Good Oral Health Begins At Home

What Are Dental Implants?

In the world of modern dentistry, implants have rapidly become a popular method for replacing missing teeth.  Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as a permanent base for replacement teeth—whether it’s a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even to help with the retention of one’s dentures. These artificial teeth look and function just like real teeth and can be a welcome alternative to getting traditional removable dentures or bridgework. WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY? Dental implant surgery places titanium “roots” into your jawbone, which serve as roots for missing teeth. Contrary to traditional dentures, these implants don’t slip, make noise, and help to preserve your bone! When it comes to single tooth replacement, we love implants because it allows us to simply address the missing area without having to do any restorative work on the surrounding teeth.  You might be a good candidate for dental implants if: * You have one or multiple missing teeth * Your jawbone is fully-grown * You have healthy oral tissue * Your jawbone is capable of housing the implants (meaning you have enough bone) * You would prefer not to wear traditional dentures, or you would like some added stability to a denture * You are not a smoker or have health issues that can adversely affect bone healing * You can dedicate several months to the implant process WHAT’S THE PROCESS OF GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS? In order to receive implants, it’s important to have a health history performed. Then, you will need to have an evaluation of the proposed area to make sure that there is: a) enough room for the implant and restoration and b) there is enough bone to house that implant. At this point, we will come up with a treatment plan. WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT? Dental implant surgery takes place over multiple stages and can take many months to complete. The initial steps include: * Removing the damaged tooth (if necessary) * Preparing the jawbone (if necessary) * Putting in the implant After the implant is placed, there is a period of healing time to allow the implant to become fixated to the jaw. After healing is completed, impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate the final restoration, whether it’s a crown, bridge, or denture. Finally, the new restoration is placed on the implant.  Taking care of your implants is extremely important. Even though they cannot get cavities, they certainly can have bone loss. So, it is very important to have routine cleanings and evaluations in addition to excellent home care. This will ensure your implant and restoration last you a very long time. Dr. Richard D. Sellen is a licensed dentist in Willow Glen, San Jose, California. If you are ready for a healthy and beautiful smile, head on over to our contact page or give us a call at 408.264.3133.

The 4 Common Types of Dental Restorations

When it comes to our oral health, we often think about brushing and flossing our teeth regularly. However, there are other aspects of oral health that are important as well, such as dental restorations. Restorative dentistry is the process of repairing and restoring teeth that have been damaged or lost. This can be done through a variety of methods, including dental implants, dentures, and crowns. There are many reasons why someone might need restorative dentistry. Teeth can become damaged due to a number of factors, such as decay, infection, or trauma. They can also be lost due to injury or gum disease.  Dental restorations can also help improve oral health overall. Damaged or missing teeth can put strain on the rest of the teeth, which can lead to further damage. Dental restoration can help restore balance to the mouth and protect against further damage. There are four common types of dental restorations: dental implants, dentures, crowns, and bridges. Let’s take a closer look at each one. 1. DENTAL IMPLANTS Dental implants are artificial roots that are placed into the jawbone to support a dental prosthetic. They are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone over time. This helps to create a strong and stable foundation for the dental prosthetic. Dental implants can be used to support a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth. 2. DENTURES Dentures are removable dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit snugly over the gums. Dentures can be full or partial, depending on how many teeth are missing. They are typically made of acrylic or can have a metal base with acrylic over it. 3. CROWNS Crowns are dental prosthetics that cover the entire surface of a tooth. They are used to restore the function and appearance of a tooth that has been damaged or lost. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, metal, or composite resin. 4. BRIDGES Bridges are dental prosthetics that replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth (called pontics) that are supported by dental crowns. The dental crowns are placed over the natural teeth adjacent to the space created by the missing tooth (or teeth). Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, or metal. Dental restoration can help to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. It is important to discuss your options with a dental professional to find the best solution for you. Dr. Richard D. Sellen is a licensed dentist in Willow Glen, San Jose, California. If you are ready for a healthy and beautiful smile, head on over to our contact page or give us a call at 408.264.3133

The 3 Major Benefits of Cerec Milling

We recently added a Cerec milling unit in our office and felt this would be a great time to tell you all about it and what makes it so great! If you’re looking for a dental restoration that’s both beautiful and durable, Cerec milling may be the perfect option for you. This technology uses CAD/CAM software to create dental restorations from a single block of ceramic material, allowing dentists to create crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations right in their office. In this article, we will discuss these benefits in more detail and explore why Cerec milling is becoming increasingly popular among dentists and patients alike. 1. IT’S EFFICIENT One of the biggest benefits of Cerec milling is that it’s extremely efficient. Traditional dental crowns require multiple visits to the dentist and can take weeks to complete. With Cerec milling, however, the entire process can be completed in a single visit, which means that you won’t have to come back for a second appointment to get your restoration placed. 2. IT’S ACCURATE One of the biggest benefits of Cerec milling is its accuracy. This technology allows dentists to create dental restorations that are much more precise than those made using traditional methods. This means that your restoration will fit more snugly and securely in your mouth, providing you with a better overall result. 3. IT’S INCREDIBLY DURABLE One of the biggest benefits of Cerec milling is that it’s very strong and durable. Unlike traditional dental restorations, which are made from porcelain or other materials that can chip and break over time, Cerec restorations are made from a single block of ceramic material. This makes them much more resistant to wear and tear, and they should last for many years with proper care. If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable, and efficient dental restoration, Cerec milling may be the perfect solution for you. Let us know if you’d like to come in for a visit and see if this technology is right for you. Dr. Richard D. Sellen is a licensed dentist in Willow Glen, San Jose, California. If you are ready for a healthy and beautiful smile, head on over to our contact page or give us a call at 408.264.3133.

The Effect Of Alcohol On Teeth

Raise your glass, but beware of the hidden consequences! We all love to unwind and celebrate with a drink or two. From after-work happy hours to festive gatherings, alcohol has become an integral part of our social lives. However, have you ever stopped to think about how it might be affecting your pearly whites? THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL ON TEETH Alcohol, a popular beverage enjoyed by many, can have detrimental effects on our teeth. The high sugar content in alcoholic drinks can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Additionally, alcohol is known to cause dry mouth, which reduces saliva production and increases the risk of oral health issues. When we consume alcohol, it can stain our teeth over time. Dark-colored beverages like red wine or whiskey contain chromogens that attach themselves to the enamel, resulting in unsightly discoloration. Furthermore, excessive drinking may also lead to gum disease as alcohol weakens the immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight off infections. PREVENTING THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON TEETH Maintaining good oral health is important for overall well-being, and that includes protecting your teeth from the potential damage caused by alcohol consumption. Here are some tips to help prevent the negative effects of alcohol on your teeth. * Moderation is key. Limiting your intake of alcoholic beverages can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion. It's essential to be mindful of how much you're drinking and try to alternate with water or non-alcoholic beverages to minimize the impact on your dental health. * Practice good oral hygiene daily. Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque buildup and protects against cavities. Don't forget to floss regularly as well, as it helps reach those hard-to-reach areas between teeth where bacteria love to hide. * Additionally, consider using mouthwash after consuming alcohol. This can help rinse away any lingering sugars or acids that may be present in alcoholic beverages. * Furthermore, visiting your dentist regularly is crucial in preventing long-term damage caused by alcohol consumption. Dentists can identify early signs of dental problems and provide professional cleanings to keep your teeth healthy. * Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports good oral health. Including foods high in calcium (such as dairy products) strengthens tooth enamel while ensuring an adequate intake of Vitamin C promotes gum health. By following these preventative measures, you can mitigate the negative effects that alcohol may have on your teeth while still enjoying occasional indulgences responsibly! To learn more, visit Richard D. Sellen, DDS, at 1600 Willow St #150, San Jose, CA 95125, or call (408) 264-3133 to schedule an appointment.

The 4 Benefits of Dental Implants

The decision to get dental implants is a big one. After all, this is a procedure that involves surgery and the implantation of metal screws into your jawbone. However, for many people, the benefits of dental implants outweigh the risks. If you are considering dental implants, it is important to understand what they are and how they work. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into your jawbone. Once in place, they provide a foundation for a dental crown or bridge. Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are a relatively new procedure, and there is some risk involved in having them implanted. However, for most people the benefits far outweigh the risks. So, what are the benefits of dental implants? DENTAL IMPLANTS LOOK AND FEEL MORE NATURAL THAN OTHER OPTIONS When it comes to dental implants, they often look and feel more natural than other options. This is because they are placed directly into the jawbone in order to secure them in place. Additionally, dental implants are often made of biocompatible materials that are designed to mimic the properties of natural teeth. This helps to ensure that they look and feel more natural than other options. DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE PERMANENT One of the best things about dental implants is that they are permanent, as long as the surrounding gum and bone health is taken care of. Unlike dentures, which can come loose and need to be adjusted or replaced often, implants are solidly fixed in your mouth. This means that you can go about your day-to-day life with confidence, knowing that your smile is secure. DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE EASY TO CARE FOR Dental implants are easy to care for and maintain. All you need to do is regularly brush your teeth and floss them, just like you would with your natural teeth. You may also need to rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash. Regular checkups with your dentist will allow them to monitor your implant’s health and keep them looking and performing their best for years to come! DENTAL IMPLANTS LET YOU EAT WHAT YOU WANT Dental implants let you eat what you want because they are permanently anchored in your jawbone. Unlike dentures, which can become loose and require adhesives to keep them in place, dental implants do not move around inside your mouth. This means that you can enjoy crunchy apples and sticky candy bars without having to worry about them slipping out of your teeth.