If you’ve been searching for a tooth replacement solution, you probably want the same things that many patients want. It’s important that dental restorations appear natural, fit comfortably, and last for the long-term. One of the best tooth replacement options that meets all of these needs is the dental implant.

Dental implants are designed to be permanent—meaning immovable—tooth replacements. The dental implant is a titanium rod that is surgically implanted into the jawbone—filling the space where the natural tooth root used to sit. The titanium root is then left to heal, and over a period of months the titanium actually bonds to the natural bone, forming a stable foundation for the dental restoration that is attached on top of the root.

Our Westfield dental implant dentists want you to know that in order to maintain the strength and health of your dental implants it’s important to follow some simple dental hygiene rules:

Keep your mouth clean

When caring for dental implants, you need to brush and floss at least twice a day—just as you do with your natural teeth. Regular dental hygiene helps maintain gum health, and prevent gum and jawbone infections. Remember to visit your dentist at least twice a year—your dentist can help you determine if you need more frequent visits.

Watch what you chomp

If you have a habit of chewing on ice or hard candies, you’ll want to discuss this behavior with your dentist before you get dental implants. Chewing on hard foods and ice can weaken your dental restorations, eventually causing them to crack.

With proper care dental implants can last for years. Because dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, many patients find that they fit seamlessly into daily life. If you’d like more information about dental implants give our Westfield dental implant dentists a call at (908) 543-3215.

Our Westifeld general dentists hear the same question from patients again and again, “How can I get my teeth to look white and bright again?” This common question has a number of answers—patients today have more options than ever to whiten their teeth and take years off of the appearance of their teeth. If you’ve been wondering about teeth whitening and bleaching options, read on—I’ll be explaining how whitening options work and exploring which options are right for different patients.

Although we commonly refer to professional teeth “whitening” products, most of these products are actually teeth bleaching formulations. Teeth bleaching options include hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to bleach dental enamel. Consequently, these products are able to whiten dental enamel beyond its natural level of whiteness.

Most of these products are applied as gels on the teeth. They can be held in place by mouth guards, strips, or they may sit on exposed teeth and be cured by a laser. Both professional and at home products use hydrogen to whiten teeth, but professional products include higher concentrations of the active whitening ingredients.  This makes professional product faster acting, ultimately more effective, and more potent—which is why they are administered by a dental professional.

If you want to have a lot of control over the final shade and appearance of your teeth, professional teeth whitening may be for you. Your doctor will be able to closely monitor your whitening session to help you achieve an optimal whiteness with minimal sensitivity and irritation.

Patients who choose to whiten on their own may like that home products can be used whenever it’s convenient for them. Additionally, at home products are usually a little less expensive than professional treatments because they take longer and do not deliver the same level of whitening.

Depending on your desired goals and timeline, you may choose to use professional or home whitening treatments. Generally the most effective whitening plan involves having professional teeth whitening treatments, and then getting a take-home maintenance kit from dentist to keep your smile white at home. Give our Westfield general dentists a call at (908) 543-3215 if you have questions or you’d like to schedule an appointment.