• Caffeine
• Flavors such as apple and lemon
• Capsaicin, which would evoke a warming sensation, or warm massage
• Cooling sensation
• Benzocaine, for pain relief from teething for infants
• Appetite suppressants for weight loss treatment
• Painkillers

The patches would be different shapes to represent their flavor, such as the warming sensation would be a flame, and the cooling sensation a snowflake. Each patch would last for about three months.

The Federal Drug Administration has been cracking down on caffeinated products recently such as caffeinated gum and caffeinated waffles because of caffeine’s effects on children, so many wonder if they will approve the caffeinated toothbrush.

While we wait to see if this innovative toothbrush will hit the market, it’s important to remember to always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time—whether you have a toothbrush that releases caffeine or not. Don’t forget to also floss daily and visit your dentist for a bi-annual check-up.

If you would like to learn more about the dental services offered at Austin Dental Implants, contact us today and set-up your appointment.

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• Make an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam: During your visit with the dentist, you will have dental X-rays taken of your teeth and mouth or even a 3-D scan of your jaw.

• Your dentist will discuss your dental implant treatment plan with you: After analyzing your X-rays, your dentist will share with you how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your jawbone. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support dental implants, your dentist will likely recommend a simple bone grafting procedure before getting dental implants.

• Share your medical history with your dentist: Before getting dental implants, it’s important to tell your dentist about any medical conditions you have and any prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs and supplements you take. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.

• Discuss your anesthesia preference: Your anesthesia options during surgery usually include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Share with your dentist about which option you prefer. If you choose general anesthesia, make sure you have someone who can drive you home after you receive your dental implants.

• Stop excessive drinking and smoking: If you don’t stop drinking excessively and smoking before getting dental implants, your implants will likely not perform as they should. Through choosing to stop smoking and drinking, you will improve not only your overall health, but also your oral health.

Dental implant surgery is a simple and effective way to restore your smile and self-confidence. If you would like to learn more about getting dental implants, contact Austin Dental Implants today and set-up your appointment.

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There is no evidence in dental studies to suggest that you can’t use your electric toothbrush after dental implant surgery. Electric toothbrushes can benefit your dental implants if that is the best way for you to maintain your dental hygiene. For those who have trouble with their dexterity, electric toothbrushes are especially helpful.

The mini-vibrations that could affect bone growth are those that occur if you chomp down on your food extremely forcefully. Also, if you use an “ultrasonic” toothbrush that might also loosen the abutment screws that hold your dental implant in place. If you use this type of toothbrush, ask your dentist for advice.

Your dental implants can last a lifetime if you take care of them well. The best way to maintain them are to give them the same quality care you give the rest of your teeth through following these simple steps:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with whichever toothbrush you like best.
• Floss every day.
• Visit your dentist for a bi-annual professional teeth cleaning and checkup.

If you are interested in dental implants, which can restore not only your dental health, but also your radiant smile, contact Austin Dental Implants today and set-up your consultation.

The post Will electric toothbrushes harm my dental implants? appeared first on Austin Dental Implants.

MRIs use magnetic forces during the scan. The biggest concern with having an MRI if you have any type of metal implant is that the implant would become displaced during the procedure or that it would heat up.

Most orthopedic and titanium alloy dental implants are not magnetic. Since dental implants are made with non-magnetic alloys, they shouldn’t be harmed during your MRI. The dental implants may distort the image if the area of concern is adjacent to them and the more metal, the more likely some distortion will occur.

Even if your dental implants aren’t magnetic, it’s best to tell the MRI personnel about your implants, so they can be aware if any distortion occurs. If you have a removable dental prosthesis that uses magnets for retention such as dentures or bridges, it is probably best to take it out before an MRI and leave them outside the MRI room.

Most patients prefer dental implants over bridges or dentures because of their convenience and durability. You never have to remove your dental implants, and they can last the rest of your life. They also improve your self-esteem since you never have to worry about them falling out, and they look just like the rest of your teeth.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile, contact Austin Dental Implants today and set-up your appointment.

The post Can I still get an MRI after dental implants? appeared first on Austin Dental Implants.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is caused by inflammation of the gums caused by oral bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with inflammation in the brain that increases the risk for cognitive dysfunctions linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2005, a group of researchers noticed an increased presence of antibodies and inflammatory chemicals linked to gum disease in patients of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those of healthy individuals. Researchers believe that when the gum disease bacteria multiply, they enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they cause infections.

According to an article published in the Journal of American Dental Association, any kind of inflammation in the early stages of life increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later on. Losing teeth at the age of 35 or younger might also increase the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Some simple ways to lessen your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease or any other serious health issues are to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
• Floss daily
• Eat a nutritious diet and exercise
• Visit your dentist for a bi-annual checkup and professional dental cleaning

If you struggle with dental health issues and are interested in dental implants to help strengthen your teeth, Austin Dental Implants can help. Contact us today and set-up your appointment.

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Comparing the structure of a dental implant and a natural tooth.

The crown is like a layered cake. The top layer is the highly mineralized tissue, enamel—the visible hard, white part of the tooth. Underneath it is a layer of tissue called dentine which acts as a protective layer and supports the crown.

The dentine is followed by the tooth’s center called pulp. Commonly referred to as the nerve of the tooth, the pulp is filled with soft connective tissue and contains blood vessels and nerves that enter from the root. Lastly cementum is the bone-like substance that covers the tooth’s root and aids in attaching the ligaments to the root for stability.

Much like the anatomy of your natural teeth, dental implants are made of two main components. Metal posts, or screws are secured into the jawbone just underneath the gums mimicking the support structure of the roots. The replacement tooth is a prosthetic crown that is then fixed onto the metal rods almost completely recreating the structure of the tooth both aesthetically and functionally. Unlike bridges or dentures the implant doesn’t simply rest on your gums but it becomes a comfortably functioning part of your mouth.

Dental implants’ natural yet very simple and accurate structure, make them a perfect solution to tooth loss due to decay, gum disease or accidental trauma to the mouth. To learn more about dental implants, or to set up a free consultations to see if they are the right solution for you, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

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Chipping and Cracking of Teeth

With tongue rings, biting the metal can occur accidentally if not out of habit, and can damage your teeth. In fact studies found 47 percent of individuals who had worn tongue piercings for at least four years had chipped teeth. For lip piercings, the larger the jewelry on the ring, the more likely you are to damage your teeth. Most commonly, it gets caught between your teeth when you chew.

Gum Recession

Research has found that 35 percent of young people who wore tongue rings for at least four years had suffered gum recession. Half of the individuals who wore barbells (the metal bar that goes through the tongue) with long stems for at least two years also had their gums recede. This is because a longer bar gives a piecing a greater chance of rubbing across your gums regularly. Lip piercings with flat back jewelry or in an incorrect location can also contribute to gum recession.

The American Dental Association opposes the practice of oral piercing due to the risks it poses to individuals. If you are going to get an oral piercing, make sure the piercing studio is licensed and has experienced piercers. Avoid those that use piercing guns.  Also make sure sterile instruments and disposable needles are used to protect yourself from diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B. The Association of Professional Piercers also provides the public with resources online to find member studios that practice safe piercing.

If you have any questions regarding oral piercings or wish to set up an appointment, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

The post Can Oral Piercings Harm Teeth? appeared first on Austin Dental Implants.

Implants need consistent blood flow to the tissue and bone surrounding it to properly fuse. Nicotine from tobacco has been shown to reduce blood flow to the oral cavity, making this fusion more likely to be unsuccessful.

If you smoke a pipe instead of the traditional cigarette, then you expose your implants to even greater danger. Pipes result in elevated temperatures within the upper jaw, which contributes to implant failure.

Smoking in general should be stopped if not refrained from once you have implants. This is especially crucial during the healing process after receiving your implants. Smoking causes your tissue to heal more slowly, and prevents antibiotics from helping the bone around your teeth from healing faster. Smokers more often experience infections after surgery, and require more time for the healing process. As a result, smokers are also at a greater risk of periodontal disease, in which both gum and bone around the teeth are attacked.

As difficult as it is to quit smoking, the benefits of not having to spend money on replacement implants or face potential infections can make it worth it.

If you have any questions regarding the way smoking affects your dental implants, or wish to make an appointment, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

The post Does Smoking Affect my Implants? appeared first on Austin Dental Implants.

Inhaler medication contributes to cavities, gingivitis, and many other oral disorders for asthma patients. Rinsing with water or a fluoride-based mouthwash after using your inhaler can help prevent the cavities caused by asthma medication.

Pre-dental anxiety can also precipitate asthma attacks at the dentist’s office. If you’re nervous about a visit, avoid caffeine, eat high-protein foods and, most importantly, bring your inhaler. Try and pick low-stress days for appointments such as weekends or holidays.

With COPD medications, often steroids, you can be more vulnerable to thrush or candidiasis (fungal or yeast infections in the mouth). Inform your dentist of steroids or other medications you may be taking. You may receive more steroid treatment prior to a dental procedure.

COPD may also prevent you from lying back horizontally, so work with your dentist to find a position comfortable for you. Your dentist should also prepare an oxygen supply for use just in case during the visit. If you already take oxygen at home, be sure to bring it with you to your appointment.

Regardless of any condition you may have, setting up a “stop” signal with your dentist during procedures will help let your dentist know when you need to sit up, cough, or are having any problems breathing. Effective communication makes a big difference in safety during your dental treatment.

If you have any questions regarding a respiratory condition affecting your dental treatment or implants, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

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The short answer is yes, you have to be mindful of plaque even with implants.

Even though your implants aren’t at risk of cavities, plaque can still lead to issues such as peri-implant mucositis (inflammation of the tissue around your dental implant) and peri-implantitis (inflammatory reaction with loss of bone supporting the tissue around your implant).

Plaque build-up makes you susceptible to gum disease associated with implants. It’s important to use a soft toothbrush that will allows you to brush your gums where the implant goes, as well as around, behind, and on the sides of your implant itself. Flossing should go hand-in-hand with brushing, because it will enable you prevent build-up and odor by cleaning between your implant and prosthesis. Outside of your toothbrush and floss, there are many plaque-fighting toothpastes and mouthwashes available.

There is sometimes a misconception that plaque only poses a risk to natural teeth because we associate plaque build-up with tartar and cavities. But if allowed to collect, plaque facilitates infection and can lead to severe tissue and bone damage in the area around your implant.

To ensure the health of your dental implants, plan on scheduling at least two professional cleanings or checks-ups a year. For professional help in managing plaque or periodontal cleaning, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

The post Is Plaque Still a Problem When I Have Implants? appeared first on Austin Dental Implants.