There is a new technology, called cone beam, which is an x-ray device that allows us to get a three dimensional image of your mouth with less radiation than a previous full mouth set of x rays. The benefit of the cone beam is that it provides more accurate information, can help find pathology (disease) sooner, enables us to design dental implant placement in 3d, and eliminates the necessity for the patient to have 18 small, uncomfortable x rays taken in their mouth. The cone beam takes one image in a matter of seconds. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Posts Tagged ‘Dental Implant’
What else is on the horizon for our practice?
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010Why would I need a dental bone graft?
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010As people lose teeth or suffer from periodontal disease, they typically lose bone along with the lost teeth. This situation can often make it impossible to make a denture, place dental implants, or have a cosmetically pleasing smile. Thus, we can do several types of bone grafting procedures in order to prevent this problem. The most common type of bone graft is done when teeth are extracted. Bone is placed into the empty socket in order to reduce the amount of bone loss. There are also other types of bone grafts in order to replace larger amounts of bone. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What can lasers do in dentistry?
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010There are many different types of lasers. Some are used to treat soft tissue, like the gums (gingiva), and others can treat hard tissue such as the teeth. On soft tissue, lasers are much kinder to the gums allowing for less postoperative pain and faster healing. We use these lasers for procedures such as frenectomies (eliminating being tongue tied for example), gingivectomies (changing the shape of the gums), tissue grafting for recession and treating gum disease. Hard tissue lasers can be used for preparing fillings, root canals, dental extractions (having a tooth “pulled”), and dental implants. Again, it creates less sensitivity for the patient and promotes faster healing. Lasers have been around in dentistry for over thirty years and allow us to use technology to provide better care for our patients. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Are you missing teeth?
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010Do you have missing teeth that you would like to replace? This is very common in our dental practice and can be solved in a couple of ways. For those that want something that feels, looks, and functions like a natural tooth, dental implants are the best option. A dental implant essentially replaces the tooth root and enables us to build a whole new tooth in the missing space. Missing teeth can also be replaced with dental bridges and removable partial or full dentures. A bridge consists of crowning (capping) the adjacent teeth to a space and connecting them together. This is usually done when a patient wants solution that doesn’t come in and out of their mouth and they are not a candidate for dental implants. Removable dentistry can also be a great option. Removable dentistry won’t feel and look quite as natural as a dental implant, however, this option is the most economical and can give you back the smile or bite that you want. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What does dental insurance cover?
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010Dental insurance is very different depending upon what you or your employer pays for. Typically, insurance covers preventative care such as dental cleanings (prophylaxis), deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), x rays, or exams, very well. In some cases they may pay 100% of the cost after you have met your deductible. On other procedures such as root canals, dental implants, fillings, bridges, dentures, crowns (caps), or extractions (pulling a tooth), they may pay a percentage of the cost. However, every insurance is different and it is a good idea to find out what they will pay prior to having treatment to determine your budget. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Stefanie or Sarah at our office. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What if I am missing teeth?
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010It is very common to have missing teeth. Whether it is due to something unplanned, like dental decay or breaking a tooth, or it was done on purpose to make room for braces or to remove wisdom teeth, it is not uncommon. If you have missing teeth you are not alone. The decision that you can make is whether or not you want to replace the teeth you are missing. In many cases, patients get along just fine with one missing tooth. However, most people begin to want to replace teeth when it affects their bite, ability to eat, and smile. Today we have the ability to place dental implants. Dental implants are the most natural, cosmetic, and longest lasting solution to missing teeth. You can replace one tooth or an entire set of teeth with dental implants. Other solutions include dentures, partial dentures, and dental bridges. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What is a partial denture?
Thursday, July 8th, 2010When a patient is missing teeth but not all of their teeth and they want another option besides dental implants or a bridge, a partial denture can be a good option. A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth. These used to be made out of metal, were very rigid, and ugly in appearance. However, partial dentures are now made out of thermoplastics which makes them flexible, comfortable, and significantly more cosmetic. If you aren’t a good candidate for dental implants or need a more economical option, a partial denture may be a good option for you. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Do you have loose dentures?
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010Even the tightest fitting dentures can become loose over time. While many denture wearers do not have any teeth it is important to visit the dentist for an annual exam to look at the fit of the denture (plate) and to perform an oral cancer exam. If the fit of the denture has changed or it doesn’t fit as tightly as the patient would like, a couple of things can be done. The denture can be relined, which means that the inside of the denture is filled with new material to help it fit tightly with the gum tissue again, or implants can be placed so that the denture has something directly holding it in place. Most patients have more problems with the fit of a lower (bottom) denture than on the top. Typically this can be solved with two implants that enable the denture to “snap” into place. Dentures continue to get more comfortable and functional. Don’t let loose dentures keep you from smiling or eating the foods that you enjoy. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What is a dental implant?
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010When a person is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, these can be replaced with dental implants. Implants act like a root replacement and allow us to build a new tooth in the space without having to make a dental bridge or denture. The downside to a bridge is that it requires crowning the adjacent teeth and it isn’t as strong, while a denture tends to not feel like natural teeth and has to be removed in order to clean. Dental implants are the most natural in appearance, feel like real teeth and are longer lasting than any other option. Implants can also help those who have complete dentures and have a problem with their denture moving around. The denture can be attached to the implant in order to “anchor” it securely in the mouth. While there are many options in dentistry, dental implants are one of the most exciting and give patients the ability to never have missing teeth. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What about dentures?
Monday, June 14th, 2010Dentures (plates, false teeth) are nothing today like they used to be. The materials have changed and have made dentures significantly more cosmetic as well as comfortable and functional. There are also new designs that eliminate the acrylic across the roof of the mouth (palate) making it easier to speak and taste foods. We can also use implants with dentures to eliminate much of the movement and create a better ability to eat all foods. If you are wanting a new denture, we can now give you more confidence and a more youthful smile while at the same time giving you a better ability to eat and speak. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com