What’s the Difference Between Implants, Bridges and Dentures?

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If you’re missing a tooth, crowns, bridges, and dentures can help you fill in the gaps and replace what is gone. Whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, it’s important to make your smile whole. A missing tooth can have an impact on the way you chew and the way you talk.

You may even feel self-conscious about the way your smile looks. Knowing what to do is important. There are many types of prosthetic teeth, including implants, bridges and dentures. Yourdentist in West Salem, WI, can help you determine which kind is best for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Implants

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that is inserted into the jaw and fused with the bone, much like a real tooth. Of all the types of prosthetic teeth available, implants are the most like real teeth in their functionality and appearance. You may be a good candidate for an implant if you have a sufficient jaw bone to hold an implant, but if you do not, your dentist may use a bone graft to make this possible.

Bridges

A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that is positioned between two adjacent natural teeth. The bridge is held in place with crowns that grip onto the adjacent natural teeth. Bridges look natural enough that no one will be able to tell you have one.

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that you wear. Dentures can be removed for cleaning and put back when you need to eat or talk. Dentures need to be properly fitted, or they can slip.

Which One is Right for You?

Deciding which type of prosthetic teeth is right for you can be a challenge. Your dentist can help you decide if you should get dentures, a bridge or animplant in West Salem, WI. At Allen Dental, we’re here to help you decide. Call today to make an appointment.

Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Right for You?

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Orofacial myofunctional therapy in West Salem, WI, consists of a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of your tongue, mouth, and face. Our targeted therapy helps to improve breathing, eating, and speaking skills and can even eliminate some disorders altogether.

Common Examples of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

The typical causes of orofacial myofunctional disorders include thumb-sucking or pacifier use past age one, blocked nasal passages, and an incorrect tongue position. Dr. Jim Allen or Dr. Mark Mueller uses a surgery-free and drug-free approach to re-train the muscles in your face, tongue, or mouth. The exercises you or your child undergo at Allen Dental teach your brain, muscles, and nerves to work together in a more efficient manner.

Types of Conditions Treated by Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

If your partner complains that you snore or you have developed obstructive sleep apnea, this treatment is a simple and inexpensive way to address both problems. Below are several other conditions Dr. Allen or Dr. Mueller can treat using these techniques.

  • Improve the ability to chew and swallow after surgery to correct a dental or facial deformity.
  • Improve speech.
  • Malocclusion, the term used to describe crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and teeth that form an overbite or underbite. We typically recommend orofacial myofunctional therapy in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
  • Tongue thrust, which is an issue that arises in infancy and can continue into late childhood. Left untreated, tongue thrust can cause bite problems, speech issues, and protrusion of teeth.

Sometimes, it isn’t always obvious that you or your child have an issue that our dentists can address with re-training exercises. Speech problems, mouth breathing, lips that remain apart while resting, and frequent gagging are just some indications of a possible problem. Please contact us to schedule an evaluation or to learn more about orofacial myofunctional therapy in West Salem, WI.

The Many Benefits of Solea Laser Dentistry

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Do you have sensory issues that make going to the dentist an unpleasant experience? You want to take good care of your oral health, but the continuous sounds of dental drills are uncomfortable. You may also have a fear of needles. Thanks to Solea laser dentistry in West Salem WI, both problems are a thing of the past.

What is the Solea Laser, and When Do We Use It?

Solea is the name brand of a handheld instrument connected to a computer that makes it possible for Dr. Jim Allen or Dr. Mark Mueller to complete several types of dental procedures with minimal noise or pain. The Solea laser also significantly reduces the time you must spend in the dental chair. Here are the procedures most amiable to the Solea laser:

  • Crown lengthening
  • Cutting through gum tissue or bone when necessary
  • Filling cavities
  • Removing amalgam fillings
  • Removing oral tumors or fibromas from the mouth
  • Removing tooth enamel for a cosmetic or restorative dental process
  • Treating gum disease with scaling and root planing
  • Tongue tie surgery

The computer program seamlessly sends vibrations to the handheld piece, allowing your dentist to complete the work you need in a fraction of the time and without the usual discomfort. Solea laser dentistry in West Salem WI is perfect for kids and adults alike. Children tend to be much more cooperative when they know they won’t need a shot and that there won’t be any pain or lasting numbness.

Don’t Put Off the Dental Care You Need Any Longer

Treating oral health problems promptly is essential to retaining your natural teeth for as long as possible. If you suspect that you need one of the above procedures performed, please contact us to request a consultation with Dr. Allen or Dr. Mueller.

Have a Toothache? Here’s What Could Be Causing It

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A toothache can be a troubling problem. When you’re in pain, it’s important to find out why. Your dentist in West Salem, WI, can help. Often, toothaches need treatment from a dentist in order to get better. If you’re experiencing a toothache, here’s what could be the cause.

Cavity

A cavity is an area of dental decay that has penetrated your tooth enamel. Cavities can cause pain that comes and goes and may even leave a hole in the tooth enamel that you can see. Cavities need to be cleaned out and then filled with appropriate filling material.

Children are especially prone to cavities because they eat so much sugar and often struggle to brush their teeth properly; it’s important to bring them to the dentist for regular examinations.

Dental Infection

Dental infections go all the way down to the tender pulp in the middle of your tooth. When you suffer from a dental infection, the pain can be intense. If the infection is caught soon enough, your dentist will perform a root canal that will save the tooth.

If the infection goes on for too long, your dentist will likely extract your tooth. It’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible when you’re experiencing intense, ongoing dental pain. That’s a dental emergency.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that occurs when a patient grinds their teeth at night. It can cause tooth pain and sensitivity and can lead to worn down or cracked teeth. You may not know when you’re grinding your teeth at night, but your dentist will most likely be able to tell.

Are you experiencing dental pain? It’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment from your dentist. Call today to schedule a dental examination in West Salem, WI

3 Signs It’s a Cavity  

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Cavities are a common problem that can be experienced by people young and old. Some signs and symptoms of cavities are easily mistaken for other problems. Knowing when there’s a problem can help you decide it’s time to see the dentist in West Salem, WI. If you’re experiencing the symptoms below, or just a handful of those symptoms, call your dentist at Allen Dental today.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth formed by tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs because of bacteria in the mouth and consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as well as poor oral hygiene habits. Cavities can get larger over time, if they’re not addressed by the dentist.

Signs of a Cavity

There are many signs of cavities, including:

  • Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
  • Visible holes in the teeth, which may look like black spots on the teeth
  • Pain when biting down
  • Toothache, either when biting down or for no obvious reason

How to Prevent Cavities

You can avoid cavities! Take care of your teeth. There are many things you can do to prevent this problem.

  • Brush and floss regularly. Brush twice daily, floss once each day.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and combat dental decay.
  • Visit the dentist. At Allen Dental, we can help keep your teeth clean to prevent cavities.
  • Avoid frequent snacking. Sugar can cause dental decay. Snacking on sugary foods throughout the day can lead to cavities.

See the Dentist for Cavity Care

Do you have a cavity, or are you experiencing the symptoms of a cavity? See the dentist as soon as possible. Untreated dental decay can lead to a broken tooth, infection and more. Contact Allen Dental for cavity removal in West Salem, WI. Call today.

 

 

4 Signs You Need to Visit the Dentist

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Regular dental visits are essential for good oral health and for good overall health. When people skip dentist visits, there are almost always negative repercussions. Nevertheless, sometimes people do forego dental visits even though they are in their best interests. But when you notice any of the following signs, it’s definitely time to book your dentist visit in West Salem.

1. There’s a Bump On Your Gum Line

Your gums are supposed to be relatively flat and smooth along the upper edges of your teeth. When a gum infection occurs, there will be a noticeable bump over the tooth. This won’t go away on its own, no matter how long you wait. Only your dentist can help.

2. Your Teeth Are Shifting

If you can sense that your teeth are shifting, this is a sign you should see your dentist in Rancho Mirage right away. Teeth are not supposed to shift position. This can be a sign of periodontal disease or something else very serious.

3. It’s Been a Long Time

Experts recommend that you see your dentist at least once every six months. If it’s been a long time since you last visited your dentist, you need to book an appointment as soon as you can. Bear in mind that many dental problems can be easily taken care of if they are caught in the early stages. The longer you wait, the more serious they can become.

4. You Have Chronic Bad Breath

Bad breath on a consistent basis can be a sign that there’s something else going on. Visit your dentist and let them know what your symptoms are so you can be diagnosed and treated. Chances are, your bad breath can be cleared up once the underlying cause is found.

Your dentist in Rancho Mirage is ready to help you attain optimal oral health. Contact us today to book your next appointment!

 

Best Cavity Treatment: Laser Cavity Removal vs Fillings

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If you have a cavity, the tried-and-true method of treating it has long been fillings. You may have had a few other options available, such as crowns, but nothing as cutting-edge as the modern alternative of laser cavity removal. Let’s compare laser cavity removal to fillings to see the best cavity treatment between the two. We’ll give you a hint: laser cavity removal has the edge.

Dental Fillings

Fillings have been a common option for cavity treatment. You may have one or more in your mouth at the moment, so you’ve been through the experience. During this procedure, the dentist usually numbs the area with a local anesthetic, drills into the tooth, removes the decay, cleans the area and fills it in. The material of the filling can vary, but today it’s common to get a composite resin filling that looks like a real tooth.

Laser Cavity Removal

Now, you can choose laser cavity removal, which has revolutionized the cavity treatment arena compared to previous options. Laser cavity removal has distinct benefits over fillings. Usually, it doesn’t require anesthesia, so it prevents pain from the shot, the waiting period for it to work and the ongoing numbness after you leave. Yet the procedure is generally pain-free. A major benefit is that there’s no need for drilling, which is a top fear of going to the dentist. This method uses a quiet laser to perform the procedure instead. Also, the laser makes the procedure quick and easy for the dentist to perform, getting you out of the office in no time.

You’ll only find laser cavity removal at a dental office that has upgraded to this technology. At Allen Dental, we offer the Solea dental laser to provide cavity removal and other dental procedures.