Existing Patients: (978) 454-9332 | New Patients: (877) 790-5172 |
Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

How can I get my dental implants to match my teeth whitening?

Posted on by .

In 2011 I received 3 dental implants. They feel natural and they are very durable. I haven’t had any problems with them at all. Although it took 2 years to pay for them on the payment plan, it was worth it. I would do it all over again if I needed to. My concern is the color of my natural teeth. I smile a lot, but my smile looks dull and I want whiter teeth. My 3 implants are on the left, upper front side and they are very visible when I smile. If I understand it correctly, if I get my teeth whitened, they will be darker than the implants because the implant crowns won’t change color. I am wondering what my options are to get my natural teeth whitened and to have the implants match them. Is there some kind of overlay that can be placed on the crowns? Thanks. Camelia

Camelia – Your understanding is correct. Dental implant crowns are made of porcelain, and they are stain resistant and colorfast. Layers of porcelain are used to create natural tooth color and translucence. The color is baked into the porcelain at a dental laboratory. Although porcelain veneers can be placed over natural teeth, it would be difficult to place them over dental crowns. It would make your implant crowns look bulky, and your crowns would still be noticeably different from your natural teeth.

Since your implant crowns are clearly visible when you smile, if you get your teeth whitened, you would need to replace your crowns if you want them to match. Only the top, or crown, of each dental implant needs to be replaced. It will only take two to three weeks to receive crowns that match your natural teeth.

Your teeth can be whitened, but if you have dental implants, you should work with a cosmetic dentist to ensure you have crowns that seamlessly blend with them. Schedule a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Blood around one of my dental implants

Posted on by .

I keep seeing blood around one of my dental implants. It is not constant, but it happens every day. It’s mostly when I floss around it or brush it. Sometimes I don’t notice it, but then I will taste blood in my mouth and look at the implant and there is blood around it. I’ve had the implant for 8 months now. It isn’t still healing is it? Vicente

Vicente – Minor bleeding, swelling, and bruising after dental implant surgery gets better after a few days. If you are noticing blood around an implant eight months after surgery, you need to have the implant examined.

There may be in infection around the implant, or the problem may a result of periodontitis (or gum disease). You may also notice swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, or loosening of the implant. An infection needs to be quickly treated, and bacteria around the implant need to be removed to prevent the implant from loosening and requiring replacement. You may be prescribed an antibiotic or an antibacterial mouthwash to help eliminate the infection.

While a dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, it can also harbor infection like a natural tooth. Diligent oral hygiene is critical for the health and function of implants. A conscientious dentist try to identify the cause of the bleeding so it can be treated and prevented in the future.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

What brands of dental implants cost less than what my dentist uses?

Posted on by .

My dentist uses Nobel Biocare dental implants. After he told me the cost of implants from the imaging to surgery and the crowns, I knew that I should start comparing prices. I asked him about using another brand that is cheaper, but he won’t budge on the brand. He says he uses that brand because he likes it and gets good results. What brands of dental implants are more competitively priced and how can I find a dentist who uses those brands? Thanks. Jim

Jim – Dental implants are fixtures. As with household fixtures, there can be low-priced, low quality fixtures that need to be replaced more frequent, or more expensive, quality fixtures that last many years.

Think about a quality kitchen faucet. It can last for many, many years, and after 15 years or so, it needs to be replaced. If the faucet is replaced with a less expensive one that will need to be replaced in five years or less, or with another, more expensive quality fixture that will last another 15 years. The same is true of dental implant fixtures, high-quality fixtures are more expensive, but they last much longer, and they are less likely to need to be replaced. They also contribute to better overall oral health.

We have a few suggestions for you:

  • Don’t to insist on lower-priced brands of implants, because it can mean a sacrifice in quality.
  • Speak with your dentist about the brand he uses and why he prefers it. The conversation can give you confidence in your dentist’s decision and that he is concerned about your oral health.
  • Get a second and third opinion from other dentists who also use quality fixtures, and discuss your options with them.

Remember that shopping around for a low price can lead to cheap implant fixtures that don’t last, that result in infection, or that require your implants to be completely redone.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

How can I fix a loose dental implant?

Posted on by .

I have 3 teeth implants. I got them in April ’15. One of them is loose. Is there a way for me to get in back in so it will stay at least temporarily? I have a tight deadline to finish some work out of town and I don’t have time to get to a dentist. Is there something over-the-counter that I can get to at least keep it in place? How long would it hold until I can get it cared for properly? Jamisen

Jamisen,

Unfortunately, you will not be able to secure your loose dental implant. It was surgically placed, and it will be to be surgically placed again. This is something that cannot be done in a single day, but it should be a priority.

Your implant surgeon will need to examine the implants and the area in your mouth was placed. The reason for the implant failure will need to be determined before it can be placed again. Implants can loosen because of improper placement, improper healing, or substandard implant fixtures. Smoking can also prevent implants from healing properly.

The implant will be removed, and the implant site will need to heal before the implant is replaced. Bone grafting may be needed, and you may need a new implant. Unfortunately, it will be a few months before your implant is functional again.

See your implant surgeon as soon as possible. Remember that you do have the option to seek a second opinion on the failed dental implant. Even though you have to travel, make your implant a priority. If treatment is delayed, an infection can result. If that happens, the treatment and healing process will be prolonged. So if at all possible, seek help right away.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Is 16 too young for dental implants?

Posted on by .

My 16 year old daughter was in an accident that caused three of her front teeth to get knocked out. We did a quick search for the teeth, but we couldn’t linger in our search because a head injury was suspected. We’re happy to say that she didn’t have a head injury, but we are concerned about the best way to replace her teeth. Teenage years are difficult enough without a problem like this, so I want her to get the best restoration possible for her teeth which as I understand it is dental implants. I have scheduled appointments with three cosmetic dentists to get their opinions and estimates for the cost of the work. We’ve seen one so far, and he recommends a dental bridge, but as I mentioned, I really prefer implants. Is she able to get dental implants at 15? – Jordyn

Jordyn – Although there are no age restrictions for placing dental implants, there are some cosmetic considerations for young patients with jaw growth that is not complete.

Jawbone growth can continue until about age 19. If dental implants are placed while your daughter’s jawbone is still growing, the natural teeth will continue to grow and may surpass the length of the implants. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and will not move to match the length of her natural teeth as her jawbone grows. The uneven teeth could detract from her smile.

You received a recommendation of a dental bridge for your daughter. If you truly want dental implants for her, a less expensive and temporary option is a dental flipper. Replacement teeth are embedded in a plastic mold with clasps that hook onto natural teeth. When your daughter’s jawbone growth is complete, dental implants can be placed.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.