Category Archives: Dental Implants

The human body is a network of interconnected systems and organs. Unfortunately, issues that impact one particular area of your body can also affect the health and function of other areas. Recently, studies have highlighted evidence for links between gum disease and heart disease. 

While the exact nature of the connection is still being researched, heart disease is almost twice as likely to occur in people who have gum disease. Nearly half of all Americans have undiagnosed gum disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, making it pertinent that you maintain a healthy heart. The first key to doing so might lie in keeping your gums healthy. 

While gum disease may be a contributing factor to heart disease, it is not the only cause. It is essential that you maintain regular visits to your primary care physician as well to measure your overall health. Other factors and lifestyle choices can impact your heart health. 

Diet and exercise. Maintain an active lifestyle with activities you enjoy, such as taking walks, riding bikes, playing sports, or doing yoga. Avoid foods high in starches and sugars, including carbonated soft drinks, as they can also damage your teeth. 

Don’t smoke. Whether you’re smoking or vaping, nicotine has a detrimental effect on your cardiovascular system and can damage teeth, gums, and lungs. Recent studies have connected vaping to a rapid loss in healthy cells that line the top layer of your mouth. These cells play an essential role in keeping your mouth healthy. 

Brush your teeth. The most basic part of oral hygiene is also the most effective. Make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day.  

By keeping a balance, exercising regularly, and taking care of your teeth, you’re taking a holistic approach to your well-being and minimizing your risk of developing heart disease.  

As with other diseases, preventing gum disease alone will not completely remove the risk of developing heart disease. However, you can take a proactive approach to keeping your body healthy, starting with your oral health. 

To schedule a cleaning and examination, please contact our office.

Is anxiety or nervousness preventing you from visiting our team? Dental treatments should not be a cause of stress. If you worry about pain, embarrassment, or loss or control during a dental examination, we want you to know two very important things: You are not alone and We can help. 

Dental Anxiety Is Common  

Research has shown that most patients experience some degree of anxiety when visiting the dentist. Between 10 and 20% of the general population encounters such a high level of stress and nervousness that they ignore oral healthcare altogether. This can increase the risk of developing severe oral health complications, requiring additional care. 

In many cases, dental anxiety has two main causes. First, patients may have had a negative experience in the past, leaving them apprehensive towards their next appointment. Second, is through influence. This is particularly true for children. Children learn through imitation and are influenced by their parents. If you dread going to the dentist, your child may pick up on the behavior and develop similar fears. 

Our Team Can Help 

The first action you can take is to let our team know about your feelings of nervousness and anxiety. We have a number of techniques to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Our compassionate team is always open to discussing your options with you. 

We will consult you regarding what your visit will entail, and work together to find a comfortable pace at which you feel comfortable.  

If nervousness, stress, fear, or anxiety have caused you to skip appointments or avoid dental care completely, please contact our team. Dentistry is constantly evolving by offering new technology and treatment methods with patient safety and comfort in mind. Talk to our team about your fears or concerns and allow us to work with you. Ignoring your oral health can have serious repercussions and lead to more necessary treatments. 

Contact our team to schedule your visit today.

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to see your dentist! Most people make time to clean out the house, car, garage, or closets at least twice a year. Why not include your oral health on your “to do” list? 

Schedule an Appointment Now!  

Regular professional cleaning and examinations are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. These routine visits are your first line of defense against tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancers, and more. Early identification and treatment of any oral illness improves outcomes and allows for less-invasive treatment options. Don’t wait until it hurts! 

Why Do We Avoid Going? 

The HDI institute, in a study done with the American Dental Association, lists some of the main reasons we sometimes delay going to the dentist. Cost, low perceived need, time, and anxiety are the most common causes. However, if we allow these concerns to interfere with oral care, we may allow more serious issues to develop. 

When Should We See the Dentist? 

The ADA or American Dental Society recommends maintaining twice yearly visits for cleaning and examinations. In addition, they advise making an appointment for any of the following concerns:  

1. Pain in your mouth, teeth, or face 

2. Injury to your mouth, teeth, or face 

3. Conditions that can affect oral health, such as diabetes 

4. Pregnancy 

5. Jaw pain or stiffness 

6. Bleeding, swelling, or redness in your gums  

7. Recent dental treatment, such as fillings, crowns, implants, or root canal 

8. Pain or difficulty eating or drinking  

9. Chronic dry mouth 

10. Smoking or tobacco use 

11. Sores in your mouth that are not healing 

12. You have questions or concerns about your oral health or hygiene 

Our dentist in Newington is here to help you achieve and maintain your best oral health. To schedule your next appointment, please contact our Newington CT dentist.  

About 1 in 4 adults in the United States feels embarrassed by the look of their smile. Our dental office is proud to offer porcelain dental veneers to new and existing patients. Our Newington dentist has the training and experience to provide porcelain veneers to patients who wish to restore a whiter, healthier, more even look to their smile. 

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic and restorative dental solution that mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Veneers create an immediate improvement in the appearance of a smile. They are a minimally invasive treatment option and can be more cost-effective than many other cosmetic improvement options. 

Patients  whose teeth are healthy, but are chipped, cracked, crooked, or mildly stained can benefit from veneers. Patients whose teeth are uneven or have gaps may also find veneers are a great solution for improving the look of their smile. 

We offer custom-crafted porcelain veneers that are fitted precisely to cover the front surface of the tooth. Because porcelain is a semi-translucent material, the tooth continues to have a natural healthy appearance with the veneer in place. Veneers are chosen with care to match the natural teeth around them, to ensure optimal aesthetic results. 

Once placed, porcelain veneers are a strong, stain-resistant, and long-lasting cosmetic dental solution. However, porcelain dental veneers need ongoing dental care, just like natural teeth. They should be brushed and flossed regularly and normal dental exam and cleaning schedules should be maintained. When cared for properly, veneers can last a lifetime. 

There are some additional factors to consider before choosing veneers. First, it is common to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages for a few days following the placement of veneers. This is generally mild and unlikely to last more than about a week. 

Second, while porcelain is a strong and durable material, it is recommended to avoid activities that will put great stress on the veneers, such as chewing excessively hard foods or using the teeth to attempt to open a nut or bottle. Finally, any patient who has issues with bruxism (grinding) should discuss this with our doctor before deciding whether to have dental veneers placed. 

For more information or to schedule a consultation with our Newington CT dentist, contact our office today. We're here to give you a smile that you can show with pride. 

About 1 in 4 adults experience tooth loss between the ages of 21 and 30. Dental implants are a safe and long-term option for tooth replacement that improve the appearance and functionality of your smile.

A dental implant can be paired with a replacement crown for single tooth replacement or can be used in small groups to anchor a denture or dental bridge. Dental implants are a strong, long-lasting solution for tooth loss and serve to prevent jaw bone loss in the same manner as a natural tooth root.

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants as a tooth-replacement solution. Some of these include: 

• Natural looking smile: Dental implants are crafted to closely resemble your natural teeth, restoring a natural-looking smile.
• Improved oral health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved intact, improving long-term oral health.
• Improved speech: With removable, non-anchored dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech. Dental Implants remove that concern.
• Improved comfort: Dental Implants avoid the slipping and discomfort of removable dentures.
• Improved function: Dental Implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain.
• Durability: Dental implants are stable, strong, and stain-resistant.
• Protect healthy bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can, over time, lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Since Dental Implants function like tooth roots, they are able to prevent this type of deterioration, just as natural teeth do.
• Long-term solution: Dentures must be replaced about every 5-7 years. Dental Implants, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime.

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be right for you. We will consider your oral and overall health prior to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Some considerations include:

• Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
• Healthy gum tissue
• Sinus and nerve location
• Overall health, including any chronic illnesses

In some cases, we may recommend advanced treatment for your upper or lower jaw to enable you to have the bone support needed for implantation. As always, your treatment plan is created based on your specific needs and goals for your healthy smile.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our Newington, CT dental office today for an appointment. We're here to help restore the health and beauty of your smile.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Why do I need this type of implant?

Dentures

• Dentures will need special glue to help keep them in your mouth


• They may slip out easily when eating, drinking, or talking


• Bone loss can occur, which can then lead to facial collapses


• Dentures will eventually need to be replaced


• They can cause infection or allergic reactions

Bridges

• Bridges can cause permanent damage


• Some of your healthy teeth will need to be altered


• Bridges have an expiration date and will need to be replaced


• They can get pricey in the long run

Dental Implants

• They feel just like natural teeth


• You can eat whatever you want


• They allow you to speak normally


• They are low-maintenance


• You may have a long healing period after surgery

Why are dental implants used?

How do the implants work?

What is the average cost of implants?

East Cedar Dental is here to help!