Signs of a Failing Implant

Implants are one of the most valuable tools in dentistry and have a very high success rate, but it is possible for them to fail. When they do, it should be considered a dental emergency, and patients should be aware of the signs that they need help.

The most common cause of dental implant failure is inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding an implant, which is called peri-implantitis. Sometimes, this occurs immediately after implant placement when the dental cement leaks onto the surrounding gum. However, it is more common for it to happen years later as a result of periodontal disease. If the gum around an implant turns red or bleeds, the implant is at risk. The gum should never be allowed to deteriorate to the point where an implant can move.

It is also possible for an implant to fail immediately after insertion if it was placed on a nerve or there was insufficient bone tissue. When an implant is placed on a nerve, the patient will experience severe pain which will not improve, and the implant must be removed. Doctors assess bone tissue for stability prior to placing an implant and will monitor the growth of a patients jaw bone for two years after implant placement. If the bone continues to deteriorate, the implant placement is considered a failure.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

 

Cleaning a Fixed Bridge

When Riverwalk Dental patients undergo tooth restorations, they can be assured of receiving instructions on how to maintain their oral hygiene with their new teeth. Patients who get bridges have to learn a few new tricks, but they mostly just need to know how to floss when there’s a gap under a tooth instead of to either side.

There are some floss manufacturers who make specialty floss with stiffened ends which can be pushed through the gap separating the bridge from the gum line. However, it is more common for patients to use normal floss with a threader, which is a piece of soft plastic shaped like a sewing needle. With a threader, patients can draw floss through the bridge gap and loop it around, in the same way patients with braces slip floss past their orthodontic wires. If a patient’s bridge is supported by implants, they may have a larger gap for food debris can get lodged in, but such debris can be dislodged with another tool orthodontic patients are familiar with: the proxy brush. Also known as Christmas tree brushes because of their conical shape, proxy brushes can be mounted on normal-sized toothbrush handles and used in combination with flossing to keep bridges free of plaque.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

 

Sedation Dentistry

Riverwalk Dental has seen many patients put off dental work because of an anxiety or fear about the procedure. Anxieties like these are no reason to put yourself at risk by leaving dental issues untreated.  We aim to make the process as comfortable as possible for each patient. In addition to using local anesthetic in the area of a procedure, we are prepared to offer the following options for sedation:

• ·        Nitrous Oxide, also called laughing gas, is inhaled by the patient and causes a sleepy euphoria before the patient drifts off


• ·        Oral Conscious Sedation, or taking a sedative orally before the procedure, keeps the patient awake but they remain completely relaxed and experience no pain


• ·        Anxiolysis, also administered by taking a pill orally, is a lighter sedative recommended for moderately anxious patients


• ·        IV Sedation delivers medicine straight into your blood stream to work quickly, and the level of sedation can be adjusted during the procedure

Sedation also gives your dentist an opportunity to condense complex procedures that would typically take multiple visits into one.  To learn more about sedation dentistry and all the services we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Mini Implants

Riverwalk Dental offers many methods of dental restoration including mini implants.  Mini implants are about half the diameter of a traditional implant, and are relatively new to dentistry.  These new implants are important because their small size makes it possible for patients who were previously not able to receive implants in narrow places to have a fully restored tooth. 

Another common use for mini implants is the anchor a full upper or lower denture.  Between four and six mini implants are placed along the jaw bone.  The small size of these implants means they can typically be placed right through the gums into the jaw bone without an incision. No incision means no stitches, which shortens the recovery period. The restoration or denture can usually be placed a short time after, eliminating the often months-long process of waiting for the jaw bone to fuse around an implant.  Mini implants are also less expensive than regular implants.  Come see one of our dentists to find out if a mini implant is a good solution for you.

To learn more about mini implants and all the services we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

Riverwalk Dental provides patients with tooth whitening treatments, but which kind of treatment is appropriate depends on the nature of the stain. If a stain is on the outside of the tooth or just slightly below the surface, it is called an extrinsic stain. But a stain could also be caused by damage to the pulp of the tooth, in which case it is called an intrinsic stain, and treating it could be more complicated.

Any kind of stain can be masked with a veneer or bonding. Since extrinsic stains are acquired from exposure to tar or dark liquids, dentists usually simply bleach them, but that won’t work on an intrinsic stain. Furthermore, damaged dental pulp might indicate a continuing infection which would threaten the patient’s health and comfort. Other possible causes include an excessive amount of fluoride exposure and the use of certain antibiotics, but we’ll need to use our imaging systems to determine whether a root canal or replacement of the crown is necessary. If there is no ongoing threat to the patient’s health, concealing the stain may be all that is required.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

 

Preventing Dry Sockets

Patients at Riverwalk Dental rarely have to struggle with a dry socket, but when they do, we’re here to help. We generally try to avoid extracting patients’ teeth, but sometimes, overcrowding or damage leaves us little choice. Although there is a risk of the empty socket drying out, we try to make sure our patients understand how to care for themselves until it closes and how we will address complications, should they arise.

When a tooth is extracted there is expected to be a small amount of bleeding, which will result in a clot. This clot is what protects the socket from infection, foreign debris, and dryness. Therefore, it is important for the patient to disclose to us all the medications they are on, as some may interfere with clot formation. The patient must avoid disrupting the clot until the socket closes after a few days. This means no sipping through straws, no sticky food, and brushing the area around the surgical site very gently.

Dry sockets are rare, but they are more likely if we had to make an incision into the patient’s gum and suture it shut. The appointment to remove the sutures will supply us with an opportunity to ensure everything is healing correctly, but patients who experience a dry socket should contact us right away so we may provide cleaning and moisturizing therapy.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

 

Basics of Bruxism

When you’re angry, or anxious, do you find yourself clenching your teeth together? Do you wake up with a sore jaw and ask yourself why? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions, you may want to pay attention while our doctors at Riverwalk Dental discuss the basics of bruxism. Bruxism is the action of clenching or grinding the teeth and although this can occur during the day, it’s most common during sleep.

Bruxism takes a toll on tooth enamel because the action of grinding your teeth can wear it down.  Enamel can’t be restored once it’s lost, so it’s important to address this problem at the first sign of grinding.  Bruxism may cause tooth sensitivity, headaches, and aching jaws due to the overuse of the jaw muscles. When bruxism interferes with sleep, our doctors may suggest a night guard as a treatment option. Depending on the severity of malocclusion, orthodontic options may also be explored.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism or night guards, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.