Harmful Habits That Could Damage Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to fix a person’s smile. After the procedure, a person must maintain the implants by following proper oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist for a check-up. While waiting for the implants to heal, here are some harmful habits to avoid:

Using the teeth to crush ice cubes, hard candy, or other hard food Carelessly using the teeth to chew on hard food might cause the implants to crack. Doing this action repeatedly might affect the post of the implant and make the teeth crooked. When the teeth are still healing from the procedure, chewing on objects for long periods of time is not suggested as food getting into the gums and inside the implants might cause a wound or an infection.

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Smoking Nicotine and tar can stain the implants. It could also slow down the healing process as the nicotine in tobacco products deprives the body of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, which promotes quick recovery. Those who chew on their tobacco might cause wounds and infect the gums around the implanted tooth.

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Consuming sugary drinks Sugar damages the enamel of the teeth. Drinking lots of soda and sports drinks might lead to tooth decay. While waiting for the implants to heal, patients are suggested to drink water or other sugar-free beverages.

Avoid these harmful habits to have a speedy recovery. Dental implants are an investment for a person’s self-image. Even when the teeth and gums have healed, maintenance is still crucial to keep a confident and healthy smile.

Dr. John Pasqual, DMD, PA,  is an expert in techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. He also diagnoses and treats facial pain and facial injuries, among others. Visit this page for more information about his practice.

Immediate Implant: Teeth In a Day Or Hour

A bar attachment denture is a revolutionary method of restoring a full set of teeth.

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Conventional dentures could be rather limited, especially because of the difficulty of securing the prosthesis inside the mouth. In most cases, these dentures can be painful, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and constraining to everyday activities, such as chewing food.


The bar attachment denture provides a stable replacement for the missing teeth, and uses a full dental bridge that is supported by only four specially angled dental implants.

With ensured stability in the bone, the need for bone graft surgery, which would have increased bone volume at a higher cost and months of healing, can be done away with.

And with less than the typical number of implants required, it is a cost effective solution. It also provides faster overall treatment and healing time.

Immediately after tooth extraction, the implants can be placed, while a temporary set of teeth is attached on the same day to help the patient lead a normal life during the healing period. As soon as the implant is ready, the final bridge, which is customized and tailor-made for the patient, is placed.

Bar attachment denture has been scientifically tested and documented to give the patient an improved quality of life.

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John Pasqual, DMD, PA, an experienced oral and facial surgeon, offers the teeth-in-a-day bar attachment denture procedure to patients. Dr. Pasqual is committed to delivering superior individualized patient care. Find out more about his practice by checking out this website.

Intense Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction? It Might Be “Dry Socket”

Many people suffer from pain after a wisdom tooth extraction, but not every one gets the dry socket. What is it, and why do people get the chills just hearing about it?

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Feeling pain after a tooth extraction is inevitable, and most people just sleep (or eat) through it. But a condition called dry socket subjects the patient to a different kind of pain.

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Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is an intense pain felt by about 2 to 5 percent of those who went through tooth extraction. Everyone who undergoes tooth extraction can see the socket, or a hole in the bone which previously held the tooth. After the tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the nerve and bones from any harmful bacteria that enter the mouth. The clot can be dissolved days after the procedure, which leaves the nerves and bones exposed to different elements that can lead to infection and pain.

People who smoke, take birth control medication, have poor oral hygiene, and previously had dry socket are at risk of acquiring the condition.

Fortunately, dry socket can be treated. Medication like ibuprofen or aspirin can give temporary pain relief, but it will be best to consult a specialist for better treatment options.

Dr. John Pasqual is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Learn more about his expertise by visiting this page.

All Smiles For Teeth-In-An-Hour™

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Who doesn’t want a perfect set of teeth? Having good teeth does not only help people eat and speak well, but it also gives them confidence.

Traditional dental implants are not set in just a single appointment. Some patients have to wait for months before they can get the set of teeth they have always wanted. First, their fitness to undergo such a procedure has to be studied. Jawbone condition and other physical factors are inspected. Others who do not meet the necessary conditions just give up and settle with the set of teeth that they have.

For people who are looking for a faster way to get pearly whites, Teeth-in-an-hour is an option. With this procedure, patients can now have fully functioning teeth in just a single appointment. The surgery takes an hour, but the preparation phase can take as much as two to four weeks.

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Teeth-in-an-hour™ features radiographic techniques and computer technology that will enable a precise positioning of the implants. With detailed 3D imaging, dentists can assess bone structures accurately and create prosthesis before the dental implant surgery. Healing time is relatively shorter. The procedure can be used for single, multiple, and all teeth replacement.

Patients who wish to undergo Teeth-in-an-hour™ must have a good jawbone with sufficient bone quality and quantity for prosthesis support.

Learn more about oral and maxillofacial surgeries by visiting this Dr. John Pasqual, DMD blog.

Preparing For a Successful Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are common enough and they have helped many patients regain their oral health and confidence. These days, implants are preferred alternatives to bridges and dentures in addressing loss of teeth.

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Dental implants involve minor surgery, and patients must undergo comprehensive pre-surgery examinations such as dental x-rays and CT scans. These forms of imaging will give the surgeon a guide in preparing for the actual procedure.

In pre-surgery preparations, patients must be open to their maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist about existing medical conditions, including medications. This also allows them to estimate the length of time needed for their own recovery and other steps needed for the surgery to be successful.

Antibiotics might be required beforehand for those with heart conditions or orthopedic implants to prevent infection. Depending on the case, a surgery might be done multiple times in order to allow proper healing. Patients must commit to caring for their teeth and implants after the surgery so they can enjoy the benefits of good oral health.

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As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, John Pasqual, DMD, PA, manages a wide variety of problems of the mouth and facial regions. He is an expert in techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. He also diagnoses and treats facial pain and facial injuries, among others. Visit this page for more information about his practice.

Life Of a Tooth: Stages Of Teeth Development

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The formation and development of teeth are complex processes that begin by the third week after conception, when the mouth starts to form. Until about the age of 25, a person’s teeth are in the development stage, until the third set of molars, the wisdom teeth, has erupted.

There are two kinds of teeth, namely primary and permanent. Tooth eruption occurs at different stages of human development.

Tooth development starts inside the womb. Tooth buds of primary or “baby” teeth start to form at around eight weeks after conception. As early as two months after birth, these baby teeth can already become visible.

At two and a half years, the full set of 20 primary teeth will have developed. Children respond to tooth eruption differently but majority experience disturbed sleep, feeding irritability, and swollen tender gums. This period is called “teething” and it is often characterized by drooling or dribbling.

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Between the ages of 11 and 12 years, the last primary tooth is shed and permanent tooth starts to develop. Primary teeth start to wobble at around age six and over roughly seven years, 20 primary or “baby” teeth will be replaced by 28 permanent teeth. Both primary and permanent teeth follow the same process of eruption. Typically, teeth erupt in the following order: central incisor, lateral incisor, first molar, canine, and second molar.

The last teeth to appear are the third set of molars in the very back of our mouths or “wisdom teeth.” This set of teeth begins to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 years. When wisdom tooth is misaligned, it must be removed through dental surgery to prevent pain and infection.

Dr. John Pasqual is a notable oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in oral-facial surgery and dental implants. Visit this website for more information about Dr. Pasqual’s practice.

Effects Of Smoking On Dental Implants

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, smoking causes one of every five deaths in the country each year. Smoking is linked with a number of serious diseases in nearly every organ of the body including the heart, bones, and lungs. Additionally, smoking also has detrimental effects on an individual’s oral health. Nicotine addiction increases the risks of gum disease and oral lesions and delays wound healing after oral surgeries. Various studies have also proven that smoking increases the risk of dental implant failure.

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In a literature review of clinical studies published between 1990 and 2006, researchers have found out that smoking is one of the prominent risk factors affecting the success rate of dental implants. Furthermore, smoking also increases complication rates of dental implants. Incidences of marginal bone loss and peri-implantitis after a dental implant are significantly higher for tobacco users. Failure rates of implants in smokers compared to nonsmokers range from 6.5 percent to 20 percent as reported in numerous studies.

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Dentists should inform patients about the risks and complications of smoking on dental implants. Smokers are advised to stop the habit at least a week before and up to two months after surgery to reduce the risk of implant failure.

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Dr. John Pasqual is an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in oral-facial surgeries and dental implants. For more information about Dr. Pasqual’s practice, visit this website.

What You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening And Dental Implants

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Dental implants are basically replacement teeth. This is an option given to patients who have lost a tooth or teeth due to an injury or a disease. These replacement teeth are made to match the individual’s natural teeth. Success rates for these implants depend on each patient and his or her periodontal history, but generally, there is a 98 percent chance that these implants will last forever. That said, patients may want to improve his or her appearance cosmetically, including having his or her full range of teeth – dental implants included – whitened.

The good news is that dental implants can be whitened. There a few considerations that dentists impress upon.

What is ideal: Most dentists would recommend having teeth whitened before having the dental implant or crown. In this way, dentists can match the color better to the whitened teeth.

What to expect: If a patient already has a crown on a porcelain implant, the latter will not get whitened. If the crown is visible, it may have to be replaced to match the newer and lighter color.

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Smoking plays a factor: Stains from smoking can be removed during standard prophylaxis and good oral hygiene. However, stains on dental implants are harder to remove. Several factors come into play here: smoking and poor hygiene may affect the gum and bone surrounding the implant and may lead to several complications during the teeth whitening. Also, whitening solutions work best on natural teeth. These solutions may also be used on implants but may produce the exact desired effect.

Patients considering teeth whitening should visit their dentist and see how much improvement they can expect.

Dr. John Pasqual is a respected dentist specializing in dental implants and wisdom teeth extraction. For more information, follow this Twitter account.

Restoring Smiles: Are Dental Implants for Everyone?

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For many, losing a tooth or several teeth can be a nightmare. Not only can this situation result in inconveniences in their lifestyles, but it can also cause a drop in their self-confidence. For this reason, dentists offer dental implants that allow patients to regain not only their smiles but also their self-esteem.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, used to support false teeth. The dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide stable support for dentures and bridges, which is especially helpful when eating or speaking.

But is everyone allowed to get dental implants? In most cases, anyone who is healthy enough to undergo routine dental extraction can get a dental implant. Actually, for many patients, the implants are placed after the tooth extraction process.

Of course, patients who want dental implants need to have healthy gums. They also need to be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits since experts agree that implants, just like natural teeth, will last for as long as patients care for them.

People suffering from chronic disorders like diabetes and heart disease should be evaluated on an individual basis.

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There are instances when a dental implant is not applicable because there’s not enough bone in the jaw to accommodate the implant. In cases like this, bone grafting may be recommended before placing the dental implant.

Dr. John Pasqual is a board-certified surgeon and a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, an organization that focuses on dental implant research and education. Visit www.pasqualoms.com for more information about dental health.

Foods to Eat and Avoid after your Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop. These are commonly removed, especially when they are impacted and cause pain or teeth crowding. While getting your wisdom teeth out can be painful, it should heal in a couple of days.

While the extraction site is healing, you need to avoid certain kinds of food. Here’s a list of what you can and cannot eat while you’re recovering from your wisdom teeth extraction.

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What to avoid

Twenty-four hours after your surgery, avoid eating foods that have extreme flavor and temperature. Hot foods can lead to bleeding. Avoid eating oats, grains, or foods that might get stuck in your gums or teeth. You should also avoid foods that will require you to chew a lot.

You should also stay away from drinking with a straw because doing so may promote blood clotting. Don’t eat highly acidic foods, too, because they can irritate tissues and cause pain in surgical sites.
  

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What to eat

It is important to drink lots of fluids daily to avoid dehydration. To speed up healing of wounds, include high calorie and high protein foods in your diet. You can also eat apple sauce, soup, jello, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed vegetables while you’re waiting for your gums to heal.

Dr. John Pasqual is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in oral-facial surgery and dental implants. For the latest in oral health, follow this Twitter account.