Type 2 Diabetes and Dental Implants

In the past, the only way for someone to replace missing teeth was with partial or full dentures. But today, there are numerous options for replacing a missing tooth, and one of the most popular is dental implants. Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that are integrated directly into the jaw bone, and then, a crown is placed on top to replace the visible portion of the tooth. Since dental implants require more surgery than other restorations, many people with Type 2 diabetes wonder if they can receive the procedure.

Having diabetes does not automatically disqualify you from receiving the treatment, but it does mean certain precautions will need to be taken. Diabetics often heal from wounds less quickly than those without diabetes, and that means they are at an increased risk of implant failure. But the success of implants depends on the osseointegration phase, and there are certain recommendations our expert in dental implant in Beverly Hills can make to improve your chances of success.

Certain lifestyle changes can be recommended to ensure a greater possibility of success. You should practice good dental hygiene every single day to prevent a bacterial buildup. You may also want to consider dietary changes so that you live a healthier lifestyle overall.

How Does a Sleep Apnea Mask Work?

Over 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and if it goes untreated, it can quickly lead to some serious health complications like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. There are various ways you can deal with the condition, including oral appliances and surgery. But most doctors find that the most effective way of dealing with sleep apnea is with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.

This device involves wearing a mask that is connected to a machine that gently forces air through your airways so that they stay open easier at night. Sleep apnea is usually the result of soft tissues in the mouth or throat physically obstructing the flow of air, so a CPAP machine can move these tissues out of the way, allowing you to breathe easier. Some patients report needing a few nights to get used to wearing their sleep apnea mask, but they do not even feel it after a while.

If you first mask you are given is too uncomfortable and is difficult to wear, talk with your doctor about getting another one. Masks are completely customizable, so you can get a different one if needed. For instance, the straps can either go on the top of your head or on the sides of your head, depending on what makes you most comfortable.

How Effective is Zoom Whitening?

A dental patient researching various stain removal and whitening techniques may wonder about the effectiveness of certain treatments. Zoom whitening is very popular because it provides a noticeable lightening the moment that treatment is concluded. It does seem to be more effective in patients that have significant discoloration only because they have the most shade variation. As long as the discoloration is actually surface staining rather than decay, our Agoura Hills cosmetic dentist finds that it is one of the best options.

Compared to other professional treatments, Zoom whitening typically has the fastest result because patients are actually given consecutive treatments in 15 minute intervals. By lifting stains safely a few shades at a time, there is little chance for pain that is caused by sensitivity. In up to an hour, the maximum level of safe stain removal is achieved according to how many applications the patient needs. There are over the counter products that claim to give a similar result, but they often cause sensitivity without the help of a professional. If you are experiencing insecurity over the shade of your teeth, ask our expert in Zoom whitening in Agoura Hills if you are a good candidate for treatment.

Process of Placing Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is a common problem that will affect mostly everyone at some point in their life. It occurs as a result of an accumulation of harmful bacteria on the teeth. This bacteria eats away at the enamel and slowly wear away the natural tooth structure. Although it sounds scary, it can actually be treated fairly easily if it is detected soon enough. It is for this reason that you should schedule routine dental exams with a Los Angelesholistic dentist so that your teeth can be regularly checked out and decay can be discovered.

Dental fillings are commonly used to repair damage caused by tooth decay. Our expert in fillings in Los Angeles takes a holistic approach to placing fillings that are biocompatible and aesthetically pleasing. Mercury-free fillings are used so that your dental and overall health are not threatened. And your filling will blend in naturally with the color and shape of your teeth.

Before a filling can be put in place, the decayed material will be removed and the tooth will be cleaned. Usually the filling can be placed in a single appointment, and once the procedure is over, you will be given instructions on how to care for your new restoration. For the most part, you can care for your filling just like your natural teeth.

How Affordable Are Dental Implants?

There are many different treatments available that can replace a missing tooth, but in addition to the time commitment and maintenance that will need to be discussed, most patients also want to discuss the price. Oftentimes, the cost is dependent on several factors, so the price you pay for a particular restoration may differ drastically from the price someone else has to pay. Dental implants are considered a surgical procedure, and as a result, they can be a bit more costly than other treatments.

However, since dental implants are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone, they are a more durable restoration than other similar treatments. Dental bridges or dentures may only last around 10 or 15 years, but dental implants can last a lifetime. This, of course, depends on whether or not you take good care of your oral health after your implant is put into place. Many patients find that the advantages provided by dental implants are well worth the price.

If you are searching for affordable dental implants in LosAngeles, you should ask your insurance provider if they can cover some, or all, of the cost. You can also work out a payment plan with your dentist so that you can pay for your implant in more manageable increments.

Living with TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is vital in your ability to comfortably open and close your mouth. However, it is possible for this joint to become damaged as a result of excessive teeth grinding, a physical injury, or other complications. Living with a TMJ disorder is difficult, and you will experience facial pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and difficulty chewing. Luckily, you do not have to live with TMJ as long as you seek treatment from our El Monte dentist.

One of the most common ways of treating a TMJ disorder is by wearing a mouth guard while you sleep. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can create unnecessary stress on the teeth and joints. It has a tendency to occur during sleep when you are unaware that you are doing it. Wearing a mouth guard can prevent your teeth from chipping and cracking. And it can prevent your joints from becoming damaged.

Teeth grinding is often a symptom of too much stress, so you may also want to try practicing relaxation techniques and exercises to calm yourself. You may also be prescribed muscle relaxants to help loosen the tension in the jaw.