heal or crowns to be fitted. You will wake up and shortly afterward, your new teeth will be fitted to your implants. And with general anesthesia for your dental implant procedure, you can feel confident that you’re in the best hands, the hands of an experienced oral surgeon. 

Interested in Dental Implants Using General Anesthesia? 

If having your full-mouth dental implant procedure performed under general anesthesia sounds like the perfect solution for you, contact New Teeth Now to schedule a consultation. 

The post The Best Sedation for Dental Implant Patients appeared first on New Teeth Now.

Zygomatic implants are an innovative, graft-less solution for replacing fixed teeth in the upper jaw. For many patients, they could be the answer to avoiding unnecessary bone grafting procedures.

If you have extensive bone loss due to dental complications like tooth loss, bone grafting can be the only way to get a single dental implant. However, if you’re looking at a more complex situation, such as replacing all of you upper teeth, there are more solutions available. To determine this, you’ll need the advice of a qualified oral surgeon like Dr. Harley Richards at New Teeth Now.

In the realm of dental implants, zygomatic implants are a solution allowing patients who previously had been turned away for not having enough bone for implants to now be able to receive full arch dental implants. This means that patients with severe bone loss, under the guidance and supervision of a qualified oral surgeon, can receive a full set of fixed teeth in the upper jaw without the need for lengthy bone grafting procedures.

In a recent online Q&A, Dr. Richards went into detail explaining the benefits of and some common concerns about zygomatic implants. He highlighted the expertise required for their successful implementation.

Listen to the whole segment below:

Understanding Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants offer a tooth replacement alternative that does not rely on bone grafting for patients who meet the following criteria:

The patient has insufficient bone in the upper jaw.

Half or more of their upper teeth need to be replaced.

This is a useful option in cases where traditional implants may not be feasible due to bone loss or anatomical limitations. These implants are anchored in the zygoma, or cheekbone, providing a stable foundation for attaching teeth and restoring functionality to the jaw.

Our patient Bethany, here, had extreme bone loss and was turned away by other facilities until she found New Teeth Now. Zygomatic implants changed her life in a single day.

In the segment, Dr. Richards emphasized several points about zygomatic implants

Specialized expertise. Not just anyone should be placing zygomatic implants. There are so-called “implant professionals” who lack the experience and knowledge to place zygomatic implants, but will still attempt the procedure. The success of zygomatic implant placement hinges on the surgeons ability, which highlights the importance of seeking out experienced and qualified professionals for the best outcome.

Graft-less solution. Many of our patients have had a history of multiple implant procedures or prosthodontist treatments. They don’t like the idea of undergoing bone grafting and waiting before they can have their teeth placed. That’s not an issue with the New Teeth Now procedure. Zygomatic implants eliminate the need for additional bone grafting procedures. This means you will go home with teeth the same day as the implant procedure.

Immediate tooth attachment. Unlike traditional implants that may require a healing period before attaching teeth, zygomatic implants allow for the immediate loading of a prosthetic on the same day implants are placed. That means, you get to go home with teeth on the same day as the New Teeth Now procedure.

Board certification: Patients are encouraged to seek treatment from board-certified oral surgeons who possess the necessary training and expertise in maxillofacial surgery. Board certification serves as a reliable indicator of a surgeon’s competence and proficiency in performing complex procedures like zygomatic implant placement.

Zygomatic implants are a groundbreaking advancement in implant dentistry, offering patients with inadequate bone in the upper jaw a solution that doesn’t require sinus lifts and additional bone grafting procedures.

Full mouth dental implants with two zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone.

By leveraging the zygoma, or cheekbone, these implants provide a stable foundation for restoring missing teeth and enhancing oral function. The success of zygomatic implant surgery relies heavily on the skill and experience of the oral surgeon. Patients considering zygomatic implants should carefully research their options and seek treatment from qualified professionals to ensure a great outcome and successful long-term oral health.

If you’d like to learn more about zygomatic implants, give us a call or reach out on our contact page.

The post Bone Grafting Alternative for Dental Implants appeared first on New Teeth Now.

Sampling the cookies your best friend made with her favorite recipe. Displaying a big grin when the photographer yells, “Say cheese!” Trying out for a speaking role in the latest community theatre production without worrying that you’ll trip up on your lines due to failing or missing teeth. 

These are all common activities that most people take for granted – until bad teeth get in the way.  

If you’re dealing with problem teeth, you’re undoubtedly looking for solutions that will help you get back on track toward living your best life without worrying about mouth pain, the appearance of your smile or whether you can enjoy a healthy meal at the family dinner table or your favorite restaurant.  

The answers you’re after depend largely on the extent of your tooth decay or damage. If you’re in the early stages of tooth decay or you have only one broken or chipped tooth, your options will be quite different from those of a person who has many failing or missing teeth or has experienced many years of declining oral health. 

Why it’s important to address failing teeth 

Having confidence in your smile is reason enough to take care of your teeth. But did you know that the condition of your teeth and gums can have a big impact on your overall health? When you think about it, this is not surprising. After all, your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts. Studies have linked problems with declining teeth and gums to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.  

Additionally, when you have toothaches or you try to steer clear of a gap in your teeth while chewing food, you may consciously or unconsciously start avoiding nutritious foods that your body needs to stay healthy. For example, consistently choosing easy-to-chew processed foods instead of fresh fruit and vegetables can deprive your body of essential nutrients like vitamins C and E. 

Whether your damaged teeth are the result of lax oral hygiene habits or some other cause, you’ll want to take corrective action right away to prevent further deterioration of your overall health.  

Causes of failing teeth  

You’re hardly alone if you’re dealing with missing or failing teeth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, an estimated 178 million Americans have at least one missing tooth, and about 40 million have lost all their teeth. Many more people have broken, loose or decaying teeth that interfere with their routine daily activities and undermine their self-esteem. 

The detrimental effects of bad teeth tend to be similar no matter the cause, but the reasons for tooth damage can vary widely. Here are a few of the most common: 

Periodontal disease 

Also known as advanced gum disease, periodontal disease is the top cause of tooth loss in adults, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Inflammation caused by bacterial infections can cause gums to pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots to damage and even leading to teeth becoming loose and falling out. 

Tobacco use 

Experts say smokers are three times more likely than non-smokers to develop periodontal disease, which in turn makes them more susceptible to tooth loss. Smokeless tobacco, also known as dip, chewing tobacco or snuff, typically contains sugar along with other chemicals that can promote cavities and gum disease, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). What’s more, both types of tobacco use cause unsightly dental stains. 

Failure to get routine professional dental care 

Most people don’t look forward to visiting a dentist for routine exams and professional teeth cleanings, and today’s busy lifestyles can make it difficult to find time for annual or semiannual appointments. However, the importance of seeing dental professionals on a regular basis can’t be overstated. After all, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists periodontal disease and tooth decay as the biggest threats to dental health. 

Your dentist has the training and technology to identify signs of gum disease and tooth decay that would otherwise be missed. Likewise, dental hygienists have the training and tools to dislodge decay-causing plaque and tartar in ways that can’t be duplicated by even the most diligent at-home oral hygiene regimen.  

General health conditions 

Scientists have identified many chronic health conditions that can increase a person’s risk of tooth loss. These conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure and several autoimmune diseases, as well as certain cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Additionally, according to the CDC, hormonal changes during pregnancy may aggravate gum inflammation for women who have mild to moderate gum disease. Menopause is another stage of hormonal change that can cause tooth and bone loss in women.  

What’s more, certain medical treatments – such as chemotherapy and radiation for cancer – can increase the patient’s potential for tooth loss.  

Genetic predisposition to tooth loss 

Some inherited health conditions create an elevated risk for periodontitis and tooth decay. One example is Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that attacks moisture-creating glands and causes chronic dry mouth. The shortage of saliva, which helps protect gums from infection and teeth from enamel erosion, can put a person with Sjogren’s at high risk for tooth loss.  

Tooth agenesis is another hereditary condition that causes a lack of teeth. It’s a rare condition that can prevent teeth from ever developing – which is known as anodontia – or cause a person to have several missing teeth. 

Moreover, research has revealed that certain inherited genes can increase the likelihood that a person will develop periodontitis or cavities, both of which can lead to tooth loss. However, experts say tooth and gum deterioration usually results from a combination of several factors, which may include genetic predisposition, poor dental hygiene and environmental factors. 

Traumatic dental injury 

A blow to the mouth during a fall, car accident or sports injury can chip, loosen or dislodge teeth. Teeth can also be damaged by biting down on a hard object, such as a bone or an ice cube. Additionally, the ligaments that hold teeth in place can become damaged, leading to a condition known as bruised teeth syndrome. If untreated, these injuries can increase the risk of infection and eventually tooth loss. 

Teeth grinding 

People who continually grind or clench their teeth, a habit known as bruxism, have a higher risk of gum recession and tooth damage, both of which can lead to tooth loss. Clenching teeth can even damage the underlying bone that supports the teeth. Bruxism is often caused by misaligned teeth and exacerbated by anxiety or certain medications. The habit typically occurs during sleep, making it difficult to control, although mouth guards can help minimize the damage. 

Aging 

An estimated 20% of Americans 65 and older have no natural teeth, according to the CDC. But tooth loss is not an inevitable side effect of aging. In many cases, older Americans stop visiting their dentist after retirement because they no longer have employer-provided dental insurance. They are also more likely to have underlying health conditions and take medications that cause dry mouth, which can make their teeth more susceptible to tooth decay. What’s more, many seniors have ill-fitting dentures that can exacerbate existing dental problems and lead to increasing tooth loss.   

Signs and symptoms of failing teeth 

In many cases, the signs that a tooth is starting to fail are hard to miss. For example, loose permanent teeth and throbbing toothaches are symptoms that should have you scheduling a dental appointment right away.  

Other signs of dental problems can be subtle. Untreated cavities can lead to tooth and gum infections that cause headaches. A tooth’s sensitivity to hot and/or cold food and beverages can signal the development of a cavity. And red, puffy gums provide a warning sign of gum disease that can threaten the health of your teeth. 

Tooth decay typically begins with the development of cavities, or tiny holes that start in the tooth’s surface. These are caused by bacteria (dental plaque) and acid that build up on the teeth and wear down the enamel. Regular brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent cavities and, in some cases, saliva can repair damage in the early stages. However, dental cavities are among the most common health conditions for both children and adults. More than 80% of Americans have had at least one cavity by the time they reach their mid-30s. 

Periodontal disease and the resulting gum recession are additional leading causes of tooth decay. When the gums recede, they expose the teeth’s roots to plaque and acid that can rot the teeth and, if not identified and treated early, lead to tooth loss.   

Ideally, routine dental visits and X-rays identify cavities and tooth decay due to gum disease.  

Symptoms that indicate the need for a dental visit include: 

Toothache and sensitivity 

Brown, black or white staining on teeth 

Chips or cracks in one or more teeth 

Red, swollen or bleeding gums 

Gums pulling away from teeth 

Loose teeth 

Persistent bad breath 

Maintenance required for rotting or damaged teeth 

Most dental problems are the result of inadequate oral hygiene. Caring for teeth and gums that are beginning to show signs of deterioration is similar to preventative maintenance, but it’s even more important to make sure you brush and floss your teeth daily as recommended by dental experts.  

You may also wish to use professional or over-the-counter mouth rinse products that are specially designed to kill bacteria or add fluoride protection for your teeth. Ask your dentist to recommend the best toothbrush to use for your specific oral health condition. The ADA recommends soft-bristle brushes; but beyond that, you’ll have a wide variety of options, including manual and electric toothbrushes and even brushes designed to target gum disease. Individuals with arthritis or other health conditions that make gripping difficult should look for a toothbrush that’s easy to manipulate for the recommended two minutes of brushing twice a day. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush or bristle heads after three months of use to ensure your teeth are getting the full effects of daily cleaning. 

Flossing, which aims to dislodge plaque and food debris from between your teeth, is another task to include in your daily oral hygiene routine. If you have sore or sensitive gums, loose teeth, crowns or dental implants, you might want to use a water flosser in place of or in conjunction with traditional string floss.  

If your concern is a chipped or broken tooth, this can sometimes be repaired with a filling, crown (protective cap) or bonding. It is important to protect the tooth from further damage and infection and visit a dentist as soon as possible. An untreated chipped tooth can provide a gateway for bacteria that can lead to unnecessary tooth loss. 

Maintaining a healthy diet also plays a critical role in keeping your jawbone, teeth and gums healthy and able to do their jobs. Experts recommend eating foods that are rich in calcium and phosphorous to promote healthy tooth enamel. These foods include dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, meat, poultry, fish and eggs. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, it’s a good idea to take supplements like vitamins D and B12 to promote healthy jaws as well as teeth. 

At-home practices to avoid 

Although there are many steps you can take at home to care for your teeth and gums, some oral health solutions are better left to the professionals. For example, the use of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda has become popular for whitening teeth, and some people attempt to treat their periodontal disease with peroxide washes. These practices require caution. 

Studies have shown that occasional use of well-diluted hydrogen peroxide (about 3%) can be beneficial, but using it too much or too often can actually damage your teeth and gums. What’s more, brushing your teeth with peroxide and baking soda on a regular basis can irreparably damage tooth enamel. 

It’s also worth noting that some low-cost tooth replacement solutions available from dentists can do more harm than good in the long term. Among them are pop-on or snap-on veneers and temporary dentures known as “flippers.” 

Dental veneers are intended to cover the front surface of one or more teeth that may be discolored or misshapen or have some other type of imperfection. Pop-on veneers are typically made of resin or acrylic and, unlike more durable and costly porcelain veneers, are designed to be removed. However, veneers of any kind are not recommended for patients with tooth decay or gum disease. Moreover, pop-on veneers are not bonded to teeth the way traditional veneers are, so they can allow bacteria and food debris to get between the veneer and the tooth and become trapped, which can worsen the condition of already-weakened teeth. 

A flipper tooth is a partial denture intended to temporarily fill the gap left behind when a natural tooth is lost. While this may be an acceptable option for patients who are awaiting a higher-quality, custom tooth replacement, flipper teeth are often ill-fitting and can cause damage to gums and bone when used long term. Flippers are also typically made from materials that will deteriorate in a short time, increasing the likelihood of a poor fit and the potential for food and bacteria to be trapped between the tooth and the denture. 

Dental services for bad teeth 

People with bad teeth usually have many options for repair or replacement. The ideal fix depends on the extent of the damage as well as other factors that are unique to the individual. Solutions run the gamut from traditional fillings to repair cavities and prevent additional decay to dental implants that can permanently replace a rotten tooth with a custom-crafted lookalike that will last for decades. Sometimes a tooth that is severely cracked or has a deep cavity can be partially removed and covered with a protective crown. If the pulp inside the tooth has become infected as a result of the cavity, the patient may require a root canal, which is a procedure performed with general anesthesia to thoroughly disinfect the tooth and prevent further decay. 

When to consider tooth extraction 

The decision to try to save a failing or loose tooth or have it pulled can be difficult. Experts generally recommend saving a weakened tooth if it can be made healthy again. However, the best advice depends on the extent and cause of the problem. If a patient has multiple decayed teeth or severe periodontitis and is experiencing chronic pain – especially if previous dental repairs and deep cleanings have not remedied the problem – it may be time to consider tooth extraction and replacement. Additionally, some patients with widespread gum infection may face risks to their overall health, making full-mouth tooth extraction and replacement with dental implants the best step to take.  

In other cases, people who have struggled with failing or missing teeth for years may choose to have surrounding natural teeth removed and replaced with long-lasting, full arch implants rather than go through the hassles and ongoing expense of dentures and bridges. 

Whether you’re considering having one tooth pulled or getting all of your teeth replaced by full mouth dental implants, you’ll want to consult with a trusted dental professional. If you have multiple rotten or missing teeth, the experts at New Teeth Now will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of having them extracted and replaced with high-quality dental implants. At New Teeth Now, this procedure can be completed all in one day. 

The importance of replacing missing teeth 

Failure to replace one or more missing teeth can lead to bone loss; shifting of surrounding teeth, which can negatively affect a person’s bite; inability to chew certain foods; and possibly detrimental effects on speech and the appearance of one’s facial structure and smile.  

Options for tooth restoration  

The ideal solution for missing teeth will depend on the number of lost teeth and where they are in your mouth, as well as the amount of bone loss you may have incurred. The most common options are: 

Dental implants – These are medical devices that are surgically implanted in the jawbone to replace tooth roots and support artificial teeth. They are available as single implants or to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch, or both. 

Crowns and bridges – A crown is a ceramic or porcelain cap that’s placed over a damaged tooth to protect it from infection and further decay. A bridge consists of a false tooth supported by crowns on either side.  

Dentures – These are removable appliances that can replace one or more missing teeth. Dentures are typically held in place by a special adhesive. They are removed at night and soaked in a special denture cleanser. 

How New Teeth Now can help 

Are you researching care for failing and missing teeth because you have quite a few in your upper or lower arch – or both – and you’re frustrated by the day-in, day-out dilemmas of your dental condition? If so, New Teeth Now may be able to help. Our extensively experienced, board-certified oral surgeons have helped hundreds of people transform their lives with full sets of beautiful replacement teeth that are easy to care for and do everything that natural teeth do.

When you reach out to New Teeth Now for information, our knowledgeable staff will help determine if you’re a candidate for full arch or full mouth dental implants. If you are, we can provide you with information about the benefits of choosing dental implants, including these: 

A safe, comprehensive procedure 

New Teeth Now takes pride in offering the full array of services needed to outfit patients with full mouth dental implants, all under one roof. Our services include dental exams and X-rays as well as a review of each patient’s medical history to design a customized plan for teeth replacement. On the day of the procedure, our services include teeth extraction and implant placement, which are performed while the patient is under general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Patients arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon with a full set of functional teeth that are custom-crafted in our in-house lab. They later receive their final set of gorgeous, natural-looking teeth crafted from ultra-durable zirconia. 

A worry-free long-term solution 

Full mouth dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. All they require is maintenance that’s similar to the oral hygiene routine needed to keep natural teeth healthy. They’re a great one-and-done alternative to crowns, bridges and dentures that will need replacement after several years. Dental implants are also far more comfortable and reliable, so you can say goodbye to concerns about dentures that slip and affect your speech or appearance. Moreover, unlike tooth substitutes that don’t anchor in the jawbone, dental implants help keep the jawbone healthy by mimicking the chewing action of natural teeth. This helps prevent jawbone shrinkage that accelerates the appearance of facial aging. 

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 A better value in the long run 

Although some alternatives may cost less in the short term, patients typically enjoy a higher level of satisfaction with dental implants because no other teeth replacement options come as close to duplicating the look and function of natural teeth. Moreover, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Crowns and bridges often become dislodged over time and require replacement, while dentures must be refitted every few years because of jawbone shrinkage. 

Take the first step toward a better life 

New Teeth Now has several locations in Florida and California and welcomes patients from throughout the United States. Contact us today for more information about the benefits of full mouth dental implants and to schedule a consultation to find out whether you’re a candidate for this life-changing procedure.  

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