LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Immediate Dentures: Advantages and Disadvantages by Lake Lanier Smiles, Affordable Buford Dentist

IMMEDIATE DENTURES: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES by lake lanier smiles

WHAT IS AN IMMEDIATE DENTURE

An Immediate denture is a denture placed immediately after the teeth have been removed. It might not look and function like a regular denture but it acts as a transition from having teeth to getting a new denture.

Always a denture fabricated after the tissue heals will be a much better fitted denture than an immediate denture.

Immediate denture is the only option to have function and esthetics for the patient after the teeth are removed and waiting for the tissues to heal.

Approximately 3-4 months after making immediate dentures, the dentures can be relined, rebased or a new denture will need to be made.

It is important to understand that there is nothing called a Permanent Denture because our mouth continue to change over time and even the best fitting denture will become loose eventually. So we at Lake Lanier Smiles advice patients to replace dentures every 5-10 years depending on the patient age, sex and use.

NOTE: Most Dental Insurances replace the dentures, both partial dentures and complete dentures every 5 years. Please talk to our dental Insurance specialist at Lake Lanier Smiles to know your dental benefits.

ADVANTAGES OF AN IMMEDIATE DENTURE

The most important advantage of an immediate denture is that you don’t have to go without the teeth. Below are some of the other advantages.

1. Duplication of the natural teeth. When some of the patient’s natural teeth are present will make it easy to duplicate the size, shape and form.

2. Healing Denture. Immediate dentures act as a healing denture holding the gums together and also reduces bleeding.

3. Protection from Irritants. Immediate dentures protect the extraction sites from irritation from food.

4. No speech Interferences. It is easy to speak when dentures are there because they replace the missing natural teeth. If teeth are not present then speech will be effected and once new dentures are made then it needs to be re-learned.

5. Chewing Capacity. Immediate dentures helps in chewing than chewing without teeth. Patients don’t have to eat soft food until permanent dentures are made.

6. Keep the natural appearance. Loosing natural teeth makes the check fall in and dentures help in prevention of the loss of natural appearance.

7. Easy Transition. Patients tend to have a smooth transition from natural teeth to immediate dentures and then final dentures than waiting for some time without teeth.

DISADVANTAGES OF AN IMMEDIATE DENTURE

Immediate dentures are very useful but have some limitations. Here are some disadvantages of immediate dentures.

1. Additional Expense. Immediate dentures are new dentures but used for a short period of time only so it’s an extra expense. But the benefits overweight the additional expense.

2. Improper Fit. The fit of the immediate denture is not as good as final denture made after healing. But soft relines are used to make the dentures fit better.

3. No Try In. When fabricating the immediate dentures we cannot show the patient how the dentures look like until they are finished by the lab unlike the permanent dentures.

4. Extra Steps/ Time consuming. Patient needs to be seen couple of times for fitting and delivery of the immediate dentures. But it’s worth the time.

5. More Adjustments. In general an immediate denture needs more adjustments than a final denture.

COST OF IMMEDIATE DENTURES

Generally Immediate dentures cost $200 more than standard dentures, but at Lake Lanier Smiles we have made a commitment that we will have Immediate dentures at the same price as regular dentures.

OUR SPECIAL PRICE FOR IMMEDIATE DENTURE

$499 -$699

Link for more specials

NOTE: Unlike other offices where the prices are lower in one procedure and higher in rest, we at Lake Lanier Smiles offer 30-40% off on all procedures.

NOTE: We never charge for any adjustments. It takes more adjustments in Immediate Dentures than non-immediate dentures.

NOTE: Soft denture reline might be necessary with an Immediate denture but Lake Lanier Smiles offer at a nominal fee.

INSURANCE AND IMMEDIATE DENTURES

All most all dental insurances cover Immediate dentures like a standard denture. But most insurances have limited benefits like $1000- $1500. If a patient needs 10 extractions and each extraction is $100 than all the $1000 are spent in extractions and there is no insurance benefits available for Immediate dentures. So it is very important to plan for out-of-pocket costs for an Immediate denture.

Link to AGD website for further information

If you have any questions about immediate dentures or your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Tooth Extraction, A blog by Lake Lanier Smiles, Affordable Buford Dentist

What you should know about Tooth Extraction

An article by

Lake Lanier Smiles, Affordable Buford Dentist.

Getting teeth extracted can seem daunting and scary. Some patients refrain from getting the procedure due to bad past experiences or that of others.

Tooth extraction is a very common procedure in a dental office. Our dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles are well trained to carry this procedure out. In some critical and difficult cases, you may be referred to an oral surgeon.

After an extraction, there are several ways in which the tooth can be replaced. We will work with you to figure out what’s next after an extraction. At Lake Lanier Smiles, we replace the missing teeth by dental Implant, Bridge or partial denture or complete dentures.

Why do I need my tooth/ teeth to be extracted?
• In cases of severe decay or significantly damaged teeth
• No opposing teeth and over erupted teeth
• Loss of periodontal support surrounding the teeth
• Some teeth may be retained inside the bone causing crowding and other anomalies
• Wisdom teeth that are erupting in an incorrect direction causing severe pain and discomfort
• For orthodontic reasons needing more space for proper alignment
• Those patients undergoing radiation therapy need their infected teeth removed as drugs decrease the immune system.
• Ectopic teeth- rare genetic anomaly resulting in teeth located in the wrong place
• Primary teeth still retained as an adult

TOOTH DECAY : MOST COMMON REASON FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION

Will the tooth extraction be painful?
Before the extraction procedure, the dentist will use anesthesia to numb the area of the extraction. During the procedure, you will feel pressure. Do not be alarmed by this. Many times patients confuse this with pain. If you do feel you are in pain, raise your hand closest to the dentist so they can give more anesthesia.

CARTOON : TOOTH FAIRY HELPING IN EXTRACTION

What will the whole procedure be like?
• X-rays will be taken to determine the plan of action.
• Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area (in a surgical scenario, general anesthesia or conscious sedation may be needed).
• Depending on the location of the tooth within the bone, incisions and bone removal may be necessary.
• With the use of elevators and forceps, the tooth will be teased out of the socket.
• The socket is cleaned of any debris and washed with saline water.
• If necessary, bone graft will be placed to help fill larger voids.
• Dissolvable sutures may be placed to aid in the healing process.
• You will be told to bite on some gauze to help stop the bleeding and given some to take home.
• The dentist will prescribe some extra strength pain killers, however over the counter medication will be enough such as NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Advil).
• Antibiotics may be necessary for patients that had infection surrounding the tooth.

LAKE LANIER SMILES DENTIST WORKING ON A PATIENT

How much do tooth extractions cost?Extractions at Lake Lanier Smiles would cost between $ 119 and $169.We don't charge any extra fees.This fee is for non-insurance patients.Also we accept most dental insurances. Fees with insurance might be lower too.

CLICK HERE FOR EXTRACTION SPECIAL OFFER

What can I expect after the extraction?
• Presence of swelling for a few days- use salt water rinses and cold pack
• Tenderness and soreness of the gums around the socket
• Bleeding should be stopped before leaving the office. Please call us if it does continue at home.
• Nausea may occur due to the anesthesia, swallowed blood, or pain killers
• Locked jaw- limited opening of the mouth. It is not common, but can linger for a week and resolve by stretching the mouth or muscle relaxant drugs.

What instructions should I follow?
• Refrain from smoking for 1-3 days
• Avoid hot food- intake of cool and soft food is recommended
• Avoid using a straw
• Try not to pick at the extraction site with your tongue
• In case of pain, pain killers will help. It is preferred to take a pill before the anesthesia wears off.
• Do not lift heavy objects or perform strenuous activities, as it will cause more bleeding to occur.
• In case of nausea, drink some ginger ale or other carbonated beverages to minimize the feeling.
• Maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing (softly for first couple days), flossing and mouthwash.

CARTOON. PATIENT TALKING TO DENTIST

What is a dry socket?
A complication occurring after an extraction. A clot formation is important for healing of the socket and prevention of bleeding. When the clot is disrupted from forming or remaining, it will lead to a dry socket. The result is severe pain from nerve endings in the socket area. The symptoms will develop 3-4 days after. The clot may be effected by:
• Smoking
• Increase in blood pressure
• Use of a straw
• Infections around the socket
• Manipulation of the site with the tongue
• Food impaction
• Vigorous rinsing of the socket
Please call our office as soon as you feel a dry socket has developed. We will clean out, rinse and add a sedative dressing into the socket.

How can extracted teeth be replaced?
• Bridges
• Total or partial dentures
• Implants
• Orthodontics shifting of teeth

If you have any questions about tooth extractions or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

Monday, July 4, 2016

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: ALL THINGS DENTAL CROWN: AN ARTICLE BY LAKE LANIER...

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: ALL THINGS DENTAL CROWN: AN ARTICLE BY LAKE LANIER...: Affordable Dental Crowns in Buford, GA If you are looking for affordable and high-quality dental crowns in Buford, GA , look no furth...

ALL THINGS DENTAL CROWN: AN ARTICLE BY LAKE LANIER SMILES, BUFORD AFFORDABLE DENTIST

Affordable Dental Crowns in Buford, GA

If you are looking for affordable and high-quality dental crowns in Buford, GA, look no further! You are at the right place. Before our highly-qualified dentists help you get best-in-class dental crowns, we strongly recommend you to read this blog.

What is a Dental Crown?

As you can see from the picture above, a crown is a kind of dental restoration used mainly to encircle or cap a damaged tooth or dental implant. In addition to strengthening a tooth or protecting it from further decay or damage, a dental crown also restores the natural shape and color of the tooth.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

· Your tooth gets weakened by decay

· Your tooth gets fractured, chipped, or worn down

· Your dental bridge needs support to hold in place

· Your tooth looks crooked or discolored

· Your dental implant needs a covering

· Your tooth needs a cosmetic modification for better smile

· Your tooth needs strengthening after a root canal treatment

In addition to the above, your dentist may suggest crowns to treat a variety of other dental conditions or use them in preventive care procedures.

What are the Different Types of Dental Crowns Available to Choose from?

Dental crowns are majorly classified into five different types based mostly on the type of material used to make them. Your dentist suggests a crown to you after assessing several factors like the severity of tooth damage, cosmetic value, its proximity and your financial interests.

1. All Ceramic Crowns: These crowns are used mainly to restore the front teeth. They are popular choice for front teeth because of their ability to blend in with the natural tooth color. On the downside, all ceramic crowns have longevity and durability issues.

2. All Metal Crowns: They are amazing when it comes to strength, durability and retention. They are inexpensive. Metal crowns are mostly preferred for back teeth. They are further classified into two types; gold alloys and base metal alloys.

3. Porcelain-fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: As the name suggests. PFM crowns are a perfect blend of all ceramic and all metal crowns. They inherit the good features of ceramic and metal crowns.

4. All Resin Crowns: These crowns are inexpensive. They look very natural. All resin crowns are one of the best types of crowns when it comes to blending in with the natural teeth. However, most doctors don't suggest these crowns because they undergo wear and tear quickly with time. They are vulnerable to fractures as well. They are used as long term temporary crowns.

5. Zirconium Crowns: The Zirconium crowns are tough. They withstand wear and tear, and look just like natural teeth. These crowns are made at the lab or at the dental office with the help of a computer software. They are little expensive when you compare them with the other types of crowns.

What is the Cost of a Dental Crown?

The cost of a crown depends on the type you prefer to use. Lake Lanier Smiles offers top-notch and affordable dental crowns in Buford, GA and neighboring towns. Our popular crowns are priced between $699 and $799.

How Long will the Dental Crown Procedure Takes Place?

At Lake Lanier Smiles, the procedure is usually completed in two appointments.

First Appointment

· A tooth impression will be taken

· Tooth will be shaped so it lets the crown sit on it perfectly

· A temporary crown will be placed until the permanent crown is cemented

During the time gap between the two appointments, a dental laboratory will fabricate your permanent crown. It usually takes a couple of weeks. The dental Crowns of Lake Lanier Smiles is made with in Georgia and not made outside United States.

Second Appointment

· The temporary crown will be removed

· Dentist will place the crown on the tooth to check for its accuracy

· Dentist will make sure that it isn't giving any bite problems

· The permanent crown will be cemented once everything is fine and clear

What are Some At-home Instructions a Patient needs to follow after the Procedure?

· Over the counter Pain killers like Ibuprofen helps if the pain is persistent.

· Salt water rinses help reduce redness and irritation in gums.

· Refrain from eating anything until the anesthetic effect completely wears off to prevent possible mouth injury.

· Be cautious while eating sticky or hard foods after the doctor puts a temporary crown. Chew on the other side to keep the crown from dislodging.

· Eat only soft food on the day you get your temporary crown.

· Be cautious while flossing. Slide the floss under the crown and gently pull outwards avoiding upward motion.

· In case if the temporary crown gets dislodged, save it and immediately call our office at 770-831-0559.

· You may feel pressure and discomfort for up to 3 days. If the pain or discomfort lasts longer than three days, call our office as soon as possible.

· Sometimes, it isn't uncommon that the tooth becomes loose after the procedure. If you observe any looseness in the tooth or the crown, let us know about it as soon as possible. Any delay in reporting the problem may increase the risk of bacterial infection.

What are Some Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns?

1. Will the Crown look like my natural tooth?

Depending on the type of crown you choose, a crown looks just like a natural tooth. To make it blend in with the adjacent teeth, custom stains can be applied.

2. How long will a crown last?

On average, a crown can last for ten or more years. However, the life of a crown greatly depends on one's oral hygiene habits. People who constantly chew on ice, fingernails or hard foods are at a greater risk of damaging their crowns early.

3. How can I maintain the hygiene of the crown?

Regular oral hygiene habits like cleaning teeth and gums help maintain the life of the crown. In addition to them, you need to make sure that you don't chew on hard food. If you have the habit of grinding your teeth in sleep, you need to inform it to the doctor. The doctor will give you night guard to help prevent damage caused by teeth grinding.

4. Will the reduction of teeth hurt?

No. You hardly notice any discomfort because you will be given an anesthetic.

5. What is a post crown?

In case if the crown needs to be put on a root canal tooth, a post is placed on which the crown is seated. It provides greater stability to the crown.

Do You Need More Information?

If you need more information on dental crowns, give us a call at (770) 831-0559. The customer-obsessed Lake Lanier Smiles team is more than happy to assist you and help you get the right dental crowns you need. In case if you want one of our team members to get in touch with you, please feel free to drop your phone number at info@lakelaniersmiles.com. Don't forget to ask us about the special discounts we offer on various dental procedures!

Lake Lanier Smiles is committed to providing best and affordable dental care in Buford and the surrounding towns. As a Buford emergency dentist, we make sure patients living in the community receive right treatment on right time. We are also one of the few dental offices that offer same-day dental appointment in Buford.

We are conveniently located at 4965 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Suite 105, Buford, GA 30518. We accept most major dental insurances, Care Credit, credit cards, cash and money orders.