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Will my Osteoporosis medication interfere with my dental care?
It is very important to inform your dentist if you are taking Bisphosphonates* (Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax, Zometa, plus others) for Osteoporosis.
Any of these medications may cause osteonecrosis – a rare but serious condition that can cause deterioration of the jawbone. This condition is easily detected by your dentist or doctor. Symptoms typically include: loose teeth, pain in the jaw, swelling, exposed bone, or recurring infection.
*Studies have shown that the benefits of taking any of these drugs far outweigh the risks, but it is vital to inform your dentist so they can adequately monitor dental health - be sure to update any medical history and current medications.
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Effects of Aging
As you get older, you your smile changes. Over the years, teeth may darken or become stained. This is an important time to take care of your teeth and practice good dental hygiene.
Teeth Darkening
Teeth have the tendency to darken as we age. The dentin under the enamel on your tooth darkens, affecting the color of your teeth.
Prevent Your Smile (From Aging)
Our cosmetic dentists offer tooth whitening, bonding, and Laminate Veneers to help you regain your youthful smile. Do not let your smile add unwanted years to your appearance.
Tooth Root Caries
When we age, receding gums leave tooth roots vulnerable to decay. This can lead to what is known as root cavities or caries. It is important to have regular dental check-ups with a family dentist - if this is not detected during the early stages, you could lose your teeth.
Tooth Decay
Unfortunately, senior citizens still need to worry about cavities. The most common types of cavities for people over 50 are caries. It is important to continue with regular dental appointments, as well as to continue good oral hygiene in the home.
Signs of Gum Disease
Red, swollen or tender gums are signs of gum disease. This can lead to a change in your bite and even loss of teeth. If you think your gums may be receding or look unhealthy, visit your family dentist today. Prevent gum disease by visiting your dentist every six months for cleaning and exams. Make sure you continue to brush and floss your teeth at least once or twice a day.
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Snoring Appliance
Dental Appliance Therapy is a method to help you quit snoring. Wearing a small plastic device, similar to a retainer, during sleep prevents the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. These pieces can be designed and fit to the specific condition of a patient.
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Smoking
Smoking is can cause serious problems for your gums and teeth. Smoking kills cells in your mouth in which plaque begins to build on. It also makes you more susceptible to gum disease.
If you are a smoker, Be aware of any sudden red or white sores in your mouth. If you notice pain or bleeding in the mouth, you should see your family dentist. Smoking also greatly increases your risk of oral cancer.
Smoking & Cancer
When you smoke a cigarette, it increases the temperature in your mouth and chemicals from the cigarette begin to form an irritant. The irritant lines your mouth, sometimes forming patches that could lead to oral cancer.
Smoking Dangers
Certain forms of oral disease, such as periodontitis (gum disease) could cost you your teeth, or lead to more serious diseases. |
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Missing Teeth Options
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IIf you are losing some, or all of your teeth, dental implants or dentures may help. If you are just missing one or two teeth, a dental bridge is recommended.
Replacement Teeth
Missing teeth can lead to shifting of the jaw, difficulty chewing, and prematurely aging your appearance. Even one missing tooth can lead to future complications, so it is important to seek the advice of a dental professional.
When caring for your dental implants or dentures, clean and rinse them thoroughly each night. Floss and rinse your mouth each night. Keep your dentures in a moist atmosphere (dental box) so they will not dry out.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini Dental Implants (MDI) are small (about half the size of a wooden toothpick) titanium devices that act as the ‘root’ of dentures or a single prosthetic tooth. Mini dental implants are a safe, FDA approved solution for single tooth replacements and dentures for ages ranging from teens to seniors. These devices are anchored into the jaw using a minimally invasive procedure for the shot-term, medium-term, or long-term stabilization of dental prosthesis. Once the implant fixtures are in place, the prosthetic device is able to rest gently, securely, and comfortably on the gum tissue without the hassle of loose prosthetic devices.
Different Types Of Dentures
Immediate Dentures: These dentures are placed in your mouth immediately after your natural teeth are removed. An advantage of Immediate Dentures is there is no waiting period. They’re molded from a model of you natural teeth, they fit well and feel natural. Ask your dentist about an additional inner lining to better fit your gums.
Conventional Dentures: Conventional dentures are not placed until the site of your tooth extractions have healed. This could require three to six visits to get the proper fit and appearance.
Custom-Made Dentures: Custom-made dentures can be made to duplicate characteristics of your natural teeth, including gold or silver fillings. Custom-made dentures are specially fit for each individual.
Spare Dentures: A spare set of dentures is particularly important if you travel frequently. They can be made to tide you over until your normal ones are fixed, or identical to your original set. If you currently wear dentures, consider getting a spare set made, as dentures are more prone to break than natural teeth.
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Estrogen
Older women on estrogen replacement therapy may be strengthening their teeth. According to reports, women on estrogen replacement therapy were less likely to lose their teeth than those without.
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