What Older Adults Need to Know Before Getting Dental Implants

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Are you thinking about getting  dental implants in Chardon, OH, but are concerned about your age? If so, don’t worry. Modern implant techniques make it possible even for seniors with bone loss or medical conditions to get implants (even if they were previously told they can’t).

But, before proceeding, it’s important to understand how age-related factors can affect the healing process.

Age Isn’t the Barrier, Your Health Is

Your chronological age isn’t the problem (even in your 70s and 80s). Your overall health is. A dentist in Chardon, OH, will look at several factors before proceeding with dental implants. Your dentist will assess your overall oral and physical health, including bone density.

Medical and Medication History

Medical conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis could possibly affect the healing process. But even if you have medical conditions, if they are being managed, you could still be eligible. Seniors in good health are excellent candidates for dental implants in Chardon, OH.

Now let’s talk about your medications. Certain prescription medications can influence how your body responds to surgery. They could also affect how quickly your bone fuses with the implant.

Blood thinners, for example, could increase your bleeding risk. Osteoporosis drugs could affect bone healing. That’s why it’s so important to provide the dentist with your full medical history and medication list.

The Benefits Go Beyond Your Appearance

Dental implants don’t just fill gaps. They improve your chewing function and speech. Seniors often find that better chewing ability supports healthier eating habits. Not to mention the confidence (and improved social connections) that comes with a beautiful smile.

How to Adapt Implant Plans for Seniors

Dental technologies have advanced. You might be surprised by how smooth the process is now. Your options include mini-implants and shorter implant posts. And with guided digital placement, your surgery time will be minimized (and so will your recovery time).

Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Chardon, OH?

Age shouldn’t stand between you and a healthy smile. If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, please Contact Center Street Dental, Dr. Marino & Associates today. Our team will help you explore your options. Then we’ll create a personalized plan that’s designed to meet your exact needs and goals.

Are Digital X-Rays Safer than Traditional X-Rays?

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Digital X-rays are a new way to take images of your mouth, but people may not know much about the technology beyond that it uses more modern techniques than traditional X-rays. If you’re interested in the safety of this procedure, we’ll look at what you should know. 

Are Digital X-Rays Safer?

Yes, technically digital X-rays are safer, in that they use less radiation than traditional X-rays. However, this is not exactly its biggest safety feature because traditional X-rays already use such small amounts of radiation. 

 

Digital X-rays are often considered safer from a much broader aspect than traditional X-rays. Instead of an immediate impact, whereby you’re less exposed to potentially harmful emissions, digital X-rays provide much bigger benefits, including:

  • Higher accuracy: Imagine you’re a dentist in Chardon, OH and you see a tiny cavity on an X-ray. With a digital X-ray, you’re much more likely to be able to correctly identify the blotch as a cavity. Thanks to higher resolutions, it’s easier for dentists to catch issues right away, fixing them on the spot, so you don’t have to wait until your next appointment (or worse, until pain develops). 
  • Better communication: Digital X-rays show both you and your dentist how your mouth is changing over time. You can see how one slide compares to the next, and why the dentist is recommending one treatment over another. Better communication leads to more trust between you and the dentist, which can have a marked impact on your overall oral health. 

Digital dental X-rays in Chardon have a way of making appointments go that much more smoothly. Not only are they quick to complete and easy to digitally store, but they’re also liable to help you better understand your teeth, gums, and jaw. 

Where to Find Digital X-Rays in Chardon, OH

If you’re looking for a team that invests in you, contact Center Street Dental, Dr. Marino & Associates today to learn more about how our technology can give you a better experience every time you visit the dentist. Here, we’ve chosen digital X-rays not just to cut down on our carbon footprint, but to ensure that our patients have the best chance at long-term dental health. 

 

Woman Smiling in Dental Office

How Can I Make My Dental Implants Last?

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A good dental implant will replace your missing permanent tooth and may last a lifetime, if you take good care of it. Your dentist in Chardon, OH, can help. At Center Street Dental, we help our patients with dental implants to take care of their teeth and gums. If you have a dental implant, we can help you make your dental implant last. Below are some things you can do to extend the life of your dental implant.

Take Care of Your Oral Health

A healthy jaw is key to ensuring that your dental implant will stay in place. Taking care of your oral health can help your jaw maintain bone density and volume to ensure your dental implant remains secure. Here are some things you can do to take care of your oral health:

  • See your dentist every six months. Visit the dentist twice a year for dental cleanings and exams.
  • Brush your teeth twice each day. Brush your teeth in the morning and evening before bed to brush away plaque and bacteria.
  • Address dental problems quickly. If you’re experiencing a dental problem, address it quickly before it gets worse.

Brush Your Teeth Right

The way you brush your teeth impacts your dental health. Here are some tips to ensure that your teeth (and dental implant) stay clean.

  • Brush for two minutes each time. Brush your teeth for two minutes each time you brush. Time yourself with a timer, or use an electric toothbrush that shuts off after two minutes.
  • Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid scratching your dental implant.
  • Use non-abrasive toothpaste. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching, damaging, or staining your dental implant.
  • Don’t brush too hard. Brushing hard can cause gum recession and other problems. Avoid brushing too hard when you brush your teeth.

Need a Dental Appointment? Contact the Dentist

Your dentist can help you take care of your dental implants in Chardon, OH. Call today to make a dental appointment. We’ll look for problems with your dental health and problems with your implant, and help you avoid gum disease and gum recession that could cause your dental implant to fail.

 How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants? And Other Frequently Asked Questions

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Dental implants are one of the most effective prosthetic teeth options for patients who have lost their natural teeth. Dental implants look like natural teeth and function like them as well.

Patients often appreciate that their dental implants are permanently installed in their jaw to provide years of permanent tooth replacement. If you have questions about dental implants, your dentist in Chardon, OH, has answers. At Center Street Dental, we provide dental implant surgery to help restore your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth installed on a post surgically inserted into the jaw. Dental implants look and function like real teeth. Once the post is installed and the abutment has been installed, the implant can be fitted for a dental crown that will sit on top of the implant. The crown looks like a real tooth.

How Many Appointments Will I Need to Get Dental Implants?

How many trips you have to make to the dentist’s office to get a dental implant installed depends on the condition of your jaw and your oral health. Many patients will make five trips to the dentist’s office before the implant is installed. This can take between 5 and 8 months altogether.

If your jaw is healthy and your oral hygiene is good, then you will likely only take around five months. If you need a bone graft or to improve your oral hygiene, you will need longer.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

There are many benefits of dental implants:

  • Look natural
  • Function like natural teeth
  • Easy to maintain

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants that are properly maintained can last a lifetime. We recommend seeing the dentist regularly for dental cleanings and avoiding smoking, which can cause your dental health and implant to fail.

Are you interested in dental implants in Chardon, OH? Call Center Street Dental today for an appointment for consultation and evaluation.

Have a Toothache? Here’s What to Know

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A toothache can be a sign of a serious problem, and delaying treatment for a toothache can lead to big problems. If you have a toothache, taking swift action is important. Your dentist in Chardon, OH can help. At Center Street Dental, we offer a range of services that can help our patients get the care they need when they have a toothache.

What Causes Toothaches?

There are many problems that can cause toothaches. Some of the potential reasons you might be experiencing a toothache include:

  1. Cracked or broken tooth. Sometimes, cracks in the tooth enamel or broken tooth enamel can cause problems like toothache.
  2. Cavity. A cavity is a pit in the tooth caused by tooth decay. Cavities can cause mild pain and discomfort.
  3. Infection. Infection inside the tooth can cause severe pain that only gets worse when you ignore it. Dental infections are an emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.
  4. Wisdom tooth. Your wisdom tooth or wisdom teeth can cause your teeth to become crowded, cavities to form, and other painful conditions.

What Should You Do If You Have a Toothache?

If you have a toothache, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. The dentist at Center Street Dental may ask you about your symptoms to determine whether you’re having a dental emergency.

What Are the Signs of a Dental Infection?

You may have a hard time telling whether you have a dental infection, but here’s what to look for:

  • Severe pain, either when brushing your teeth, when eating or drinking, or at random.
  • Swelling around the affected tooth.
  • Sudden tooth sensitivity.
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth.

You may also notice discoloration on your tooth enamel or a hole in your teeth.

What Happens When You Delay Care for a Toothache?

If you have a dental infection and put off treatment, you could lose your permanent tooth. A dental infection should be eliminated with a root canal. If the infection spreads, the dentist may need to extract your tooth.

If you have severe tooth pain, you probably need emergency dental care in Chardon, OH. Call Center Street Dental today for an emergency dental visit.

Want a Straighter Smile? What to Know About Invisalign Vs Braces

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Straight teeth can help make your smile attractive and give you confidence in how you look. If your teeth aren’t quite straight, there are many tools you can use to correct this problem, including Invisalign.

At Center Street Dental, we provide Invisalign services in Chardon, OH. Clear aligners are a relatively new tool in the world of dentistry, so you may not know as much about clear aligners as you do about traditional braces. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is made of medical-grade, high molecular-weight thermoplastic polymers. Invisalign aligners fit over the teeth and use pressure to push the teeth into place. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, so they’re attractive as well as effective. Braces are different because they use wires and brackets to align the teeth. They’re very easy to see and can impact the way you look.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Your first set of Invisalign aligners will push the teeth toward the desired goal. Once this is done, you’ll get another set of aligners pushing the teeth closer to that goal. Your dental professional will continue to provide you with sets of Invisalign aligners until you’ve achieved your final goal of straight, well-aligned teeth. You may go through several sets of aligners before your teeth are as straight as you desire.

Am I a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?

You may be a good candidate for clear aligners if your teeth are crowded, crooked or have difficulty chewing or talking. People with mild to moderate conditions are often good candidates for clear aligners, but you won’t know if this is a good option for you until you’ve visited a dentist in Chardon, OH.

If you aren’t a good candidate for aligners, you may need braces or another type of dental tool or procedure to help you achieve your teeth’s desired look and functionality. If you’d like to know if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, call your Center Street Dental dentist to make an appointment.