What Are Overdentures?

Overdentures are used in conjunction with dental implants to provide superior stability, comfort, and convenience. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots crafted from titanium. After being inserted into the jaw bone, the bone is allowed to heal around the implant. From there, overdentures are placed onto the implants. Although implants keep the denture extremely stable, the denture can be removed easily for cleaning.

Are Overdentures Right for You? 

If you have dentures, then you’re probably well aware that they can be a real hassle sometimes. Dentures can easily slip out of place, especially when speaking and eating. This can certainly decrease one’s quality of life; many denture wearers don’t feel comfortable eating all the foods they once enjoyed. Others hate dealing with the mess and inconvenience of denture adhesives.

Overdentures can: 

• Improve self-confidence
• Solve chewing difficulties 
• Alleviate denture-related discomfort 
• Remove the need for adhesives 

What’s more, overdentures are minimally invasive. Usually, your existing denture can be adapted to your new dental implants. There are several options when it comes to types of overdentures. A consultation with your dentist can help you decide whether overdentures are right for you, and if so, which kind you should choose.

Types of Overdentures 

There are three main types of overdentures:

• Fixed implant-supported overdentures — This is an option for patients who have no remaining teeth on the top and/or bottom. The overdentures are secured to the implants; when they need to be cleaned, the dentist removes them using a special tool. 
• Removable implant-supported overdentures — Also an option for patients missing all of the top or bottom teeth, removable overdentures work the same way but is removed by the patient daily for cleaning. The overdentures will attach to the implants by snapping or being clipped into place. 
• Implant-stabilized overdentures — This is an option for patients missing their lower teeth. With implant-stabilized overdentures, the denture is supported by the soft tissue yet retained by the implants. This type of overdenture snaps out easily for cleaning purposes. 

Your dentist will perform a thorough examination then tell you the recommended options based on your dental needs. Regardless of the type of overdenture you choose, dental implants are an investment in oral wellness that last for many years.

Schedule Your Consultation Today 

If you have missing teeth, or if you already wear removable dentures, dental implants and overdentures might be perfect for you. The first step is to schedule your appointment — call Woo Family Dentistry at 510-351-0931 today. Dr. Woo and his friendly staff are ready to provide you with the superior dental care you deserve in their welcoming, modern San Leandro dental office.

What is Tooth Bonding?

If you have chipped, discolored, or damaged teeth, dental bonding might be ideal for you. Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which color-matched resin is applied to damaged areas then cured with light. The finished product looks and feels like natural teeth. Tooth bonding is a conservative dental approach to improve the look of your smile.

Who is a Candidate for Tooth Bonding? 

Many dental patients choose tooth bonding when it comes to repairing chips and cracks in the teeth. You may be a good candidate for bonding if:

• You have hard to remove stains
• You want to make teeth appear longer
• Your teeth are misshapen 
• Your teeth have chips or cracks 
• Your roots need protection due to gum recession
• You have unwanted gaps between teeth

Of course, what is right for one dental patient may not be right for another. This is why it’s imperative to schedule an examination; your dentist can analyze your unique dental needs and create a customized treatment plan that suits you.

How is Bonding Done? 

The process of tooth bonding is fairly simple. First, your dentist will match the color of the bonding resin to your natural tooth color. Then, your natural teeth are prepped with a primer liquid to help the bonding resin adhere properly. After the resin is applied and shaped to achieve the desired effect, light is applied to harden the resin.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding 

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, tooth bonding is one of the most affordable and effective procedures available today. Normally, anesthesia is not required for the bonding process. And, dental bonding does not require the substantial removal of tooth enamel. Bonding is also a faster procedure as compared to crowns and veneers, which require multiple visits.

Dental bonding may not last as long as crowns or veneers, however, the convenience factor and price make them well worth it. When it comes to minor cosmetic changes, this conservative cosmetic solutions is a great option. As with any dental procedure, it’s necessary to have a dentist examine your oral health to understand all your options and to make the most informed decision.

Schedule Your Appointment

Let Woo Family Dentistry handle all of your oral health needs. This modern dental office in San Leandro is equipped with the latest high-tech equipment and a friendly, experienced staff. Whether you need preventative dentistry or a cosmetic procedure like tooth bonding, Dr. Ronald Woo and his office are eager to provide the superior dental care you deserve. Call 510-351-0931 today to schedule your appointment.

Root Canal or Extraction?

If you’re experiencing tooth or facial pain that doesn’t go away in a day or two, it is time to see the dentist. Ignoring dental problems is never an effective solution. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may require a root canal or extraction to eradicate the pain.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal or Extraction

There are a number of uncomfortable symptoms that may signal the need for a root canal or extraction. If you experience any of the following, it’s imperative to obtain prompt dental care:

• Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold 
• Pain and/or tenderness when chewing
• Pain and/or tenderness when touched
• Swelling of the mouth and/or face 
• Abscess on gum tissue or presence of pus

Tooth decay is a common culprit when it comes to oral health problems. When bacteria and carbohydrate sugars react in the mouth, corrosive acids are formed that dissolve the protective enamel covering the teeth. If left untreated, bacteria will also move under the gum line attacking the soft tissue, roots and bone.

Which is Best? 

Most people don’t want to lose their natural teeth if at all possible. Luckily, natural teeth can often be spared with a root canal. According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Endodontists, 76 percent of survey participants said they’d choose a root canal over an extraction.
Another surprising statistic is that 58 percent of survey participants who have had an extraction did not replace the tooth or teeth. Unfortunately, this isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Continued oral health problems, like shifting neighboring teeth and bone loss, can result when missing teeth aren’t replaced.

Preventing Oral Health Problems 

The best way to avoid extractions and even root canals is through preventive measures. Although prevention isn’t 100 percent effective, it can go a long way towards ensuring good oral health. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, it’s crucial to get regular dental checkups. Only professional cleanings can remove harmful tartar and plaque — the precursor to periodontal disease.

We Can Help 

Don’t suffer with unnecessary discomfort any longer — schedule your appointment with Woo Family Dentistry today by calling 510-351-0931. Dr. Woo and his friendly, experienced staff not only handle all of your oral health needs. Whether you need a root canal or just a checkup, Dr. Woo and his staff are here to serve you!