4 Restorative Dentistry Procedures to Know About

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If your smile has been affected by cracks, chips, stains, and lost teeth or extracted teeth, you may feel like you’ll never look the same again. That doesn’t have to be the case!

There are many procedures that yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can use to restore your smile. These procedures, known as restorative dentistry procedures, focus on fixing and replacing teeth that have been transformed by time and injury. Below are some of the restorative dental procedures that can benefit you.

1. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that’s placed over the tooth enamel. Once fitted to the tooth, the crown is cemented. Dental crowns are shaped like teeth and can cover a range of cosmetic and structural defects. If you get a root canal, your dentist will automatically install a crown to cover the tooth.

2. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that’s positioned between two healthy teeth. To hold its position in your mouth, the dental bridge is attached to two crowns that fit over the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges are an effective tool for replacing a lost permanent tooth.

3. Dental Implants

A single-tooth dental implant is a standalone tooth that is surgically inserted into the jaw. The screw of the implant holds tight to the bone to keep the implant in place. Dental implants look and function very much like real teeth. Like a dental bridge, an implant is a good tool for replacing a lost permanent tooth.

4. Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a cover that’s placed over the tooth to hide cosmetic defects like stains and chips. If you have a tooth that’s structurally sound but just doesn’t meet your expectations for your appearance, you can benefit from a veneer.

The dental professionals at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help with yourdental restoration in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call today to make an appointment.

How Can I Maintain My New Dental Implant?

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If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant can restore your smile and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting in undesirable ways. Knowing how to take care of your dental implant is important. When your dental implant is installed, your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY can give you information about how to take care of that dental implant. Here’s what to know.

Brush Twice Daily

Your dental implant needs to be brushed twice daily, just like your other teeth. The type of toothpaste you use on your dental implant is important. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste because it will scratch your implant. Whitening toothpaste will whiten your natural teeth slightly, but not your implant. Over time, this could lead your implant and natural teeth to become slightly different colors.

Floss Once Daily

Continue to floss once daily, even around your dental implant. When you’re flossing, it’s important to do the work carefully to avoid damaging your dental implant. Your dentist will show you how to floss around your implant in the office. Your dentist can also watch you floss, to ensure that you have the right technique.

See the Dentist Regularly

Seeing the dentist on a regular basis can help you maintain healthy gums. That’s important for the long-term viability of your dental implant. Continue to make appointments with the dentist twice per year (unless otherwise directed by your dentist) for standard dental cleanings and examinations.

Want to Know More About Maintaining Your Dental Implant? Call Today

The team at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry is here to help you with your new dental implants in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Contact us to make an appointment.

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3 Myths About Dental Implants

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Are you missing a tooth? A dental implant may be the right choice for you. Dental implants are one of the most popular types of prosthetic teeth available, but some misconceptions about dental implants may leave patients wondering if implants are right for them. If you ever have questions about implants and other solutions for your dental problems, you can always speak with your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Below are some of the myths about implants, and the facts about implants as well.

Myth 1. Dental implants don’t look natural.

It’s natural to wonder if your dental implant will look natural. You might feel self-conscious if someone could tell that your dental implant were not your natural tooth. Dental implants are designed to look completely natural. In fact, they’re even color matched to your other teeth, so no one can tell the difference.

Myth 2. Dental implants are for older people only.

Dental implants are designed for anyone who is missing a tooth and who has sufficient jaw bone to support the implant. This can be someone who is younger or older. Many people get dental implants when they lose just a single tooth – and sometimes that happens because of an injury or accident. That can happen to anyone at any age.

Myth 3. I won’t be able to eat the foods I like if I have dental implants.

Your dental implant will be permanently attached to your mouth. Implants are designed to chew just like your natural teeth. If you have dental implants, you’ll be able to eat the same things you enjoy today.

Want to know more about dental implants in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY? Call your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry with questions or to make an appointment.

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What Are Implant Supported Dentures?

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Has your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY recommended you get dentures or implants? If so, there are several options available to you. One of those options is implant-supported dentures. But what exactly are implant-supported dentures? Let’s take a look.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

If you need to replace missing teeth, implant-supported dentures are one of the best tooth replacement solutions available. You get the benefits of dental implants along with the reduced cost of traditional dentures. But what are implant-supported dentures?

Implant-supported dentures in Beaver Dam, KY are a combination of dentures and dental implants. But with implant-supported dentures, the dentist will surgically implant either four or six titanium screws into your jawbone. Those screws over time will then fuse with your jawbone. This usually takes about six months.

After your implants have firmly taken hold in your jawbone, the dentist will have a unique set of dentures made for you. The dentist will then take those dentures and attach them to your implants to keep them in place. Once your new dentures are attached to your implants, they can’t be removed. Only a dentist can remove implanted supported dentures.

The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

  • Helps prevent bone loss.
  • They look and feel natural.
  • No adjustment period is needed.
  • They can be cared for just like natural teeth.
  • You can eat just about any food you want.

Is Everyone Eligible for Implant Supported Dentures?

No, unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for implant-supported dentures. You have to have enough healthy jawbone tissue if you want implant-supported dentures. If you don’t have enough healthy jawbone tissue, your dentist might be able to perform bone grafting or add artificial bone tissue to enable you to have this procedure done.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for a dentist in Beaver Dam, KY, please Contact Travis Wilson D.M.D. today. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality dental care possible in a warm and welcoming environment. We are a one-stop-shop for all your dental needs.

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5 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

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Are you thinking about getting dental implants in Owensboro, KY? If so, you probably have some questions first.

Here are the most commonly asked questions about dental implants.

1. What are the three types of dental implants?

The three types of dental implants include Endosteal, which is the most common and the safest, followed by subperiosteal and zygomatic. The zygomatic is the rarest and most complex type of dental implant.

2. How long will dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last an average of 25 years. However, they could last longer or a shorter period depending on your habits and how well you take care of your oral hygiene.

3. Is having a dental implant painful?

Everyone has a different pain threshold. However, for most people, if you have good bones and don’t need much soft tissue surgery, the pain level is quite tolerable. In fact, over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol is usually enough to handle the worst of the pain which usually occurs in the first 24 hours after the procedure.

4. Will I be put to sleep for a dental implant procedure?

It’s common practice for a dentist in Owensboro, KY to administer conscious sedation and local anesthesia applied to the affected area for their patient during dental implant surgery.

5. How soon can I eat after dental implant surgery?

You should be able to eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing immediately after your dental implant procedure. Then, after 1-2 weeks, you can begin to add foods you chew, such as meat and raw vegetables, back into your diet. Just avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the implant for at least two weeks.

What’s Next?

If you want more information or have additional questions about dental implants in Owensboro, KY, please Contact Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today. Dr. Wilson has been serving the people of the Owensboro and Beaver Dam area since 1998 and looks forward to serving you.

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What Foods You Can and Can’t Eat after Having Dental Implant Surgery

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Are you thinking about getting dental implants in Beaver Dam, KY? If so, you might wonder how and what you can eat after the surgery.

1. Crunchy Foods and Hard Candies

Avoid all crunchy foods such as potato chips, popcorn, tortilla shells, hard candies, raw vegetables, seeds, and nuts of any kind. And you should never chew on ice, even when you don’t have new implants to worry about.

2. Sticky Foods

Avoid sticky foods like caramels, taffy, etc.

3. Acidic Foods

Avoid all acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, etc.

4. Hot and Spicy Foods

Avoid hot and spicy foods like peppers, spicy anything, hot soups, hot coffee, or hot tea. If you must have any of those things, make sure to eat or drink them lukewarm, not hot. And you should avoid spicy foods altogether. This is because hot and spicy foods can cause your gums to bleed and could potentially cause problems for the surgical site.

When You Can Eat What

These are some of the foods you should avoid immediately after having dental implant surgery. However, you will only have to avoid them for about one to two weeks. Then you can begin to add tougher to chew foods like meat, etc. back into your diet. Your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY will also recommend you don’t chew on the side of your mouth where your new implant is for the first few weeks as well.

What You Can Eat Immediately After Dental Implant Surgery

Immediately after dental implant surgery, you should stick to soft and liquid foods. We recommend eating things like yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, mashed potatoes, creamy lukewarm soups or broths, smoothies, etc.

What’s Next?

If you need more information about dental implants in Beaver Dam, KY, or have other dental needs, please Contact Travis Wilson D.M.D today. We take pride in our role as your family dentist and will go out of our way to make you feel comfortable.

How to Fix a Gap in My Teeth?

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When you have a gap in your teeth, your smile is negatively impacted. But more importantly, a gap in your teeth can lead to serious issues like teeth shifting, bit alignment problems and trouble chewing food. Depending upon the case of the gap, you may need tooth replacement at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry in Owensboro, KY or orthodontics to gently close the gap.

When Tooth Replacement is Needed

You will need tooth replacement in Owensboro, KY if the gap in your teeth is because of a missing tooth. Your Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY dentist has a variety of options to replace a missing tooth, including:

  • Bridge
  • Implant
  • Denture

When Orthodontics Are Needed

If the gap in your teeth is due to a natural condition, your dentist in Beaver Dam will likely recommend that you get orthodontics to close the gap. As with tooth replacement options, you’ll have several choices when it comes to orthodontics.

One choice to fix a gap in your teeth is clear aligners. These are low-profile devices that fit inside the mouth. They are removable and temporary. As your gap slowly closes, you’ll be fitted with a new aligner. Aligners are to be worn up to 22 hours per day for best results, although they can be removed for eating and oral hygiene.

Braces

If the gap in your teeth is wide, your dentist in Owensboro, KY may suggest traditional braces. These are permanently affixed to the teeth and give the same or better results as aligners. Braces are typically worn between one and two years.

You don’t have to live with a gap in your teeth; in fact, it’s best not to have a gap at all. Contact your Owensboro, KY dentist to discuss possible solutions to closing the gap in your teeth.

Options to Resolve Missing Teeth

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When it comes to resolving the problem of missing teeth, you have many options available to you. Your dentist in Owensboro, KY will help you to determine the best option for your dental condition, your preference and your budget. Here are some of the options that may be on the table.

Dentures

If the thought of wearing dentures makes you worried, don’t be. The dentures that they make today are a far cry from the dentures your grandparents used. For one thing, today you can get a partial denture, which resolves having just one missing tooth. If you have more than one missing tooth, you can get a larger set of modern, attractive dentures, or choose a different option.

Dental Implant

Dental implants are the cutting edge of dental technology. These are permanent solutions to missing teeth that do require dental surgery to install. However, once you have a dental implant, chances are you’ll forget you ever had an issue with a missing tooth. Dental implants look and feel just like the real thing and rarely, if ever, need to be replaced.

Crowns and Bridges

In Owensboro, KY crowns and bridges are commonly used to fix the issue of missing teeth. If you have one missing tooth and two healthy ones on either side, a beautiful dental bridge could be just the thing to bring back your smile. This is also referred to as a fixed dental bridge, because it’s permanent and not removable. A crown is used to provide a “cap” for a tooth that is broken or missing from the surface of the gums. Crowns are tinted and shaped to look just like your natural teeth. Your dentist will let you know if one of these options might work for your situation.

Don’t worry about replacing a missing tooth, because your Owensboro, KY dentist has lots of possible solutions for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Denture Realignment: Common Patient Questions

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While numerous options make it possible to restore your smile’s appearance and function after losing your teeth, dentures in Beaver Dam are still one of the most highly sought-after solutions. In some cases, the shape of your mouth changes, and the dentures you initially had made need to be realigned for a proper fit. Here is a look at some of the things you may want to know about having your dentures realigned.

How do you know your dentures need to be realigned?

People realize they need to get their dentures adjusted for a lot of reasons. Primarily, you may start to notice that your dentures do not stay seated when you speak or chew. You may feel the denture shift and move more than usual or even come completely out of place. You may need an alignment if the dentures are causing discomfort as well. For example, if you develop sores on your gums due to the denture moving around in your mouth, this is a sign to seek an adjustment.

What happens during realignment?

When dentures are realigned, the dentist will take new impressions of your mouth first. These new impressions will be used comparatively to determine where the dentures are not seating properly on your gums. New material will then be added to make the shape of the denture better conform to your mouth.

Does realignment change the integrity of the material?

During a realignment or adjustment, the same materials are used to make the changes to your prosthetic teeth. Therefore, integrity is not affected. Just be sure you entrust the task to a qualified dentist that uses only the best materials.

Get Help with Your Dentures from a Beaver Dam Dentist

When your dentures fit poorly, they do not deliver the same function as they should. Denture realignment is the simplest way to make sure your dentures are comfortable, well-fitting, and as functional as they should be. If you need a Beaver Dam dentist who can help you realign your dentures, reach out to us at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

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Options For Fixing Gaps in Your Teeth

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If you have gaps between your teeth, you probably feel a bit self-conscious whenever you smile. However, you don’t have to feel this way forever. With numerous treatment options available for this problem, you could soon have the smile of your dreams. If you’re ready to learn more about having a gap-free smile, here are three options you can talk over with your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY.

Cosmetic Bonding

If you have one or more smaller gaps between your teeth, cosmetic bonding in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY may be the answer to your problem. Simple and cost-effective, most bonding procedures can be completed in only one visit. Using special conditioning gel and tooth-colored resin, your dentist can shape and polish the resin so that it matches your teeth, thus eliminating any gaps that may exist.

Dental Veneers

Using thin shells of porcelain, your dentist can create dental veneers in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY that are a bit wider than your actual teeth, then bond them to the front surface of your teeth to cover the gaps. Though usually more expensive than bonding and requiring two visits, veneers are very durable and can last as long as 15 years.

Dental Implants

Should you have large gaps between teeth due to tooth loss associated with gum disease, you may be a good candidate for dental implants in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. A surgical procedure where titanium posts are inserted into your jawbone and then topped with crowns that look like natural teeth, this is an excellent way for many people to regain a great-looking smile.

If you have lived with gaps between your teeth for years but now long to get the smile you’ve always wanted, speak to your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY soon about these various treatment options.