Dental Options for Missing Teeth

Posted by MidwestfamilySEO on June 16, 2015

Sometimes an adult may lose a tooth due to an accident, periodontal disease, or as a consequence of a chronic condition such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. If you are living with missing teeth, know that you are not alone.  Up to 178 million adults in the United States are missing at least one tooth and this figure is expected to grow over the next two decades.

The Impact of Adult Tooth Loss on Daily Life

As to be expected, adult tooth loss has an impact on a person's daily life. You rely on your teeth to help you speak properly and eat the foods you love such as a bright red, crisp apple or a juicy steak.  A study by the faculty of the Jordan University of Science and Technology found that adult tooth loss had a significant impact on the quality of life.  Aside from mere cosmetic concerns, participants in the study reported elevated pain levels, dissatisfaction with appearance and oral comfort, as well as an impact on their eating abilities.  According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the average number of a teeth the adult population has decreases with age.  The 20 to 34 year old age group has an average of 26.9 teeth decreasing to only 22.3 teeth on average in the 50 to 64 year old age group meaning that many people are living with increasing tooth loss as they age.

Missing teeth impact more than your personal appearance.  Over time, the space left by missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift into the open space.  Bone loss can occur as a result.  Also, those who are missing a significant number of teeth will begin to appear older than they are as the skin around their mouth is not supported adequately and begins to sag.  

Dental Options for Missing Teeth

dental-implants.jpgLuckily, there are many dental options for missing teeth. Dentures, crowns, and bridgework can all work to relieve the pain of missing teeth and  greatly improve your smile.  Dental implants are also an additional way to improve your oral health.  With implants, you can eat foods you love that may be impossible with dentures such as popcorn or carrots.  They are permanent oral structures that you never have to take out and clean; you treat them and brush them just like your natural teeth.  

Self conscious about your smile?  At Jacobson Dental, Dr. Connie Jacobson understands how self conscious you may feel about your missing teeth.  She will assess your individual situation and consult with you on a plan to repair or replace your teeth no matter their current condition.  Her personal touch will put even the most apprehensive patients at ease. Is worry about the cost of treatment keeping you from making an appointment?  Jacobson Dental is a premiere Delta Dental provider and offers financing for those who need it.

Source
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20051111/9-risk-factors-for-tooth-loss
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19637520


Escape the Pain of Sensitive Teeth

Posted by MidwestfamilySEO on March 12, 2015

There’s nothing like waking up to a hot cup of coffee in the morning or relaxing with a frozen sweet treat in the hot summer months unless you have sensitive teeth, that is. If you have sharp, painful reactions to eating hot and/or cold foods, flossing, or even regular brushing, you could have may be experiencing sensitivity or a more serious underlying problem that we can help you with.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Each of your teeth is comprised of several layers:  a hard outer enamel layer that protects the tooth, the soft dentin, and the pulp, the inner soft tissue where blood vessels and nerve vessels reside.  Generally, when damage or wear and tear to a tooth exposes the nerves, the tooth becomes sensitive.  Sometimes more serious issues can be at fault:

  • Worn enamel.  Your teeth take a beating, day in and day out.  Over time, brushing too hard, excessive commercial whitening treatments, soda, and even acidic foods and mouthwashes can wear away at our tooth enamel.
  • Cavities.  When a tooth is compromised due to decay, the nerves can become exposed.
  • Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth, which exposes the underlying nerves, can be very painful especially when consuming hot or cold food and drinks. 
  • Worn fillings.  Over time, fillings may become loose or damaged.  As a result, the tooth’s underlying nerve can become exposed causing pain. 
  • Periodontal disease. A variety of factors and conditions can affect our overall gum health.  Poor oral hygiene and lack of routine preventative care can certainly take a toll on your gums, but so can pregnancy, chronic illness such as cancer or diabetes, and ill-fitting oral appliances.  Periodontal disease occurs when any number of these conditions cause a loss inflammation of the gums and loss of bone.

What Treatments Are Available?

Dr. Connie Jacobson and the staff at Jacobson Dental are ready to help you escape the pain of sensitive teeth. Through a comprehensive oral exam, we can quickly determine the cause of your tooth pain and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.  Depending upon our expert diagnosis, treatment may include any of the following:

  • Desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes reduce the pain of sensitive teeth when used over time.
  • Fluoride treatments can be applied to strengthen the enamel and reduce pain.
  • Crowns and veneers can fix more serious issues like a cracked tooth.
  • Surgical gum grafts are an option if the roots of your teeth are exposed at the gum line causing pain.
  • A root canal to treat problems in the dental pulp may be recommended.

We Treat You like Family

Does the very thought of a root canal make you quake?  Would you rather be anywhere but the dentist chair? At Jacobson Dental, we care for you like a member of our own family.  We take the stress out of dental work with our patient comforts like a CD library and iPads with streaming Netflix.  We offer easy financing options to make your treatment financially worry free.  If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, come visit our office for a professional diagnosis and treatment regimen to get you on the path to better oral health.

Source

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-14/slideshow-sensitive-teeth-causes

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854


Your Dentist and You: A Long-Term Relationship

Posted by MidwestfamilySEO on March 4, 2015

When you hear the words “long-term relationship” your dentist is probably the last person that enters your mind.  The truth is, though, that a long-term relationship with your dentist is exactly what you should be looking for.  Your dentist does more than fill occasional cavities and clean your teeth, he or she is a medical professional who cares deeply about your overall health.  At Jacobson Dental, we work as a partner in your overall health routine.

Why Choose a Family Dentist?

Dental care is no big deal right?  Any dentist can fill a cavity, right?  While this is technically true, choosing a family dentist for long term care is the wiser option.  Your family dentist is a valuable partner in your overall healthcare team. A family dentist is not a production mill; their concern is your overall health, not profit.  At Jacobson Dental we take the time to get to know you and learn about your lifestyle, health, and concerns. You are not a patient number to us; you are family.

As you progress through different life stages, we will be there to advise you throughout.  We provide patient education and customized care plans that involve routine screenings and cleanings which enable us to recognize changes and concerns in your oral health early, resulting in better preventative oral care and possible detection of other, serious health problems.  Did you know that routine screenings can detect signs of other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, oral cancer, and HIV/AIDS?  As partners in your healthy lifestyle, we can spot the signs that you may overlook, preventing serious conditions from going undetected and untreated.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Family Dentist?

Oftentimes when choosing a dentist, we check the list of our insurance company’s approved providers and randomly pick a name from among the many who have an office close to our homes.  Or, worse yet, you have never chosen a regular provider and you have a dental emergency such as a cracked tooth, an abscess, or excruciating pain.  Don’t wait until you are desperate; research your options now in order to make a decision that fits you best. 

We at Jacobson Dental want to be your family dentist.  Because you are important to us, we strive to take excellent care of our patients.

• Our website is informational as well as functional. Visit us to learn about oral health topics, download patient forms in advance, schedule appointments around the clock at your convenience, and request information that you can trust on topics that concern you.

• We offer patient comforts that will make your visit more enjoyable such as a children's area, refreshments, and entertainment such as an iPad, Netflix, or oil.jpgCD library to make your treatment more comfortable.

• Find us on Facebook so that you easily receive important updates and check out reviews from our current patients.

• Never forget an appointment again with our convenient text reminders.

• We offer payment and financing options so that you can get necessary care without additional financial burden.

At Jacobson Dental, we treat all of our customers like the VIP's they are.  Call us or fill out our new patient form today to meet our dental team, join our family, and start on the path to excellent, long-term oral health.

 

Social 6

Posted by MidwestfamilySEO on February 26, 2015

We've got your smile! 
~The Social 6 That Is! 

Your smile features your top, front 6 teeth - we call them your Social 6 - the teeth everyone can see.  It's important for you to keep that confident, fabulous smile.  You may have noticed changes in their position or shifting which may be helped with orthodontics. We have options - including an express case ortho treatment. If you have noticed discoloration, we offer teeth whitening.

You have options to keep your Social 6 in top form!  

Request a consultation for more information today!


Better Denture Options

Posted by MidwestfamilySEO on January 1, 2015

Many people don't know exactly what dental implants are. They are actually designed to feel like your natural teeth, with two parts known as the abutement or dental implant post, and the porcelain crown which is cemented on top of the abutement. This small titanium post rooted in your gums provides a stable foundation for the crown which work just like your natural teeth. Dental implants offer a superior level of comfort and appearance which are simply unmatched.

How Implants Compare to Dentures

The disadvantages of traditional dentures are many. Their construction may require an undesirable waiting period for you to receive your new smile. Dentures have to be taken out and cleaned frequently. They commonly move or may even fall out when eating and talking which many find to be a distraction. Messy adhesives are required, which food particles tend to get trapped within. Dentures can also lead to receding gums and reduced tasting capabilities. In addition to this, plastic dentures generally require replacement every 5 to 7 years.

On the other hand, dental implants are secured within the jawbone, which holds many advantages. There is very little discomfort involved in the initial procedure, and implants have the ability to last a lifetime. Implants look and feel like your own teeth and you care for them in the same way. You can find comfort in the fact that they do not slide around when you are eating or talking. An excellent benefit is that implants can improve your self-esteem, as you can take pride in your beautiful healthy smile.

About the Procedure

The first step in the process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. A consultation with the dentist during the initial exam includes imaging of your teeth, discussion of treatment options and answering questions regarding your dental and medical history.

Step two in the process is the actual placement of the dental implant. The tooth root implant, a small post made of titanium is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth or teeth. Temporary teeth may be placed to form a strong foundation for the permanent replacement teeth. Allow an afternoon of rest and basic over-the-counter pain medication before returning to your normal work schedule.

The third step in the process involves the placement of the abutment. An abutement is a small connector post that attaches to the post to securely hold the new tooth. Additional connecting devices in the case of multiple replacement teeth may also be placed at this stage.

The final step in the procedure is the placement of the custom-made crown or replacement tooth. Multiple teeth also require the placement of a bridge or custom-made crowns. Replacement of all of the teeth also involve an implant-supported overdenture. The overall healing process can take from 6 to 12 weeks.

Are Implants Right for You?

More than 100,000 dental implants are placed each year. An eligible candidate for dental implants includes anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery. The dentist also needs to determine if the patient has enough bone to hold the implant. It is also important that they are committed to good oral hygiene and agree to regular dental visits. Heavy smokers and those suffering from diabetes or heart disease should check with their doctor first.

Dental implant costs can vary depending on each case; we offer a free consultation for dental implants to learn more.

Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. Enjoy a more attractive appearance with the help of dental implants. Trust Dr. Jacobson and her professional team to give you the new smile you have been dreaming of.

Sources:

  • http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
  • http://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implant-options/