MINI IMPLANTS or Small Diameter Implants

Dental Implants are small metal screws that are surgically placed in the bone and are considered the most important innovations in the history of dentistry. 

Many denture patients have difficulty holding their dentures securely in the mouth because of reduced bone quantity. Dental implants have allowed these patients to restore a good fit and function of the dentures.

Types of dental implants:

There are many types of implants and the ones most currently used are the ones in the shape of a root of tooth. Dental implants vary in length and diameter. Small diameter implants are only 2mm in diameter.

Small implants are needed in mouths with significant bone loss where very little jaw bone is remaining to place standard implants Alternatively, patient can undergo bone- grafting to surgically enhance bone formation but many patients prefer non traumatic procedures or overall health may limit surgical intervention.

Uses of small diameter implants:

Retention of Lower complete denture

Retention of Upper complete denture

Retention of Removable Partial dentures

Anchoring Fixed Bridges

Single tooth replacement

The number of small diameter implants necessary to facilitate the above functions depends on the quality and quantity of remaining bone and needs to be addressed on an individual basis.

Advantages of Mini Implant:

Surgery is minor and usually with no complications

Simple placement

Retention of dentures is immediate

Lower cost compared to standard implant options

Almost anyone with an ill-fitting denture is a candidate for mini implants. The difference in the fit and function is immediate and is a source of instant gratification for the patient and the dentist.

Call our office at 909 627 6699  if you would like to schedule a consultation.  Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for our practice information.

Preventing Bad Breath

Preventing and battling bad breath is essential to self -esteem. Halitosis or bad breath is an unpleasant condition that's a cause for embarrassment. Some individuals with bad breath are not even aware of the problem and interestingly, some who don't have bad breath are convinced that they do( a condition called halito-phobia).

Bacteria that reside in the mouth, especially on the back part of the tongue are primarily responsible for bad breath Teeth and dentures not cleaned properly harbor odor causing bacteria and produce the foul smelling compounds.

Certain foods like garlic and onions contribute to objectionable breath because they contain odor causing compounds that directly enter the blood stream and then transferred t the lungs where they are exhaled. Until the body eliminates these compounds, oral hygiene will only temporarily mask the odor.

Bad breath is also induced by tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco.  These products also increase the risk for oral and lung cancer.

Dieters can experience bad breath a a result of the breakdown of reserve fat and protein for energy, releasing ketones (organic compounds) in the breath.

Dental and systemic disease are also causes of bad breath. Persistent bad breath and bad taste are warning signs for periodontal disease and may signal other medical disorders like chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, GERD ( frequent reflux of stomach contents), oral and pharyngeal cancer, liver and kidney disease.

Dry mouth is another condition associated with bad breath. Normal salivary flow cleanses the mouth and removes odor causing particles. Dry mouth occurs when salivary flow is reduced as a side effect of medications, salivary gland problems , auto immune conditions  and from mouth breathing.

TIPS for Preventing Bad Breath:

Avoid constant use of breath mints and other hard candies that temporarily mask malodor and lead to decay.

Discuss your medications with a pharmacist, physician and dentist to reduce dosage or substitute medications that cause drying of the mouth.

Adhere to dental hygiene recommendations made by dentist and hygienist.

Tooth Loss and Replacement Options

Because looking and feeling good are important to us all, it is wise to maintain a healthy and attractive smile throughout life.

Over 35 million Americans are missing all their teeth and 178 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth. Regular dental visits and early intervention significantly reduce the need to extract teeth.

 Loss of teeth happens from dental decay, gum or periodontal disease, result of injury or excessive wear from habits like grinding and teeth clenching.

All teeth work together to help you chew, speak and smile. When teeth are missing, it is difficult to do these things. Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced to restore function and smiles.

 

A Dental implant is much like a natural tooth where a metal post in placed into the bone beneath the gum. It fuses to the bone and acts like the root of a tooth. When the metal post is secure in the bone, a crown is designed and fabricated to blend with the other teeth in the mouth. Dental implants also can be used to anchor loose dentures. Dental implants are safe, predictable and secure but not an option for everyone.

Fixed  Bridge is a restoration of one or more adjoining teeth by anchoring onto  the teeth  adjacent to the space.  These restorations are cemented or bonded and therefore remain in the mouth permanently without the need to remove and clean them. This option involves tooth preparation and reduction of the  anchor teeth.

Removable partials and dentures are the least invasive  and  are readily taken out of the mouth for cleaning. Removables usually have replacement teeth attached to gum colored plastic bases connected by a metal framework and are either supported by embracing natural teeth or by simply resting over the gum tissue. Over time, with age and bone changes, the removable may no longer fit well and may need periodic modifications.

How best to replace missing teeth is an important decision. 

For a thorough evaluation and discussion on choices, call 909 627 6699 or visit www.mydentistchino.com

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Thirty to fifty percent of adults snore.  Snoring increases with age and is more common in men than in women.  Forty percent of men and twenty percent of women over thirty snore habitually.  Fifty percent of them have obstructive sleep apnea which can be life threatening. Alarmingly, eighty percent of them are undiagnosed.

Proper diagnosis for sleep apnea is necessary before treating snoring.  Snorers don’t necessarily have OSA or OSA patients are not necessarily snorers.

 Most common form of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA.   Mild to moderate OSA can be effectively treated by dentists using oral appliances.  Favorable compliance with use of oral appliances makes it a more successful option of treating OSA than the more cumbersome and the less favored medical options. 

Causes of air passage restriction include that cause snoring and/or sleep apnea include-

Obstruction of nasal airway

Weak throat muscles with advancing age or use of medications and alcohol.

Sleeping position

Obesity

It is said that we can live three weeks without food, three days without water but only three minutes without oxygen. OSA can take off twelve to fifteen years of one’s life while smoking and Type 2 Diabetes shorten by five to ten years.

Consult your dentist or sleep physician for more information on the condition and treatment options.

 Call 909 627-6699 for appointment or visit www.mydentistchino.com  for more  information on our services.

Dental Fear, Phobia or Dental Anxiety?

Going to the dentist triggers feelings of anxiety and fear. It is estimated that around 15 percent of Americans, over 45 million people; suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia.     
The causes of dental anxiety and phobia can range from a fear of pain, fear of needles or doctors to past experiences of stress and discomfort.  An individual's predisposition to anxiety can also play a key role.

Dental Fear, Phobia or Dental Anxiety?
Though the phrases dental anxiety, dental fear and dental phobia are often used interchangeably to describe a range of symptoms and reactions to dental practices in general, important distinctions can be drawn between them, which can be useful in finding effective dental treatment options.
Anxiety refers to the sense of unease associated with the unknown. If you suffer from dental anxiety, you may find that working with a dentist who is sensitive to your needs and communicates with you to create a comfortable atmosphere can greatly improve your experience and help you to overcome your anxiety.
A phobia is an intense and possibly irrational reaction to a specific situation or object that is perceived as threatening. If you suffer from dental phobia you may react to the sound of a drill, the expectation of pain or another aspect of dentistry for which you have a strong dislike or fear.
Overcoming dental phobias, especially if they are particularly intense, can be more complicated than dealing with anxieties and may require professional assistance. Dental fear is the term often used for a more mild form of dental phobia.
“Our office has had great success with addressing dental fear by simply spending one on one time with our patients.  This builds trust and confidence quickly overcoming fear and apprehension” says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

Anti Aging

Full Mouth Reconstruction.

Full mouth reconstruction combines multiple restorative, neuromuscular and cosmetic procedures. The goal is to restore not only the look of your teeth but also the structure and function. Why? Each of these things affects the other. For example, a broken tooth can cause a problem with your bite. This can lead to difficulty chewing, which creates wear on your teeth. This wear can then lead to jaw and neck soreness, headaches, even migraines. 

Who Needs It?

There are several reasons why your teeth might be in bad shape, including neglect, injury, chronic illness, anxiety among others.   Teeth worn down and compromised by dental disease require replacement. Full mouth restoration may be recommended if you:

- Have several worn down, chipped or broken teeth

- Have missing teeth

- Experience chronic jaw pain, clicking or popping of the jaw

- Have frequent headaches, back pain and muscle tenderness

If you are a candidate for mouth reconstruction, you will begin with an evaluation to figure out specifically what procedures you'll need. 

What Treatments Are Involved?

Each full mouth reconstruction is unique. The health of your teeth, gums and jaw is evaluated. The overall look of your teeth is the final consideration in developing your dental treatment plan. A panel of dental specialists may be involved in the treatment planning for more predictable and exciting treatment outcomes.

Full mouth reconstruction will involve several treatments. Depending on your specific situation, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended.

Dental scaling and root planning to restore gingival health, tooth filling and root canal to alleviate pain and progression of tooth decay,  Crowns, veneers and other lab processed restorations for rebuilding teeth, bite correction with orthodontic braces, whitening for a whiter, brighter smile and implants for mechanical rebuilding of missing tooth or teeth.

“Modern day dentistry offers many exciting options for all combinations of dental scenarios.- Our office offers a complimentary exam to make it easier  for you to have the option of owning a healthy and confident smile." says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

Visit www mydentistchino.com or Call 909 627 6699. “We love to transform Smiles”

Rebuilding Your Smile

Experiencing mouth pain and feeling insecure about missing teeth?

It's time to make a change! Rebuilding your smile will not only help with how you look, it will improve your oral health as well.  Full Mouth Reconstruction does not just replace missing or broken teeth, it also restores function of the jaws, gums and supporting structures of mouth.

Whether it is neglect, injury, fear of going to the dentist or even "no dental insurance",  less than optimal dental care results in-

Chipped or broken teeth
Missing teeth
Chronic jaw pain, clicking and popping of jaw
Frequent headaches, back pain and facial pain

Full mouth reconstruction begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the health of the teeth, gums and jaws including a bite evaluation. The findings are  carefully evaluated individually or with the help of a panel of specialists depending on the severity of the oral health issues.  A treatment plan is then developed and presented to the patient.  Each full mouth reconstruction is unique and is tailored to suit patient's desires, expectations, clinical conditions and medical and general health limitations.

Visit www.mydentistchino.com or Call 909 627 6699 for your Free Consultation. (mention Blogger)

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