Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Some Amazing Benefits of Dental Implants

Some Amazing Benefits of Dental Implants
At Bertagnolli Dental, we often discuss dental implants with our patients. If you have lost one or more teeth, there are some amazing benefits of dental implants. They are the most permanent solution to replacing missing teeth in both young and older patients. Once inserted, there is no special maintenance required. Because they look and feel so much like a natural tooth, people with dental implants often forget that it is not their real tooth!

Losing a tooth can happen due to an accident, or as a result of tooth decay and gum disease. If the tooth is lost from the front of the mouth, as often happens in sports accidents, it can have a big effect on appearance. Many people are anxious to hide their smile once they have lost a tooth near the front of the mouth. In addition to lowering confidence, missing teeth can mean there is more pressure put on the surrounding teeth to compensate for the weakened bite capacity. The teeth on either side of your lost tooth can end up tipped or damaged due to the increased pressure.

A dental implant involves anchoring a replacement tooth or 'crown' to an implant which is screwed into place in your jawbone. This is a solid and permanent replacement which relies on the strength of your jawbone, in the same way that your natural teeth do. Other tooth replacement options such as a dental bridge depend on the strength of the surrounding teeth to keep the crown in place. To fit a bridge, your dentist will need to file down the teeth on both sides of the gap to anchor the replacement tooth in the center. This permanently removes enamel from these teeth and can considerably weaken them.

A partial denture is another option, but this requires a removable mouthpiece put in each day and can make speaking and eating uncomfortable. A partial denture also relies on the strength of the surrounding teeth and its movements can sometimes cause gum abrasions. Patients need to be vigilant about removing their dentures to clean them every day thoroughly. Dental implants offer a no fuss, permanent replacement of your tooth.

Another superb advantage of a dental implant is that it helps to prevent osteoporosis in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone stops receiving pressure in the area where the tooth used to have its root anchored. Without constant force applied to this area, it will start to weaken and suffer from bone loss, eventually leading to osteoporosis and possibly a change in the shape of your facial bones. With a dental implant screwed into your jawbone, you don't have to worry about this!


From the ease of cleaning to appearance, there are many reasons to choose an implant over another less permanent solution. We have mentioned just some amazing benefits of dental implants. For more specific information, you can talk to an experienced dentist at Bertagnolli Dental.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
Most of us know that we should be visiting their dentist often, but many don't fully understand the importance of regular dental check-ups. Bertagnolli Dental can give you an insight into the real reasons you should keep up with your yearly dental appointments. When it comes to your oral health, there is a lot at stake. During your regular dental check-up, your dentist is doing the important job of checking your overall health, as well as specific issues with your teeth.

A dental check-up consists of an overall review of your oral health, cleaning your teeth, and updating your file with any changes that have occurred since the last visit. During a typical check-up, no procedures will be carried out. If your dentist has reason to recommend a procedure such as a filling, a deep-clean, a root canal or an implant, they will let you know their recommendations and give you time to think about your options and schedule the procedure for a time that you are comfortable.

The dental exam carried out by your dentist during a check-up is non-invasive. They will use a small mirror to see every surface of each tooth. They may perform a percussion test by tapping each of your teeth with a small blunt tool. They will use a probe to check the surfaces of your teeth for calculus build-up and will run this tool along your gumline to check for loosened or receding gums. Your dentist may also request that you give a saliva sample, or demonstrate your bite strength.

During this exam, your dentist is identifying any areas of tooth decay or gum disease that may have appeared or progressed since your last visit. Additionally, they are examining your entire mouth for signs of oral tumors, vitamin deficiency and issues with your salivary glands. Some health problems such as osteoporosis and diabetes are often first diagnosed by the symptoms exhibited in the mouth and jaw area. The visit to your dentist is part of your overall healthcare and cannot be underestimated.

After carrying out the exam, your dentist or a hygienist will usually clean your teeth to remove any tartar build-up. They can talk to you about specific techniques used in brushing and flossing to help improve your dental hygiene. The dental exam is a good opportunity for the dentist to identify problem areas that may not be getting enough attention in your daily oral hygiene routine. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity for you to discuss with your dentist any dental issues on your mind, whether it be an interest in cosmetic dentistry or concern about halitosis.


The importance of regular dental check-ups goes beyond keeping your teeth and gums healthy. A check-up allows your dentist to catch potential issues before they start causing you pain or permanent damage. If you wait to visit the dentist until you have a problem with your teeth, it is almost inevitable that you will end up spending more time in the chair, more money to fix the problem, and more time in discomfort. To schedule the next check-up for yourself or a family member, contact Bertagnolli Dental.