Preventative Dental Care

Keep Smiling!

Implant History!

Today dental implants have become a common recommendation to replace missing teeth. 

 “There has been an evolution with implants and they are very predictable,” says Dr. VijayaCherukuri from her Chino, California Cosmetic Dental Practice. “But many do not realize the long history of dental implants.”

Dental implants, according to archaeologists, may have had their start more than 1,350 years ago. Evidence found in Honduras show Mayan civilization also replaced missing teeth with implants^.

“Only the implants were not made of titanium as you would find today,” Dr. Cherukuri says, “instead these dental implants were formed from shell.”

 Archaeologists found a mandible that has been dated to about 600 A.D. It is believed that the bone belonged to a woman in her twenties and contains three tooth-shaped pieces that replaced her missing lower incisors.

Modern implant  research began in the 1950’s with the use of titanium, which has the ability to osseointegrate with the bone well. Since that time, more than 700,000 implants are placed each year. 

A dental implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth.
Virtually all dental implants placed today are root-form endosseous implants, i.e., they appear similar to an actual tooth root (and thus possess a "root-form") and are placed within the bone (endo- being the Greek prefix for "in" and osseous referring to "bone"). The bone of the jaw accepts and osseointegrates with the titanium post. Osseointegration refers to the fusion of the implant surface with the surrounding bone. Dental implants will fuse with bone; however, they lack the periodontal ligament, so they will feel slightly different from natural teeth during chewing.

Prior to the advent of root-form endosseous implants, most implants were either blade endosseous implants, in that the shape of the metal piece placed within the bone resembled a flat blade, or subperiosteal implants, in which a framework was constructed to lie upon and was attached with screws to the exposed bone of the jaws.

Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures. They can also be used as anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement. The use of dental implants permits unidirectional tooth movement without reciprocal action.

Restoring smiles and general health, perhaps today you should see if you are a candidate to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant.

Teeth Whitening- does it make a difference!

 

                                                           What do you think?

Happy Valentine's Day

Bridge or Implant?

                                            How do I decide?

It is always devastating when a tooth or teeth are lost.  All the teeth work together to help chew, speak and smile. When teeth are missing , it is difficult to do these things. Loss of a tooth may cause the mouth to shift and make the face appear older. Teeth maintain the shape of your face by lip and cheek support. Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced and should be as soon as possible.

What are the options and then, which option is the best for you?

“The decision on how to replace a missing tooth is best handled after an honest discussion with your dentist" says Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri from her Chino, California Cosmetic Dental Practice. There are many factors that go into making this decision.

 A dental implant is much like a natural tooth, which has a root into the jaw bone, topped by a crown that is seen in the mouth. Most patients find that an implant is secure and stable replacement for a missing natural tooth. However, a dental implant is not an option for everyone. Because implants require surgery, patients should be in good health and have sufficient bone and healthy gums. patients should also be committed to thorough hygiene every day and regular dental visits. A full evaluation by a dentist will determine if you are a good candidate.

Advantages:

• An implant is most similar to a natural tooth.
• Adjacent teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure

• Implants may help decrease shrinkage of the jaw bone from tooth loss.

Disadvantages:

• Implants are not intended for everyone
• Implant placement takes longer and may require more dental visits 

  Fixed bridge is another alternative.. This is a restoration that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A fixed bridge is commonly cemented or bonded to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing teeth. An artificial tooth, replacing the lost natural tooth is retained by crowns cemented on the adjacent prepared teeth.

Advantages:

• Look, feel and function like natural teeth
• No need to remove from mouth for cleaning

Disadvantages:

• Affects adjoining teeth

When a patient has lost a tooth that is between two other teeth, it is important to also evaluate the adjacent teeth. If the adjacent teeth are heavily restored with crowns or larger fillings, a bridge might be the better option. “But if the adjacent teeth are healthy, an implant is generally the best option,” says Dr. Cherukuri.

If you, or someone you love, is considering how to replace a missing tooth ask your dentist which is the best option for you.

First Impressions!

Periodontal-Cosmetic Connection!

                           What to do with Uneven Gums?

Have you ever considered having a Periodontal-Cosmetic makeover?             

 “You can have the most beautiful looking teeth, but without the right gumline to showcase them well, your smile will fall short of ideal,” says Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri from her Chino, California Cosmetic Dental Practice. “If your gums lie too low or too high on your teeth, you may be a candidate for a Periodontal-Cosmetic makeover.”

Gums that appear too high or too low, over and under contoured  can be caused by genetics, arrangement of teeth, crowding, the result of medications that result in gingival hyperplasia or even some blood disorders.. The good news is that the cosmetic procedure can easily give you the smile you desire. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-contouring-procedure)

                                                             

In the dental office of Dr. Cherukuri, many times a laser is used to perform this type of procedure.  “I have found that patients appreciate the use of lasers in the dental office. It is painless, simple to use  with almost no bleeding.  We have introduced them to our patients for periodontal treatment, cold sore and fever blister relief and also to improve the cosmetic contouring of gum tissue.”

If you think you would like more information on any of these procedures, please contact us. We are more than happy to help  .www.chinosmiles.com

Do I have to brush?

Missing teeth?

    Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss. What's the big deal?

When teeth are lost, it can be devastating. Having a natural looking smile is a sign of good health. Losing teeth to periodontal problems challenges that.

“When teeth are lost to Periodontal disease it affects a patient’s appearance, speech, ability to chew, self-esteem and overall health,” says Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri from her Chino, California Cosmetic Dental Practice.

“But there are ways to help patients keep a healthy smile.”

 

Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They allow you to speak normally, eat your favorite foods and are comfortable. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants)

“When tooth loss occurs it doesn’t have to affect your self-esteem and general health,” continues Dr. Cherukuri.www.chinosmiles.com

Dental implants are generally made of titanium, so they are well tolerated by patients. The surgical placement of the implant is an in-office procedure, done with a local anesthetic. “Patients are surprised at the ease of the procedure,” say Dr. Cherukuri. “After the surgical placement there is a waiting period for the implant to integrate to the bone and then a natural looking crown, bridge or denture will be placed to give the patient their smile back.”         

Tooth loss doesn’t have to affect your health and appearance. If you are missing a tooth or teeth, give us a call and learn how we can help.