Last updated 10 months ago
If you have missing or damaged teeth, chances are you're a candidate for dental implants. Implants offer an effective alternative to partial or complete dentures; with dental implants, you will have a long-term solution.
You Want Permanent Restoration
Many people prefer the fixed, more permanent solution that an implant offers when it comes time to replace one or more missing teeth. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, about 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have at least one permanent tooth missing because of an accident, gum disease, tooth decay, or a failed root canal.
You Have Sufficient Bone Density
An oral surgeon places the dental implant into the jawbone, so there's no need to disrupt neighboring teeth or use them as anchors, as a bridge would. However, because the implant relies on the jawbone, the patient must have sufficient bone density. When a tooth is lost, bone resorption at its site begins almost immediately; if it has been months or years since the tooth was originally lost, the patient may require bone grafts to support the implant.
Your Gums Are Healthy
In addition to sufficient bone density, good candidates for implants must have healthy gums. Though having healthy oral tissues is important, most people with periodontal disease who have received dental implants do see success. Damage from periodontal disease is not always reversible, so a gingival graft may be required to secure the implant.
You Don’t Smoke
Patients who smoke have lower success rates with dental implants than patients who don't smoke. Still, it's possible for some smokers to have dental implants. Mini-implants can work for people who need only a single tooth replaced or a denture secured.
The team at Kennett Dental has a 32-year track record of experience and trust with Kennett Square patients. Call (610) 444-4033 to learn more about dental implants and other restorative, cosmetic, or general dentistry services offered by Kennett Dental.
Last updated 10 months ago
Your smile is important and can make a big difference in your work and personal lives. What's more, having poor dental health can contribute to other medical problems. You should work closely with your dental care team to ensure that your teeth are healthy and look terrific. This means brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.
At Kennett Dental, Drs. Ram, Paskow, and Bonner offer professional and comprehensive services for all of your family's dental needs. This video introduces you to our services and office. Take a look at our clean, state-of-the-art facilities and friendly dentists and staff.
Once you've seen the video, check out Kennett Dental for yourself. Just call (610) 444-4033 to schedule your preventive cleaning and checkup, or to talk with our dentists about our cosmetic and restorative dentistry services.
Last updated 10 months ago
Making sure your teeth stay healthy is a team effort; your family dentist and hygienist care for your teeth and gums when you come in for professional cleanings and preventive checkups. Even though our team at Kennett Dental would like to see our patients every day, it's simply not practical, so here are a few daily habits you and your family can adopt to keep your teeth healthy all year long:
1. Brush Twice a Day
The top task of any cleaning regimen for teeth and gums is brushing twice daily with a toothbrush that's not worn. Anyone over age six should use fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association.
2. Floss between Teeth
The key to good flossing is not just frequency, but technique. Break off about 18 inches of floss; then, wind most of the floss around a middle finger, and the rest around a middle finger on your other hand. Using a sort of reel-to-reel action, you'll take up the used floss with the second hand, unwinding and winding as you use it. Gently guide the floss between the teeth and curve it around each tooth when you reach the gum, going up and down. Remember to floss the back of the last teeth, top and bottom.
3. Rinse Your Mouth
Antimicrobial mouth rinses with fluoride help loosen plaque but only work well if you also follow daily brushing and flossing advice. Even chewing sugarless gum with an ingredient called xylitol can help fight tooth decay by stimulating saliva flow, which keeps plaque from disrupting the mouth’s natural pH.
4. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eat a balanced diet that's low in sugar and acids such as those found in colas. Limit snacks or choose raw vegetables and plain yogurts. Stop smoking to improve the health of your teeth and gums.
You should see your dentist at the first sign of any problem, such as pain or a bad taste in your mouth that's not caused by food. Also remember to come in twice a year for cleaning and a checkup. Call Kennett Dental today at (610) 444-4033 to schedule your cleaning or to learn more about our general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services.
Last updated 11 months ago
For most teenagers, creating a sense of identity and navigating social pressures is simply a fact of everyday life. Striving to be confident and succeed in school can certainly be challenging with a mouthful of metal wires and brackets! Instead of traditional orthodontics, many teens and their parents are opting for Invisalign orthodontic treatments.
Watch this video to hear Taylor’s Invisalign story and get a glimpse of the positive changes her mother has seen. Taylor loves to sing, dance, and be on center stage—Invisalign offered her a way to straighten her teeth without taking away focus from her many efforts. With a simple routine of rinsing the aligners, brushing, and flossing, Taylor has enjoyed quick treatment and increased confidence in her smile, speech, and approach to life.
If you believe your teen could benefit from Invisalign braces, call Kennett Dental at (610) 444-4033 to schedule a consultation. Our team of family dentists also offers cosmetic services, bruxism treatments, and cleanings.
Last updated 11 months ago
Brushing and flossing regularly will not only protect your teeth from cavities, but also from disease and infection. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is reversible in its earliest stages, which is why you should diligently clean your teeth and visit your family dentist. Recognizing the early symptoms of periodontal disease will help you avoid tooth loss and even systemic health problems.
Gingivitis
Periodontal disease in its earliest stages is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed or flossed. When plaque and bacteria become trapped near the gum line, they cause inflammation and mild tenderness. At this point, bone and connective tissue is still intact and symptoms can be reversed with thorough at-home care and intervention by your dentist.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can easily progress into periodontitis. During this stage, bacteria infect the gum line and cause the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth. In these pockets, more plaque and bacteria will accumulate. Symptoms of periodontitis include red, tender gums; persistent bad breath; and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Periodontitis is irreversible and attacks the underlying bone structure and tissues that support the teeth; with a strict oral hygiene regimen, further damage can be prevented.
Advanced Periodontitis
This severe stage of periodontal disease often causes the teeth to loosen, shift, or fall out entirely. In fact, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Advanced periodontitis can affect the alignment of the patient’s bite and often necessitates surgical intervention to remove loose teeth and clean out infection. Even if your natural teeth cannot be saved, it is important to seek treatment at any stage of periodontal disease for the sake of your overall health. Research has shown a connection between periodontitis and an increased risk of heart disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
To ensure that your dental health is at its best, remember to visit your dentist regularly. If you believe you may be suffering from gum disease or would like to schedule your semiannual checkup, call Kennett Dental at (610) 444-4033 today!
