Posted by Andrew Milller on Tue, Dec 08, 2009
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
Why dental implants?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:
Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is. There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
How much do dental implants cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you.
Who is a Candidate?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you. If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, you may benefit from dental implants
Implants can support single or multiple crowns or bridge work or any combination of these.
Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth. Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.
How much time is required for a dental implant placement?
Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, your are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
How will I care for my dental implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist in six months, or more frequently if so advised.
Posted by Janet Steward on Tue, Oct 27, 2009
Dr. Andrew Miller, one of the most sought-after dentists in Colorado Springs, weighs in on what pregnant women should know about oral health. Read on....
There is plenty to think about during pregnancy. For most women, maintaining good health is a primary goal. In order to achieve it, pregnant women are encouraged to eat healthier, avoid smoking and drinking, and incorporate moderate exercise into their day. But there needs to be another component to their daily health routine — superior oral care.
Many expectant mothers may erroneously believe that pregnancy leads to a deterioration of their oral health. But with a bit of extra attention, good oral health can be maintained throughout the pregnancy. More importantly, maintaining healthy gums may be linked to delivering a healthy baby.
Many women experience more bleeding and swollen gums during pregnancy. These gum problems develop during the second trimester and are due to an increase in estrogen and progesterone that stimulates blood flow. The resulting changes are making it easier for plaque to develop on teeth which, as a result, will further enhance gingival inflammation and it’s clinical signs. However, a thorough oral care routine, as recommended by dental professionals, can help pregnant women keep their teeth free of plaque and offset the risk of gum disease.
An oral routine for pregnancy
during pregnancy daily brushing and flossing are important. Some women are very tired and may ignore the significance of their daily oral hygiene routines. Knowing how important oral hygiene is may provide the needed incentive. It has been reported that pregnant women can experience nausea during tooth brushing. If this is the case, using clinically proven anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes are recommended. And continue flossing doing it more often to compensate.
Also, understand that eating frequently during the day, which many pregnant women find themselves doing to avoid nausea, isn’t in the best interest of your teeth, especially snacks made up of starchy, sticky or sugary snacks such as sodas, crackers and hard candies. If you need to snack choose crunchy vegetables or fruit. They increase the flow of saliva which will neutralize the acids plaque produced from snack including carbohydrates. Also, try to brush after snacks, or at least rinse the mouth with water.
Make regular dental visits a priority, just as you would an appointment with the obstetrician. When you go for dental care, be sure to inform your dentist and/or dental hygienist that you are pregnant. If gum disease develops, indicated by sore inflamed gums, see an dentist immediately.
Remember, oral care is always important but even more of a priority during pregnancy. Cultivate and maintain good habits and gum disease can be prevented, giving you one less thing to worry about during pregnancy.
Posted by Janet Steward on Tue, Sep 29, 2009
Most of the things we do to stay healthy work for us in more ways than one. For instance, many foods like fruits and vegetables that supply vitamins and minerals to the entire body are also good for teeth and gums. However, there are ways that what and how we eat can hurt our oral health and there is more to it than just staying away from candy. Dr. Andrew Miller, Colorado Springs dentist, believes it pays to be aware of how our diet affects our oral health.
Sugars and Starches
Nearly all foods contain sugar and starches. This doesn't mean that they are always bad for you - or your dental health - but merely that they are best eaten as part of a meal rather than by themselves. Eaten in balance with vegetables, grains, fruit, dairy and protein means that there are mechanism ready to remove the plaque that these types of foods create in your mouth. Balanced meals have numerous benefits because fat speeds up the removal of food from the mouth and protein acts as a buffer to oral bacteria. And remember, most processed foods like chips and crackers, are high in starch and are best eaten only in moderation anyway.
Not What, But How Often
Many people have begun embracing diets that recommend eating 4-5 small meals a day. While this may work metabolically, it can have a negative impact on oral health. Each time you eat your mouth has to deal with the aftermath. Frequent snacking makes it hard for your mouth to rid itself of all the plaque-creating acids.
If you do eat more frequently, don't nibble over the course of a long time. Also, follow up meals with a glass of water. And, of course, brushing afterwards is always a good idea.
Drinking Problems
Not only do iced tea and soda contain sugar, which is bad for your teeth, they also harm the enamel that protect your teeth. So, frequent consumption of these types of drinks has an impact, and drinking them slowly makes it worse. If you do indulge, drink more quickly and use a straw to limit contact with your teeth.
Take your Vitamins
While getting our nutrition from what is naturally present in the food we eat is best, taking supplements can help if you aren't sure you always eat right. Our teeth especially need calcium, vitamins D and C and folic acid.
Sensitive Teeth
If hot or cold foods cause tooth pain, you may have a problem with tooth sensitivity. Dental sensitivity typically comes from exposed dentin, which is the layer below enamel and root covering on our teeth. Dental sensitivity can be an indication of poor brushing technique or the presence of gum disease, usually at an early stage. It also comes from grinding or clenching, often done unconsciously when asleep. There are treatments for many of the causes of dental sensitivity, so see your dentist.
Posted by Janet Steward on Mon, Sep 14, 2009
 In our dental practice in Colorado Springs we have many patients with diabetes who need a little extra special care. Diabetes has a whole host of severe implications for the body. One important and often overlooked implication involves gum disease. Gum disease, especially severe gum disease is an uncomfortable and oftentimes hard to control oral care problem. In addition, gum disease can have implications on a diabetic's overall health making it harder to control their diabetes. Diabetes on the rise Unfortunately, the number of people with diabetes continues to rise dramatically. In 1985, an estimated 30 million people worldwide had diabetes. Just one decade later in 1995, the World Health Organization and International Diabetes Foundation estimated that 135 million people suffered from diabetes. Today, it is estimated that over 177 million people worldwide have diabetes and one-third to one half remain undiagnosed. There is also significant concern about the growth in prediabetes. Prediabetics have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered as diabetics. Over 350 million people worldwide are believed to have prediabetes. Recent research shows that long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during prediabetes. How diabetes impacts oral health People who do not properly treat their diabetes suffer from under-controlled blood sugar levels. People with diabetes—particularly those who do not properly control their blood sugar levels—are susceptible to the development of gum disease and other oral infections. Nearly 64 percent of diabetics already have some level of gum disease. Diabetes slows healing and increases the risk of infection. Therefore, in the event oral surgery is required, diabetics, particularly those whose blood sugar is poorly controlled, are faced with a higher risk of complications. The relationship between diabetes and gum disease is bi-directional . Diabetes can worsen gum disease and, at the same time, gum disease can make diabetes harder to control. For instance, once an oral infection or gum disease is present in a diabetic, the progression of the condition is typically much faster than for a non-diabetic. As a diabetic or prediabetic it is important that your oral routine includes the following: - Thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. Since a Sonicare is clinically proven to reduce gingivitis, it's a perfect choice.
- If you smoke, it's important that you quit. If you are diabetic, smoking increases your risk of gum disease significantly.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
- Also, contact the dentist if you notice soreness in your gums, dry mouth, white patches or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Maintaining control of your blood glucose is equally important for oral health as it is for your overall well-being.
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Posted by Janet Steward on Tue, Sep 01, 2009
In our dental practice in Colorado Springs, we see many patients that are unaware of the effects that periodontal disease can have on their heart and overall health. If you have heart disease or you are at a high risk of developing heart problems, you need to be aware of the link between oral health and systemic health.
Recent studies suggest that people with periodontal disease very often have heart disease as well. One theory is that this is due to oral bacteria present in gum disease, which can affect the heart if they enter the blood stream. While periodontal disease doesn't necessarily cause heart disease, it is nevertheless a good risk indicator.
Remember, the mouth is the gateway to the body. Take care of your gums and teeth and it can pay off. Whether you see them or not, good oral care can have an impact on the health of other areas of your body - including your heart.
If you have, or are at risk of getting, heart disease:
- Keep your mouth healthy with twice daily brushing, using a high quality toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. For most people it is easier to remove plaque with a powerbrush, for example the Sonicare, than a normal toothbrush.
- See your dentist and dental hygienist as directed and make sure they know about your heart condition and overall health.
- In turn, alert your physician if you have periodontal disease.
- If you have gums that are red or irritated or that bleed easily, see your dentist immediately.
- Use medications, including antibiotics, exactly as instructed.
Posted by Janet Steward on Wed, Aug 19, 2009
Some of our Colorado Springs dental patients are concerned about halitosis (bad breath) and some don’t even know that they have it.
Bad breath has several causes. The food we eat (onions, cabbage, garlic) can cause bad breath when it is absorbed into the blood stream, transferred to the lungs and exhaled. Sometimes, gasses produced during the digestive process can cause bad breath if there are other digestive issues such as constipation and other bowel disorders.
Bad breath can also be caused by gum disease, cavities, poor oral hygiene, oral cancer and bacteria growing on the tongue.
Here are some ways to prevent halitosis:
1. Brush and floss TWICE a day and especially after meals that may contain food or spices known to cause bad breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and rinse, preferably with mouthwash.
2. Visit your dentist at least every six months (or more frequently if you have gum disease) to have your teeth and gums thoroughly cleaned and have the dentist perform a thorough examination.
3. Visit your dentist at the first sign of any problems such as an abscess or cavity.
4. Stay away from foods known to cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, cabbage and certain spices. If you do have to eat any of these foods, eat some parsley along with it. Parsley contains chlorophyll which naturally freshens the breath.
5. Stop smoking! Smoking creates bad breath and is also a contributing factor to gum disease.
Posted by Janet Steward on Thu, Aug 13, 2009
Waterlase Laser
In our dental practice in Colorado Springs, we are able to fix small cavities and perform surgeries with this great laser called the Waterlase. We are able to fix small cavities without getting the patient numb. This is a great plus because, for many patients, the injection is the part of the appointment they fear the most.
It has become essential in the way in which we do various surgeries. As a general rule, any surgeries done with the laser will heal 7 times faster than with traditional older methods. Since we are able to be non-invasive with the laser, we are able to do multiple procedures at the same time rather than having to wait for healing time in between.
Here’s how it works.
Posted by Janet Steward on Fri, Jul 17, 2009
Here, in our dental office in Colorado Springs, DR. ANDREW MILLER and his team just love MI Paste! We sell it to our patients and use it ourselves. It’s kind of like vitamins for your teeth.
Here are some of the things they are saying about this great little product. Take a read and then come in and get your own MI Paste.
The Answer to Stronger Teeth and Better Oral Health
Numerous activities can harm your teeth and create an acid imbalance in your mouth. When that happens, your teeth can lose nutrients and strength, and you could have trouble producing enough saliva containing the minerals your teeth need to stay strong and healthy.
If you answer YES to any of the following questions, just click on it to find out how MI Paste™ and MI Paste Plus™ with RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) can help you.
Are your teeth sensitive?
Do you drink soft drinks?
Do you wear braces?
Do you experience dry mouth?
Do you whiten and bleach your teeth?
Are you pregnant?
MI Paste and MI Paste Plus with RECALDENT (CPP-ACP):
• Strengthens your teeth with tooth-replenishing calcium and phosphate
• Releases vital minerals into your mouth when and where they’re needed
• Produces a saliva-like environment that maintains normal acid levels and healthy teeth
• Recaldent™ CPP-ACP is milk derived with lactose content less than 0.01%.*
• Helps condition, protect and rebuild your tooth surfaces
• Is a water-based, sugar-free crème that comes in five delicious flavors
Use MI Paste Plus
- For white spot lesions
- For desensitizing
- During and/or after orthodontics
- For medically compromised patients
- For salivary deficiency/dry mouth
- For patients with acidic oral environments
- For erosion and gastric reflux
- For patients with poor plaque control
- For high-caries risk patients
- To provide extra protection for teeth
Posted by Janet Steward on Fri, Jun 19, 2009
At our dental office in Colorado Springs, we pride ourselves on our ability to get patients who are in pain seen and taken care of the same day. Even if you are not a patient of record, we will do everything we can to see you the same day. If you have a toothache, this blog may be useful.
There can be multiple possible causes of a toothache. They range from a cavity(which is usually the most common) to an abscess or gum disease (the second most common cause of a toothache). There may be root irritation or a microscopic fracture of the tooth. Sometimes a toothache is caused by TMJ disorder (pain in the joint). Impacted wisdom teeth or ones that are just starting to erupt can also cause pain.
Dr. Andrew Miller, will need to take x-rays to determine exactly where and from what the pain is originating. This will enable him to make a diagnosis so that the cause can be treated. Another thing that we pride ourselves on is that we will never do treatment without discussing the fees in advance. There should be no nasty financial surprises for you. We accept most insurances and we offer excellent financial options that helps make treatment affordable to almost everyone.
Here's a good article with greater in-depth coverage and explanations.
Posted by Andrew Milller on Thu, Jun 11, 2009
Here at the Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Colorado Springs, Dr. Andrew Miller is a great believer in the value that Cerec same-day crowns bring to his patients. Not only is the quality exceptional, patients can have the crown completed in just one visit instead of two or more visits.
View these newspaper articles on Cerec.