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.