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Dental Implants – Are They Worth Your Money? | Schnecksville Dentist

Tooth loss can result from dental trauma, advanced gum disease, or deterioration of the underlying bone over time. If you have experienced dental trauma, it’s important to see your dentist sooner than later to assess surrounding teeth and gums. Either way, a cosmetic dentist may present two replacement options: fixed dental implants or a bridge. It’s important to understand what these options entail to make the best decision for you.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can actually be thought of as a bridge. An artificial tooth or teeth is fixed to crowns on adjacent teeth on either end that attaches to healthy teeth, acting as the support posts if you will. The caveat to this solution is that if the tooth root is not replaced the bone may not get the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. Missing tooth roots could cause resorption, which causes the bone to lose density and shrink over time. Ultimately, this can cause one’s face to have a prematurely aged appearance.

Implants

Dental implants require a more extensive procedure, but restore the entire tooth structure rather than simply fill the gap. Simply put implants work by inserting a base into the jawbone into which a post with a crown on top can be placed. Implants provide stability and stimulation to the underlying bone which helps prevent resorption while looking and feeling like a natural tooth.

Your dentist will review these procedures, benefits, and risks with you as you navigate your particular circumstances. While these are typically recommended, your dentist may encourage you towards one or the other option as they see fit. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions or concerns you may have before embarking on any given treatment option.

For more information about dental replacements, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serves patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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A Healthy Smile Starts from Day One | Schnecksville Dentist

When we think about dental health, we don’t necessarily think it begins from the day we are born. But it’s true – our dental health begins from birth. And since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, let’s take a look at the ways you can ensure your child has a healthy mouth from day one. After all, the earlier we instill good dental habits, the easier it will be to carry those habits on throughout their lives.

Infants may not have teeth, but that doesn’t mean that we should ignore their dental health. Wipe down their gums with a soft cloth after each feeding until their first teeth break through, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush with some water. One major issue infants face is baby bottle tooth decay – this can be avoided by limiting milk or sweetened liquids during sleeping hours and sticking to water instead.

If your child has a habit of sucking their thumb or a pacifier, there may be a chance of tooth misalignment. Because this is due to the act of sucking, it is important to try to wean them off bottles and these other habits around one year. As your child turns a year, it is time to start planning on their first dental visit. A great idea is to plan the appointment after naptime to ensure a calm, happy baby.

Once the baby teeth really begin to show, it’s time to start teaching good dental habits and the best way to do that is by example. Make this a family affair – turn on a little tune and brush for at least two minutes. Good dental hygiene leads to good dental health.

For more information about pediatric dental hygiene, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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What Do You Know About Canker Sores? | Schnecksville Dentist

Have you ever accidentally bitten the side of your cheek or lip? Didn’t it hurt? Sometimes accidents like these lead to a canker sore at the site. These sores are very small but make daily activities in our mouths very painful. And while canker sores are very common, it isn’t because they are contagious – they occur for various reasons, like a weak immune system, dehydration, allergies, stress or medication. If you find that they occur regularly, don’t panic – the reason may be as simple as an unknown allergy. Make sure to take note of any changes in your life and/or diet to make finding the culprit a whole lot easier when presenting your symptoms to your dental professional.

You may think that a canker sore is a cold sore, but that isn’t the case. Yes, they can occur for similar reasons, but unlike a cold sore, a canker sore does not develop on the outside of the mouth and aren’t contagious. And that is because canker sores aren’t caused by a virus or bacteria. They just go away after about ten days – but those ten days can be quite an ordeal as you adjust.

Keeping your daily dental hygiene schedules and reducing stress are some great ways to prevent a canker sore from developing, but there are medications available if necessary. Debacterol® is a liquid, topical medication that not only alleviates the oral pain that comes with canker sores but can also reduce the time the canker sore is present. If you find that your canker sores are becoming an issue, make sure to make an appointment to discuss it with your dental professional.

For more information about canker sores, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Caring for Your Dental Implants so They Last a Lifetime | Schnecksville Dentist

It’s been a process, but you finally have the smile you’ve always wanted, thanks to the help of your dental professional and some new dental implant prosthetics. Once you have your new dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly. To ensure that your new smile lasts as long as possible, here are a few simple suggestions for maintaining your implants:

Brush and floss twice a day. Just like your regular teeth, implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure. Special germicidal mouthwash and toothbrushes developed for dental implants are often prescribed to help reduce the risk of infection.

Regular dental visits. Regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene. However, this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your implants will need thorough cleanings and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Say no to staining. While dental implants are created to be durable and natural looking, dental implants can also stain the same as normal teeth. Steer clear of smoking, coffee, tea, sodas and wine. Not only are they bad habits to have in general, but they can also begin to stain your teeth sooner than you think.

You’re right – this does seem like the typical dental hygiene routine you’ve been doing. It is. Your dental implants are going to improve all aspects of your smile, but that doesn’t mean your entire world is flipped on its head. The better you take care of your smile, the better it will take care of you.

For more information about dental implant maintenance, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Ways to Maintain Your Dentures | Schnecksville Dentist

We get one set of permanent teeth – what we do with that set of teeth is completely up to us. Unfortunately, many have gotten to the point that requires wearing dentures. Believe it or not, but dentures are not just for the elderly. By mistreating your smile, you run the chances of dental issues that will result in a loss of teeth. Dentures will restore your smile to what you once had, but there are some things you ought to know as far as maintenance is concerned. These teeth are no longer stuck in your mouth and need a different set of rules to keeping them intact for as long as possible. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you get used to wearing dentures:

  • As much as possible, stand over a folded towel, or a basin of water, or carpeted floors, or basically, anything clean and soft when handling your dentures to prevent them from breaking.
  • Dentures should be placed in a glass of plain water or denture cleanser soaking solution when not being worn. Warm water is not advised as it can cause warping.
  • Dentures will have to be brushed like natural teeth to rid them of food deposits and prevent plaque build-up, as well as stains.
  • The gums, tongue and palate should also be brushed at least once every day. Preferably, use a soft-bristled brush and do this every morning, before the dentures are inserted.
  • Any breaks, chips, cracks on the dentures should be reported to the dentist immediately. So too should be any feeling of looseness. Any attempt of adjusting the dentures yourself may only result in irreversible damage.
  • Missing teeth don’t only look bad, they’re also bad for the health.

For more information about the maintenance of dentures, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Caring for Your Root Canal | Schnecksville Dentist

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No one wants to be in pain and one of the worst ones is a toothache. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you may need a root canal. And for many of us, a root canal sounds like your mouth will be in pain for a long while. But ignoring issues like tooth decay is the whole reason you’re in this predicament. It’s time to bite the proverbial bullet. Soon, you and your mouth have been treated and on your road to recovery. But you were right – it wasn’t a painless experience.

There’s no doubt that a root canal procedure can cause some of the worst temporary oral pain you could experience. But all is not lost; there are lots of ways you can temporarily ease some of the pain. If you’ve just had a root canal or are planning on getting one done soon, keep this handful of remedies in mind to help ease and sooth the pain after your procedure is finished:

  • Make sure to take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist.
  • Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen.
  • Avoid eating hard, crunchy or tough foods for the first few days.
  • An ice pack applied to the affected area can help to relieve pain.
  • Use a numbing gel, like Oragel once the anesthesia wears off.

We all want healthy mouths, but it is our job to take the time to ensure this happens. Otherwise, we may be stuck to have a major dental procedure done to repair any damage done. Sometimes, it can’t be helped, but for the most part, it’s all on us. Aren’t you glad there are ways to soothe those dental pains?

For more information about root canal aftercare, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know to Keep Your Gums Healthy | Schnecksville Dentist

We may not know exactly what gum disease is, but we know we don’t want to have it. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. And this is why you really need to keep your dental appointments – they are the only ones that can diagnose periodontal disease.

But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, ranging from hormonal changes, certain illnesses, medications, genetics to poor dental hygiene and bad habits, like smoking.

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. But there are some symptoms you may want to keep in mind. If you find you have any of these symptoms over time, it’s time to check in with your dental professional:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting down

Thankfully, it isn’t difficult to keep gum disease at bay. Make sure you brush, floss and rinse with fluoride every single day. Choose to eat healthy and clean. Munching on healthy snacks and chewing sugar-free gum will produce saliva, the way we rinse our mouths naturally. If you are a smoker, make an effort to stop. Not only is tobacco use bad for you overall, but it wreaks havoc on your mouth. And lastly, keep your dental appointments in order to ensure all of your efforts are doing the job.

For more information about gum disease, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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When to See a Dentist: Dental Emergency Edition | Schnecksville Dentist

Because we have no way of knowing an emergency is going to happen, it is important that we are aware of any instances that will need professional help. A pipe burst needs a plumber, a broken bone needs a doctor. If something happens to our teeth, it is important to know when we need to call in a professional. Even if damage is caused to one or more teeth, some neighboring teeth can suffer as a result and it is these issues that can only be detected by a dental exam. Here is a quick rundown of dental emergencies you may want a dental professional to tend to:

Chipped. Most times a chipped or fractured tooth can be repaired by either replacing the broken piece or by bonding a tooth-colored filling. If a large portion of the tooth is broken off, a crown will likely be required. And if it’s bad enough to expose and damage the pulp, a root canal treatment may be needed.

Loosened. A dislodged tooth is when a tooth loosened and pushed sideways. When this happens, a patient will usually require a root canal and a dentist or endodontist will focus on stabilizing the tooth.

Knocked out. When a tooth is completely knocked out of the socket it may be able to be saved if the patient arrives to the dentist in time, and the tooth is handled properly. Be cure not touch the root of the tooth, and keep it moist (either in the socket, on the gum against your cheek, or in milk).

Accidents will happen. But even if you believe your injury is minor, be sure to visit your dentist to ensure that the tooth is healthy.

For more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Who Wouldn’t Want Whiter Teeth? | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want clean, healthy teeth but for many of us, a bright white smile is a wish list item that never really gets crossed off. Because even the best of brushers eventually have off-colored teeth. It’s just the daily wear and tear our teeth go through. Our diets and lifestyle choices can hinder our teeth being their whitest. You can brush & floss every day is great and very necessary, but your teeth won’t always keep its natural sheen. That doesn’t mean there’s no hope. There are plenty of ways to improve the color of your smile. Here are some of the more common options:

Kitchen items. You can always make your own toothpaste with a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda at home. But did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? It’s true. So crush a couple of strawberries in a bit of baking soda or rub the peel over your teeth like a toothbrush and let those natural chemicals do the rest.

Whitening products. Over-the-counter options work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. The products are effective at removing surface stains but should be used in moderation to avoid overbleaching and wearing down tooth enamel.

In-office visits. We are proud to offer our patient ZOOM! whitening, a treatment that can either be applied by us, or customized so you can do it in the privacy of your home.

So, as you can see, there is no need to worry about dingy teeth. There is hope. Just ask your dental professional which whitening options will work best for you. And prepare for those smile compliments to roll in.

For more information about ZOOM! teeth whitening, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Sugar and Its Effects on Your Teeth | Schnecksville Dentist

Well, despite quite the rollercoaster of a year, we’ve made it – we are officially in the holiday season. And while it doesn’t quite look like the holidays we are used to, some things will never change, especially when it comes to eating. We need these holiday favorites to show up and comfort us during this wild time. Unfortunately, these foods tend to be somewhat bad for us. It’s the season of the cakes and cookies, the ultimate of the food hugs – how are we supposed to control ourselves? Know that you just need to try, because all of that sugar is wreaking havoc on your smile.

When you eat something sugary, harmful bacteria in your mouth get to dine and dine they do. Then they produce acids, and this is what is breaking down your tooth enamel. The more the enamel is destroyed, the faster a cavity develops. The good thing is that saliva helps wash away the acids in our mouth causing the issue. Saliva has minerals within it that help to build back the damaged tooth enamel. Think of it like the front line for your smile. The more sugar you eat, the more you feed the bad bacteria. And if you aren’t practicing good dental hygiene, they will cause more damage. And this is why it is so important to continue to practice proper dental hygiene routines daily. Can’t let those cavity creeps damage your healthy smile.

We aren’t saying avoid sugary treats all together – we aren’t monsters. ‘Tis the season! Just be mindful of what you’re eating and practice proper dental hygiene after each indulgence. And make an appointment in the new year to make sure you’re doing a great job.

For more information about dental hygiene during the holidays, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.