Category: Blog

Dental implant replacements of one’s teeth have become one of the most predictable and successful procedures in all of modern dentistry. Implants have changed the way people think about dental treatment options and helped redefine available treatment options for many patients. Back in the day “cutting-edge technology” to save teeth included root amputations, hemi-sectioning of the teeth, tooth transplants, long-span dental bridges, etc., which have generally been abandoned for complete-tooth implants. Complete-tooth implants have proven to last a lot longer, and b be more cost-effective than any other previous form of treatment ever was.

However, it is worth noting that dental implants can still fail. The main reasons for dental implant failures include severe decay and periodontitis. These are the only reasons for tooth loss other than massive trauma to the tooth that forces it to be knocked out. Generally, periodontitis makes it so that the implant doesn’t have adequate support as bone structures are not adequate enough to hold the implant into place.

Peri-implantitis occurs when periodontitis is diagnosed much in the same way it would be with one’s own natural teeth. Patients must understand that they have to care for implants just like regular teeth. Dental implants last as long as the healthy teeth would if they are properly cared for. Brushing must continue 2-3x a day and flossing daily is also a must. Regular dental cleanings are also a must. The patient should still go to the dentist for cleanings at least 2x a year, and more if instructed to do so by their dentist. Hazardous materials such as ice that could break implants should not be chewed.

The most common reasons for dental implant failure include subgingival dental cement and traumatic occultation. Generally, only a handful of patients will experience failure of dental implants. Well-cared-for implants should rarely if ever pose a problem. Generally, only poorly-cared-for dental implants will have to be replaced or fixed again in the future. The most common reason for dental implant failure is periodontitis which allows massive chunks of “cemented” plaque to get under the gum line till it rots away at the bone holding the implants in. This generally happens within 1-3 years of onset of the periodontitis, and the implants become loosened as the bone is eaten away at. Treatment for this condition requires the dentist to fill the open cavities under the implants with dental cement to keep the implants tightened. Rarely does excess cement have to be removed after its inserted into the empty cavities underneath the gum line.

Other rare reasons for implant failure can include traumatic occlusion or occlusal overload. Occlusion should be checked for and monitored at every cleaning, and when replacing more than a quadrant or more of occlusion a night-guard should be prescribed for the patient to sleep is as part of their treatment plan.

Addressing the potential problems with patients before providing dental implants can help save these headaches in the future. Well-cared-for dental implants should rarely if ever have to be replaced, or have any of these issues to begin with.   A few moments of explanation at the beginning can save a lot of headaches and complications in the future from patients needing retreatments. 

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Children should be encouraged to have good dental hygiene habits from a young age. The child’s first tooth is when brushing should begin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) tooth decay in children is one of the most common, yet preventable problems in children. This is also known as childhood caries, or childhood tooth cavities. The good news is that all that has to be done is provide good oral and dental hygiene, and chances are most if not all childhood cavities are 100% preventable.

First off, check the child’s teeth. Till the child’s first tooth “erupts” (comes through the gum line) wipe the child’s gums off with a piece of gauze or a washcloth 2-3x a day to keep them clean and healthy. Healthy gums should be a light pink without any cuts, gashes, or lesions on them. When the first primary tooth “erupts” between 6 and 9 months old then brushing needs to begin. Schedule a dental examination by the child’s 1^st birthday. In between 12-24 months brush the child’s teeth with more than just a plain brush and use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Toothpaste without fluoride is recommended till children can spit the toothpaste out reliably on their own. By 3 years of age children should have 20 primary teeth. Brush with a child-specified size toothbrush, and the best times of day are after breakfast and before bedtime.

Remember that healthy teeth in children should have no stains or marks on them. They should be a milky-white color. Flossing should begin soon as children have two teeth that can touch together where food can get caught. To help a child brush their teeth angle the brush at a 45-degree angle and move it gently back and forth over all present teeth. Brush all surfaces of the tooth thoroughly. Brush the tongue to remove any bacteria that may harm the child. For flossing cut off about 18 inches of floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers. Curve the floss into a “C” shape and gently push and glide between the baby’s teeth. Floss between all teeth, and behind the back ones.

Flossing will generally begin between 2 and 2.5 years old when the child’s first teeth are touching. Children will need assistance brushing generally till about age 6, and flossing till about 8-10 when they can wind and hold the floss properly to do it themselves. Floss holders can help the child learn proper techniques. Take care of your own teeth, and show your child how to emulate the positive behaviors you set forth.

If you have any questions regarding this article please contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Just shy of 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of oral cancer every year. About 9,750 people will die from this type of cancer each year. This is about 1 death per hour, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. About 57% of oral cancer victims are alive 5 years later. Oral cancers account for 85% of all head and neck cancers reported. This number has only improved about 7% over the past decade, which is not a significant improvement compared to the exploding survival rates of other forms of cancer.

Oftentimes, professionals attribute this to the late detection of oral cancers. Oral cancers are generally not discovered early on as they only present a few if any early symptoms of there being a problem. Sometimes there may be oral lesions or infections, but people don’t understand they are related to oral cancer so they never seek treatment till the tumor metastasizes

Oral cancer is a much greater problem than the almost 50,000 cases diagnosed in the US each year. Worldwide, about 450,000 cases are diagnosed each year. These are the best available statistics from WHO which, despite its best to be professional in reporting may not always have perfectly accurate numbers based on the fact that some countries don’t fully report their statistics the way that they should be reported.

Many suggest the US develops an opportunistic screening process detecting oral cancers to see if that helps catch tumors earlier. The high death rate for oral cancers attributes to the fact that most oral cancers are not caught till they metastasize and break off into another part of the body. Generally, this is in the lymph nodes of the throat. By then the cancer has invaded deep into the structures of the mouth and throat and there is little to do to help the patient. Besides, anyone who gets oral cancer has a 20x higher chance of a reoccurrence of getting it again for 5 to 10 years after the initial diagnosis. It is estimated that $3.2 billion is spent every year alone in the US fighting oral cancers, and treating people who get it.

If you have questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”