Do 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
Posts Tagged ‘missing teeth’
Are you missing teeth?
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010What 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
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
Nervous about dentistry?
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010There are many options today in dentistry to decrease the amount of anxiety involved in your appointment. Sedation dentistry is a rapidly growing area in our field. We offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, and oral sedatives, which is in the form of a pill taken prior to the appointment. Both of these help decrease the amount of anxiety that the patient experiences during their appointment. These can be utilized for something more simple like a cleaning or longer appointments for crowns, root canals, and implants. It is completely up to the patient’s comfort level. We can also utilize our specialist for IV sedation dentistry in the most extreme cases. Sedation dentistry has been around for over 100 years. If you are nervous about going to the dentist, this is okay and normal. There are options to help make you more comfortable. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What if I have too much dentistry to do all at one time?
Monday, June 7th, 2010For many patients, dentistry is a work in progress. Albeit, some patients complete all of their dentistry in one appointment, or one week, however, for most patients dental work is a process in order to achieve their long term goals for oral health. There are many ways to provide dental care without doing it all at once. Many patients will do the dental work (dental fillings, crowns, implants, etc.) in one area at a time so that they don’t have to continue to get numb multiple times in the same location. Other patients will work on one tooth per appointment. It really boils down to goals, time frame, and budget. Another technology that has recently become available is called Snap On Smiles. This is a cosmetic dental appliance that allows us to cover all of the teeth with an esthetic, removable appliance so that the patient can have a great looking smile while they work toward completing their dentistry. Not only is this option very affordable, it also gives the patient an idea of what their smile could look like. Dr. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Don’t be embarrassed about your mouth
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010It is never too late to do something positive for your oral health. Our dental team is very competent in working with patients who are just looking to get back into an oral health routine or who haven’t been to the dentist in a very long time. Having dental problems can be embarrassing and they always seem to happen at the most inopportune time. We are here to help anyone who is interested in taking a step in the direction of better oral health. Whether you just want an exam or have problems with things like gum disease (periodontitis), dental cavities (caries), missing teeth, cosmetics, or simply want a cleaning, we are here to help. Your oral health plays a crucial role in your overall health, especially your cardiovascular system. Dr. Carson Kutsch DDS Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Dental Implants
Monday, May 17th, 2010For patients that are missing teeth, dental implants offer the most conservative and long lasting solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants have been around for nearly fifty years and have finally surpased other treatments such as a bridge (fixed partial denture) or removable denture as the most natural feeling, cosmetic, and longest lasting solution. When a tooth is lost, it used to be common to crown the adjacent teeth in order to connect them together as a “bridge.” Not only did this damage the adjacent teeth but it also placed the patient at a higher risk for root canals and losing more teeth. With dental implants, the adjacent teeth to a space can be left untouched and only the space can be addressed. The implant acts like a root replacement and enables the dentist to make a tooth in the space that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Dr. Carson Kutsch DDS Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com