NorthbrookCourtDental.com: Dental Implants – Treatment For Tooth Loss

By Michael Vold, DDS

The loss of a tooth can have a dramatically negative impact on your appearance. Tooth loss can also cause you to have speech and chewing problems, as well as cause the weakening and movement of other teeth. A missing tooth can also result in bite problems and jawbone erosion.

There are many reasons for suffering a tooth loss, including poor oral hygiene and gum disease, inadequate nutrition, and accidents. Approximately 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth.

One of the primary reasons for tooth loss is tooth decay. Plaque builds up in the mouth when teeth aren’t brushed and flossed regularly or properly. The plaque contains sugars and acids that eat through tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. If the deterioration isn’t stopped, the damage can lead to the loss of teeth.

Accidents involving major impacts, such as falls, sporting injuries and auto accidents, can cause tooth loss as well. According to recent studies, most Americans will have lost an average of 12 teeth by age 50, and one out of every four people will have lost all of their teeth by the time they reach 60 years of age.

Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for replacing missing teeth. The implants are made of titanium, a metal known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. They look just like a tooth’s normal root. Designed to fuse with bone, they provide the foundation for replacement teeth, including crowns, bridges and dentures

During the second stage of the procedure, a small amount of gum is removed to expose the top of the implant. An abutment (connecting element) is attached to the part of the implant that appears above the gum line. After the abutment has healed, it is fitted with a crown. The process of fusing the implant to the jawbone provides increased strength and stability for the new tooth. It also helps ensure the tooth looks natural.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, they do not rest on your gums, nor do they slip or click. They are not anchored to adjacent teeth like bridges, nor do they require any teeth in the mouth to be reduced in size.

The benefits of dental implants include a more attractive appearance, increased comfort and improved speech. Implants will also make it easier to eat and chew food because they function exactly like your own regular teeth.

Except for young children, anyone with missing teeth is a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants can also replace existing bridges or dentures.

The success rate for dental implants is extremely high. However, they do need to be taken care of just like natural teeth, including regular brushing and flossing. Properly maintained, dental implants will last for many years.

If you have missing teeth, consult a dental oral surgeon who knows how to implant teeth. During your initial consultation, you can find out more about the procedure, about the results you can expect, and the cost dental implants typically amount to in your area.


Author Bio:
Dr. Michael Vold, DDS, JD, (Northbrook Court Dental, Northbrook, IL http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) has been practicing dentistry over 30 years & is a national lecturer. See more at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com/aboutdentist.html. Visit his blog at http://northbrookcourtdental.com/blog/

Northbrook Court Dental Offers Dental Implants

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) announced it now provides dental implants for patients with missing teeth. According to recent studies, approximately 69% of adults from the ages of 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to periodontal disease, tooth decay, an unsuccessful root canal or an accident, and 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth by age 74.
“Not only can the loss of a tooth change your appearance, it can cause problems with chewing,” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. and founder of Northbrook Court Dental Associates. “Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth and regain a beautiful smile.”
Dental implants can replace a single lost tooth or several missing teeth. The implants are made of titanium, an extremely strong metal, and shaped like a tooth root. They are fused into the jawbone and covered with a crown.
The implant procedure is a three step process that involves attaching the implant to the jawbone, placing an abutment on top of the implant and fitting the abutment with a crown. Once the implant is in place, it is taken care of just like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing.
Implants have become more popular than bridges because they do not have to be anchored to adjacent teeth. They are also sturdier and more comfortable than dentures, which can slip or cause embarrassing clicks.
“Dental implants are one of the best solutions for missing teeth,” says Dr. Vold. “They will correct any bite problems that resulted from the lost tooth, and make it much easier to eat.”
For more information about cost dental implants and Northbrook Court Dental Associates' treatment services, visit the Northbrook dentistry office's website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call the office today at 847-272-2900.
About
Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Northbrook Court Dental Associates Offers Oral Cancer Screening

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) has announced it now offers oral cancer screenings. Thousands of Americans are diagnosed each year with oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer. Both are life-threatening diseases. Early detection can result in less aggressive surgical procedures and increase treatment success.

“Most oral cancers are slow growing squamous cell carcinomas,” says Dr. Michael Vold, founder of Northbrook Court Dental Associates. “If the tumor is discovered when it is still small, it can usually be surgically removed.”

Oral cancer is caused by viruses such as the Human papillomavirus (especially HPV-16), as well as UV exposure, toxins or a diet with very little fruits or vegetables. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption over the age of 50 can also lead to oral cancer. Sometimes the disease is the result of cancer that has metastasized in another part of the body.

Common signs of the disease include lesions, ulcers, lumps and red or white patches in the mouth. Oral cancer often causes difficulty chewing and swallowing, earaches, facial numbness and may even affect a person’s ability to speak. As the disease progresses, it can become increasingly painful, and produce sensations such as tingling and burning in the mouth and on the tongue.

According to Vold, a dentist can usually see or feel the cancer. The diagnosis is then confirmed by a tissue biopsy. Oral cancer treatments range from various surgical procedures to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“We look for indicators of oral cancer every time a patient comes in for an exam,” says Vold. “Patients are also advised to contact our office if a lump or lesion in the mouth doesn’t go away in two weeks.”

For more information on oral cancer, speak with a Northbrook dentist at Northbrook Court Dental Associates, or visit the Northbrook dentistry office's website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com. To make an appointment for an oral cancer screening, call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Oral Cancer

By Dr. Michael Vold

Regular dental exams are an important part of oral health care. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year can prevent many future problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. During your visit, both your teeth and gums will be examined. Your dentist will also check the tissues in your mouth for signs of oral cancer. More than 42,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer.

Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells form the main part of the outer layer of the skin. They can also be found in the lips, mouth and other types of body tissue.

Bodies have built-in processes that normally destroy any cancer cells that are created. When there is a breakdown in certain types of internal communications, it can result in DNA mutations. These changes can not only impact the cell’s ability to control its behavior, but also impede the body’s ability to get rid of the cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the result of uncontrolled cell growth. It can be caused by many factors, including viruses, radiation, UV exposure and toxins, in addition to excessive tobacco and alcohol use, and a diet that consists of very little fruits or vegetables. The disease can also occur due to metastasis from another cancer site in the body.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), version 16 has been determined to increase the risk of oral cancer. There are hundreds of papillomaviruses that produce skin warts. The virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, and is considered the most frequently sexually transmitted disease. It can take many years from the time of infection for the virus to be clinically detected.

Signs of oral cancer include lesions, ulcers or lumps that do not heal within a few weeks. The cancer is usually small and pale colored. It can appear as white or red patches in the tissue of the mouth, behind wisdom teeth or the ear, as well as on the lip, tongue and inside the mouth.

Oral cancer symptoms typically involve tongue problems and difficulty swallowing, speaking or chewing, along with a persistent earache, facial numbness or hoarseness. In early stages of the disease, there is usually little to no pain. However, as the cancer progresses, it can cause sensations in the mouth and on the tongue, such as prickling, tickling, tingling and burning, as well as increased discomfort in the mouth.

Most lesions can be seen or felt by your dentist. A tissue biopsy is used to confirm the presence of cancer.

If the tumor is small, it will usually be surgically removed. Treatment can also include radiation and chemotherapy. There are several other types of oral cancer surgeries that can be performed depending on the extent of the cancer.

If you have lesions, lumps or skin discoloration on your tongue or in your mouth, schedule a dental exam with a Northbrook dentist who is skilled in oral dental surgery. Early detection of this life threatening disease can increase your chances of successful treatment.

Northbrook Court Dental Offers Periodontal Therapy to Reverse Damage from Gum Disease

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) has announced that it is offering periodontal therapy to help reverse damage from gum disease.

“Nearly 75% of all adult tooth loss is the result of periodontal disease,” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “With early detection and treatment, gum disease damage can be repaired and tooth loss avoided.”

According to a 2012 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one out of every two adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease (periodontitis).

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and tarter buildup in the mouth. Plaque is a yellow film of bacteria that adheres to the teeth. The bacteria comes from food and other organic matter. Plaque can usually be removed with regular brushing and flossing. However, if it remains in the mouth for long periods of time, it hardens into tartar. Once plaque has turned into tarter, it can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Gingivitis is the start of periodontal disease. Symptoms include red, swollen and bleeding gums. As the disease progresses, the tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull away, resulting in loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Between 80 to 90% of all U.S. teens currently have some form of gingivitis.

Periodontal therapy includes scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tarter above and below the gum line. Root planing eliminates any remaining bacteria on the tooth’s root. If there has been significant bone and tissue loss, dental surgery may be also be necessary.

“Our office specializes in techniques to prevent gum disease,” says Vold. “We also have individualized treatment programs for patients who have been diagnosed with the disease.”

For more information on periodontal disease and Northbrook Court Dental Associates' treatment services, visit the Northbrook dentistry office's website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Avoiding Tooth Loss from Gum Disease

By Dr. Michael Vold

With proper dental hygiene, you can maintain a beautiful smile and healthy teeth throughout your life. When you don’t take care of your teeth, decay can set in and cause tooth loss.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of U.S. adults over the age of 30 – nearly 65 million people – have some form of periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria comes from the food we eat. It combines with mucus and other organic matter in the mouth to create plaque, a biofilm that coats the teeth. Only regular brushing and flossing can remove dental plaque and prevent plaque build-up.

Any plaque that is not removed from your teeth will begin accumulating the minerals found in saliva. Over time, this combination of plaque and minerals will harden into tarter (also called calculus). Tartar has a yellow-brown color. Because of its hardness, tarter can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Plaque and tarter cause both tooth decay and gum irritation. The gums become irritated and inflamed from the bacteria. This is also known as gingivitis, and is considered the beginning stages of periodontal disease. Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleaning can usually stop gingivitis from progressing or eliminate the problem altogether.

If gingivitis isn’t treated, the gum tissue will begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets (spaces) that become infected. As the bacteria in the area spreads, the body’s immune system kicks in to fight the infection. Both the bacteria and the immune system’s response causes bone and tissue deterioration, which leads to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen or bleeding gums, difficulty or pain when chewing, bad breath and receding gums. People who smoke, have diabetes or an autoimmune disease are at greater risk of gum disease. Periodontitis can also be caused by taking certain medications.

Gum diseases treatment is focused on eliminating the infection. This usually requires deep cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar. Scaling is a form of deep cleaning the gets rid of tarter above and below the gum line. Root planing is another technique that is used to scrape off bacteria from a tooth’s root. An antibiotic may also be used to help with the healing process.

After the teeth and gums have been thoroughly cleaned, keeping the area bacteria-free with brushing and flossing is critical.

In severe cases, dental surgery may be needed for even deeper cleaning and to reduce the size of the pockets that have formed. Reducing pockets will make it easier to keep bacteria out of the area.

Bone and tissue grafts may also be necessary if there has been significant bone and tissue loss.

The best way to prevent gum disease is with good oral hygiene. This includes at-home care as well as regular dental visits. If you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, contact a Northbrook dentist and request a dental exam. Treating gum disease at any stage can help prevent the loss of your teeth.

Improving Your Appearance with Tooth Whitening

by Dr. Michael Vold

Have you ever wondered what happened to the beautiful white teeth you had as a child? As we grow older, our tooth enamel starts to weaken and become more porous. Over time, the enamel becomes stained. This is especially true for smokers and people who drink coffee, tea and red wine. Highly colored foods can also cause staining, as well as soft drinks, sweets and excessive fluoride. Teeth can also become discolored from certain medications, such as tetracycline. Your teeth also darken with age – part of Mother Natures cruel design.

There are several ways you can avoid stains, such as drinking beverages with a straw. The straw will keep the liquid away from your teeth. Quickly swallowing foods or beverages that cause stains will minimize the problem as well. Brushing and flossing after eating is also an important factor in maintaining the original color of your teeth.

One way to restore your teeth’s natural whiteness is with dental Chicago tooth whitening. There are many over-the counter tooth whitening products such as gels and whitening strips that can be used at home. Most of these products will need to be applied on a regular basis to keep teeth looking white. The results from at-home kits can vary depending on the product. People who use at-home tooth whitening products are often at higher risk of gum irritation and burns from bleaching. Another common problem for kit users is overbleaching, which can increase the sensitivity of teeth and decrease tooth enamel.

Because dental office Chicago teeth whitening is conducted by a trained professional, the risk of gum and tooth damage is minimized, making it the best teeth whitening route to take. Many people prefer dentist whitening of the teeth because the entire procedure can be completed quickly, uniformly and generally will achieve better results.

Types of bleach include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which changes to hydrogen peroxide when applied. The in-office process uses products with stronger concentrations from the over-the-counter strips and gels. This insures optimal results within the shortest period of time.

Not all stains or discoloration can be eliminated with whitening for teeth. If you have yellow teeth, you are probably a good candidate for the procedure. Some of the discolorations caused by sensitivity to minerals in the water or medications may require special techniques that can only be delivered by the dental office.

Tooth whitening will not change the color of fillings from earlier dental procedures. If you have fillings on your front teeth, you may want to consider re-doing those restorations following tooth whitening.

There are many benefits to teeth whitening Chicago, including a more attractive smile, looking younger and creating a good first impression when meeting other people. The procedure can also increase a person’s self-esteem and result in better oral hygiene.

If you are considering whitening your teeth, a dentist Northbrook can give you expert advice on the procedure and discuss any concerns you have regarding the process. A dental office that offers teeth whitening can also advise you on which tooth whitening method is best for your teeth.