Baton Rouge Dentist

Will I Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

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I need extractions for my remaining teeth because I lost most of them to injury and disease. I think I would need bone grafting if I got implants or implant dentures My family dentist says he can place implants, but when I ask them how many implant patients he has had, his answer was “a few.” I’ve been missing teeth so long that I am concerned about needing bone grafting before implants. How do I explain to my dentist that I would rather someone else do the implants? Thank you. Richard from Minneapolis

Richard,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s implants. Your decision to get dental implants will improve your oral health and quality of long-term quality of life. You are wise to look for a dentist with advanced implant training for the long-term survival of your implants.

Will You Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

You will need bone grafting for dental implants if you lack enough bone volume to support the implants. After taking a 3-D CT scan, an implant dentist or oral surgeon will explain whether you need bone grafts.

What Is Dental Implant Bone Grafting?

Dental implant bone grafting is a method of building up the lost bone with a graft. Grafts are necessary because the jawbone shrinks when all your teeth are missing. Without enough bone, your dental implants will lack support. It takes about four months for the grafts to heal before you can get implants.

In cases where a dentist must remove damaged teeth, extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement may occur on the same day.

What Are Sources of Bone for Grafts?

An implant dentist may use these sources for bone:

  • Donor’s bone
  • Synthetic bone
  • processed bone from a cow or big
  • Bone harvested from your shin or hip

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants and Grafting?

An implant dentist will determine if you are a candidate for implant dentures and bone grafting after taking x-rays and a CT scan. You are probably a candidate if the following is true about you:

  • Good oral health
  • Good overall health, including free of gum disease
  • A non-smoker

How to Find a Dentist for Implants

You can find a dentist for implants by looking at dental websites and reviewing each doctor’s biography for these qualifications:

  • Post-graduate training in implant dentistry
  • Continuing education in implant dentistry
  • Currently and regularly performs implant surgery
  • Positive online reviews
Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture is an affordable implant denture

After choosing two or three dentists who meet the qualifications, schedule consultations to discuss your concerns and learn about your treatment options and costs for implant dentures. Explain to your family dentist that you appreciate and value his work in support of your oral health. Still, you prefer a dentist with years of training and experience with implant patients.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family and implant dentist, sponsors this post.

Can lemons make my teeth whiter?

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I am interested in whitening my teeth and have been researching ways to do it myself. The more natural options continue to appeal to me. My teeth aren’t in terrible condition, but I would be happy if they were a little brighter. The lemon and orange method to whitening continues to jump out at me. They say if you use the essential oils in these fruits, or rub the peels on your teeth daily, the method works as a whitening agent. How does this help? What causes the fruit to whiten my teeth?

Thanks,
Carrie

Dear Carrie,
While this, indeed, is a solution promoted by natural health resources, it can cause permanent damage to your teeth for several reasons.

  1. There are many reasons for tooth discoloration. The discoloration of teeth can be intrinsic, which comes from inside the tooth, or extrinsic coming from outside. When a tooth dies, it becomes gray. Age, genetic factors, hard brushing, acidic wear, or some medications, can all cause discoloration to show through. Extrinsic stains are often the result of habits such as drinking soda, coffee, tea, wine, or juice. Smoking can also cause the change in color.
  2. Clean teeth don’t usually have external staining. Teeth build up a natural layer of plaque. This is similar to the slippery film on a rock in a river or a lake. This plaque layer is called biofilm and it includes bacteria that can cause tooth decay or gum disease. Brushing twice a day and visiting your general dentist regularly can ensure none of the biofilm stays on teeth. Coloring from food or drinks won’t have much to stick to when teeth are clean. It is when the biofilm builds up that the stains tend to last. Regular dental hygiene is the best way to prevent this buildup.
  3. Citrus fruits do whiten teeth. Citrus fruits can brighten teeth, mainly due to their citric acid killing the bacteria. Apple cider vinegar can also be used on discolored teeth, but does have acetic acid.
  4. Acids can damage tooth enamel. The acid in the above cures will weaken and wear down the enamel on teeth, magnify the discoloration of teeth, cause them to become more sensitive, and make them more susceptible to decay. Unfortunately, once tooth enamel goes away, there is no way to get it back. Some sources suggest using oil or a water rinse to weaken the impact of the acid, but this is not a guarantee. The best choice would be not to use the methods which involve acid at all.
  5. Use professional whitening. It is important to discuss any of the natural cures to the stained teeth with your dentist first. Determine what he or she thinks is best, or, better yet, find a dentist who does teeth whitening, and know that it is a tested and safe method.

This blog is sponsored by Baton Rouge teeth whitening dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Should I see an emergency dentist for a canker sore?

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I have had a horrible canker sore for days. I normally have a pretty high pain tolerance, but last night, I was unable to eat dinner. The spot looks terrible and is the size of a corn kernel. It’s raised and red and white on top. I should mention that this is not the first canker sore I’ve experienced, but it’s definitely the worst canker sore I’ve ever had. Should I consult an emergency dentist? Or, would it be better to see my regular doctor?

Thanks,
Christine

Dear Christine,

If you have not yet tried any at-home canker sore remedies, it may be too soon for an emergency dentist. Typically, spots such as these heal themselves in a matter or 10-14 days. However, it’s a matter of managing the pain and discomfort until that time.

Many products can provide canker sore relief. A good starting point would be an oral anesthetic from the dental aisle of your local pharmacy or grocery store. Normally these come in a tube or gel-like pads that go on a tissue. If the canker sore appears to have become infected, a topical antiseptic should be applied to the area. Another option is a product made for killing germs, or do a rinse with part water, part hydrogen peroxide. Listerine works well, too, as some people have reported quick pain relief from it.

True canker sores can have many causes. Biting your cheek, injury, stress, allergies, or friction from dental tools, are some possible causes. In addition, there are other problems that may appear and feel like a canker sore, such as cancer or viruses. If you have several canker sores, it would be a good idea to see a doctor or dentist for an evaluation. If it doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks of developing the canker sore, or it the pain worsens, you should schedule a checkup. These appointments do not have to be with an emergency dentist unless the pain is unbearable.

This post is brought to you by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

How do I keep dentures from flapping?

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I have a problem with my dentures. They keep flapping. The denture adhesive doesn’t work. Do you have any recommendations?

Jeff B. – Ft. Worth, TX

Jeff,

Dentures are naturally problematic, especially the bottom arch which just rests on your jawbone. Dental implants are a much better option, but I realize that not everyone can afford them. There are affordable dental implants.

These are “mini implants” that will enable you to anchor your dentures. You’ll find that it increases your chewing capacity. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about them slipping any more. They’ll stay secure in your mouth.

I hope this ehlps your situation.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.