The Specialty Center for Periodontics Dental Implants

How often do you use your mouth in a day? How often do you eat, drink, or speak? How often do you smile? These sound like silly questions, right? But we often underestimate and undervalue the importance of our mouths and oral care. This is probably why oral cancer is often overlooked until it is, unfortunately, too late.

This April, dentists across the country are spreading awareness to keep our nation’s mouths cancer free.

Oral cavity cancer (oral cancer, for short) is a cancer that starts in the mouth while oropharyngeal cancer begins in the soft part behind the roof of your mouth and includes your tonsils and throat.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 53,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2019—1 in 5 of these cases will be fatal. The death rate has generally been decreasing over the past 30 years, but there is still a long way to go before we have it beat.

The reason these two cancers have such a high mortality rate is because they are often discovered too late in their development. That is why recognizing the causes and detection methods are so important!

Causes of Oral Cancer

While scientists are still researching the exact cause, they have pinpointed several lifestyle actions that significantly increase oral cancer risk.

Both tobacco and alcohol use skyrocket the chances of tumors developing in your mouth. Tobacco directly damages the DNA in your cells, causing them to be malformed when they reproduce. Alcohol, on the other hand, does not directly damage DNA but instead helps damaging chemicals (like those in tobacco) to access cell DNA more easily.

Doctors have also discovered that human papillomavirus (HPV) produces proteins that cause abnormalities in cell growth. For that reason, oral HPV infection is understood to be a third contributor to oral cancer after tobacco and alcohol.

Detection

Like with any illness, early detection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer is critical. The two most common symptoms you may notice is a mouth sore that does not heal for at least two weeks or persistent mouth pain. Some other things you may notice are trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw and tongue. Lastly, as with most cancers, a lump forming in your mouth or throat is another possible sign.

While these are some of the more common symptoms, a complete list can be found on the American Cancer Society site. If you show any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, you should get screened.

Our smiles are important. It’s how we make friends, strike impressions, and communicate feelings. Our mouth is what lets us eat, breathe, and live. With proper knowledge and early detection, we can go from 1 in 5 cases of oral cancer being fatal to zero. Contact The LANAP and Implant Center today to schedule your oral cancer screening.

Do you regularly go to the dentist? Probably not as often as you should. Most people visit the dentist to have their teeth cleaned or whitened. Gums tend to take the back seat compared to their white counterparts, but they are equally important. The state of your gums indicates the health of your teeth and has a profound effect on overall body health.

Healthy gums can help prevent various diseases in the body. Therefore, it is; essential to take care of your mouth to protect your overall health. Read on to learn how gums affect your overall health.

How Gum Disease Starts

Gums are tissues that surround and protect the teeth, teeth roots, and jawbones. Gums seal the teeth forming a protective layer against disease-causing bacteria (plaque). They are the supportive structure keeping teeth in place. Gums also prevent sensitivity, preserve bone mass, help reduce foul mouth odor, and support dental installation or restorations such as crowns and bridges.

Once bacteria make their way into deeper parts of your teeth, the structure of your teeth collapses. Leaving gums untreated paves the way for harmful bacteria to get into the bloodstream, causing inflammation, bleeding gums, and gum redness leading to periodontal disease.

The advanced stage of periodontal disease is periodontitis, which causes teeth to fall out by affecting the bones and tissues connected to your teeth. This affects the health of your teeth and overall body health by predisposing you to chronic medical conditions.

Inflammation is the link between gum disease and chronic health conditions. Maintaining healthy gums balances out the good and bad bacteria in the mouth, minimizing the risk of acquiring the periodontal disease.

Effects of Gum Disease On The Body

If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums by brushing daily or avoiding visiting the dentist regularly, you can build up to harmful bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria cause infections that can be easily treated if caught early. However, if left untreated, the infection spreads severely throughout the body.

Additionally, it can trigger the immune system to become hyperactive, putting you at risk of allergic reactions. Studies show that people suffering from periodontal disease are at risk of developing the following chronic medical conditions.

• Chronic respiratory disease
• Dementia
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy complications
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Osteoporosis

The link between healthy gums and overall health is undeniable. Maintaining healthy gums is the best way to minimize the risk of developing medical conditions associated with gum disease. Other factors that may contribute to periodontal disease include:

• Illnesses like diabetes or heart disease may affect the state of the health of your gums.
• Some medications reduce saliva production, which helps protects teeth and gums.
• Smoking inhibits gum tissue repair
• A family history of dental disease may contribute to the development of gingivitis.
• Hormonal changes increase gum sensitivity, increasing the risk of developing gum disease.

Periodontal Disease Prevention

To prevent and manage gum disease, do the following:

Brush and floss consistently: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at night. If you have wide spaces between your teeth or are fitted with bridges, implants, or mouth plates, you may use interdental brushes with tiny bristles at one end to clear trapped food particles.
Use mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel and replace a worn-out toothbrush. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.

Quit smoking: Smoking dramatically affects the health of your teeth and gums. It greatly increases the chances of developing periodontal disease. This is because tobacco hinders the normal functioning of gum tissue cells. Smoking also promotes the production of bacterial plaque, which causes gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Quitting is the best way to improve oral health drastically.

Consume a healthy diet: A healthy diet helps minimize inflammation. Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes, and take plenty of water.
Carrots, dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and milk, celery, apples, and onions are beneficial for dental health. A diet rich in fatty fish (omega 3) improves oral health and prevents further infection.

Get early treatment for gum disease: Learn the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease like swollen, bleeding gums, pus, gums that have pulled away from teeth, and ill-fitting dentures. If you are experiencing any of these signs, visit the dentist immediately.

Regular dental visits: Do not skip or avoid going to the dentist every 6months. Your dentist will clean and remove build-up plaque and check the overall health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. If you are suffering from gum disease, he will advise you on treating and managing the infection.

Healthy gums are vital to preventing gum disease and improving overall health. If you are experiencing any changes in your mouth like bleeding gums when brushing or mouth sores, visit The LANAP and Implant Center as soon as possible.

It’s hard in this day and age to manage a stress-free lifestyle. The obstacles we face day-to-day may vary from one another, but one thing we all deal with is stress. Stress itself may not be a problem, but our ability to manage, respond, and relieve ourselves from it can be an issue. Some of us have healthy ways of coping with stress, but some methods of stress management may have negative effects on your health, even when it comes to your dental health!

Excessive tooth grinding and jaw clenching, otherwise known as “Bruxism”, is often an involuntary oral activity that is unrelated to normal jaw functions such as eating or talking. Though most people are unaware that they grind their teeth, healthcare professionals note that it is a fairly common unhealthy habit for both children and adults.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism, or teeth grinding/clenching, is a condition where you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth together. You may do this unconsciously while awake or even during sleep. The force is often greater than that of normal biting or chewing, resulting in a variety of problems concerning your oral health.

There are two types of bruxism: Sleep bruxism/nocturnal bruxism and awake bruxism.

Sleep bruxism is the more common of the two and occurs as the name describes- while one is asleep. Sleep bruxism often creates damage to the teeth, jaw, and gums as the patient is asleep and unaware of his or her actions. It is also considered a sleep-related disorder as those who clench their teeth at night are prone to having other sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea.

Awake bruxism can be just as damaging as sleep bruxism but is more likely to be noticed as it occurs during the day.

Like many conditions, bruxism can be mild and irregular, making treatment difficult. Most are unaware of the condition despite the symptoms and are only made aware when it is noticed by others or diagnosed by a medical professional during a routine exam.

Symptoms

There are physical and oral symptoms that can be mild at first but lead to more serious developments if left unchecked or untreated.

Physical symptoms

• Headaches
• Discomfort in the jaw
• Facial muscle pain
• Earaches
• Cheek biting
• Shoulder and neck stiffness/tightness
• Limitation of jaw motions
• Cracking or popping of jaw joint
• Sleep disruption

Oral symptoms

• Abnormal tooth wear
• Teeth sensitivity
• Fractures or cracks in teeth
• Misalignment of jaw
• Inflammation and recession of gums
• Loose teeth
• Loss of teeth

The misalignment or dislocation of the jaw joints is a common result of unnoticed prolonged bruxism. The excessive grinding force produces a change in the structure of your jaw’s natural alignment and may alter the appearance of your face and smile.

Causes

The causes may not always be clear as bruxism is thought of as a method of coping with stress or anxiety, however, there can be a variety of other causes. It may be a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors.

Some risk factors include:

• Stress– An increase in anxiety or stress may lead to teeth grinding within your environment
• Oral Health– teeth misalignment or abnormal bites
• Age– common in younger children, but this habit typically disappears by adulthood
• Personality– An individual’s personality and the ability for stress management
• Medication– Bruxism can be an uncommon side effect of medication
• Health Disorders– Teeth grinding can be associated with some mental health or medical disorders such as Parkinson’s, night terrors, and ADHD, and may also be a symptom of a disease or disorder that affects the nerves and muscles of the face.

Treatment

The best solution is to identify and handle the determined underlying cause or causes. There are two forms of general treatment: the first is oral management (meaning the use of devices to physically stop the grinding) and the second is behavioral management (which focuses on lifestyle and stress management).

Oral Treatment

• Bite Guards
• Mandibular Advancement devices
• Dental correction
• Splints

Behavior Management

• Habit breaking
• Lifestyle adjustment
• Sleep therapy
• Muscle relaxation

Home Therapy

• Apply wet heat or ice to sore joints (do not apply directly to the skin)
• Massage the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and face
• Avoid hard, dense, and chewy foods
• Learn stretching exercises for the affected areas
• Practice good sleep habits

If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism or excessive teeth grinding, start a list of any and all symptoms you may be experiencing and bring them to the attention of your dentist. Teeth grinding can lead to more serious complications should symptoms become severe. For more information, contact The LANAP and Implant Center today.

If you suffer from missing teeth or severely damaged teeth that are simply beyond repair, it’s likely that you’ve done some research and want to know if there’s a solution for you. After all, a damaged smile can take a dramatic blow to your confidence, and nobody deserves to feel like they can’t smile to the fullest simply because of the way their teeth look!

If you find yourself in this predicament, dental implants may be an option you should consider. Dental implant surgery is a great way to efficiently replace all missing or damaged teeth to get your smile back to looking its best. Better yet, this procedure can be completed in a single day! Before booking your appointment, you should take into account the various factors that may affect your candidacy, however.

Let’s take a look at some of the questions you should ask yourself to identify whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants.

HOW DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK

In case you’re relatively new to the topic of dental implants, let’s discuss precisely what the procedure is and how it works.

Dental Implants are used for replacing a single tooth, several teeth, and or replacing all of your teeth. This is, in fact, a great option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to many factors. Our dental implants can be used for patients with bridges or removable dentures as well. Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone. Becoming a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, called crowns. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth and match the strength of a natural tooth.

Now on to the questions you should ask yourself.

DO YOU HAVE DAMAGED OR MISSING TEETH?

It goes without saying that to be considered a candidate for a dental implant procedure, you have actually to be in need of implants. This means that you should have damaged or missing teeth.

Additionally, those that are missing only a single tooth or only have one tooth in need of replacement aren’t candidates for this procedure. The dental implant procedure is meant to deliver drastic results to those in need of treatment for the entire upper arch, lower arch, or both.

ARE YOU IN GOOD HEALTH?

The next question to ask yourself is whether or not you’re in good health. If your dentist doesn’t believe you to meet reasonable health standards, it is unlikely that they will recommend the dental implant procedure for you. In some cases, they may even directly prevent you from receiving this treatment. Your provider will take your past medical history into account when you inquire about booking an appointment for the procedure.

Some health conditions that could affect your candidacy for this procedure include:

• Diabetes
• Autoimmune deficiency
• Osteoporosis

DO YOU HAVE PRESENT BONE MASS IN YOUR JAW?

Past dental implant procedures require that the bones of your jaw possess proper mass and density. Some patients have such existing damage to their jaw through the process of losing their teeth that they would not be eligible for these procedures.

If this is a concern to you, we have good news! Dental Implants do not require that your jaw fit a certain standard in regards to damage because it can directly fuse implants with stronger bone tissue. This is a huge plus as it eliminates the need for any form of bone grafting- saving you time and money!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? If so, The LANAP and Implant Center is here to help! Our knowledgeable specialists can answer any of your questions. We’ll help you determine whether or not you are a candidate for this procedure and help to create a specialized treatment plan with your unique needs in mind!

Contact The LANAP and Implant Center today or stop by our office to book an appointment today!

Toothaches can seem like torture to some people. Have you heard of the old adage saying that it is sometimes better to have a stomach ache or headache because the pain is just concentrating on the parts of the body that hurt? But when you have a toothache, it seems that almost all of your body parts are in pain. Well, it’s not just a cliche, it’s a scientific truth. Research studies show that poor oral hygiene and health can be associated with several major health conditions. Your dental visit can reveal more than just a toothache, signs of unhealthy teeth or gums may be a warning for a more serious condition. Fortunately at LANAP and Implant Center, as experts in oral health, we are here to manage your oral health so that your smile can remain happy and healthy.

The Connection Between Your Teeth and Wellbeing

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Though most are harmless, poor oral hygiene practices can cause harmful bacteria to overgrow and overwhelm your body’s defense system, leading to possible infections.

The mouth is one of the main entry points into your body’s internal systems, such as the digestive system or respiratory system, and without good oral hygiene, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body. Certain medications such as decongestants and antidepressants may reduce saliva production and increase bacterial levels within your mouth, raising your risk of infection and the possibility for more severe oral health problems. Studies show that the added bacteria can cause infection and health complications to the rest of your body if allowed to spread untreated.

Conditions Associated With Poor Oral Health 

As dentists, we are well aware of this mouth-and-body connection and are trained to recognize signs of possible underlying health conditions when examining your teeth. In fact, 90% of systemic conditions display oral symptoms. Common conditions associated with poor oral health can include:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Endocarditis
• HIV/AIDS
• Kidney Disease
• Pneumonia

Other conditions that your dentist can detect may include thyroid conditions, high blood pressure, sleeping disorders, anemia, and eating disorders.

It is important to note that though these conditions may occur concurrently, that does not mean that one directly caused the other. Studies also show that conditions that lower your body’s resistance to infection are likely to increase your risk for other health complications including oral health conditions.

How To Protect Your Smile

According to the report of the FDI World Dental Federation, oral diseases are among the most common diseases, but are often overlooked. A campaign to increase attention to oral health should be urgent. Here are our tips to protecting your oral health:

• Be sure to keep your dentist up to date about your health and any medications you may be taking, as they may affect your oral health
• Attend regular dental exams and cleanings throughout the year
• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes at a 45-degree angle with an ADA-approved toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and leftover food from hard-to-reach areas
• Replace your toothbrush every three months or once the bristles begin to wear down
• Use a mouthwash to help keep your teeth feeling clean and your breath fresh
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Avoid using cigarettes and tobacco products as they can increase your risk for oral cancer and other oral health complications.

Maintaining your health, including your oral health, is a life-long process, and following a good oral hygiene routine is the best way to manage your dental health. It is also important to attend routine exams and cleanings as our staff is trained to identify and treat oral health conditions and look for signs that may cause concern. For more information about your oral health or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.

Source

We are proud to offer acupuncture to treat dental pain and dental anxiety. Acupuncture is a safe and effective method to relieve stress, pain, discomfort, and disorder and allows us to offer a holistic approach to your oral health care.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the careful insertion of hair-thin needles into certain pressure points of your body. By inserting the needles into these pressure points, the body’s nervous and immune system is stimulated to promote healing and restore proper function to the body. This kind of biochemical change stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Some patients report feeling relaxed after treatment or full of energy depending on which pressure points are triggered.

Acupuncture is widely accepted among the medical community and for over 20 years research has shown that acupuncture is an effective pain relief treatment option, for both acute and chronic pain. Commonly treated areas and conditions include pain, injury, asthma, repetitive strain, osteoarthritis, migraines, tendonitis, and more.

Many dentists all over the world who have adopted acupuncture as a technique to manage pain caused by a toothache, gum disease, help relax gag reflex during treatments, reduce dental anxiety, as well as other dental disorders and procedures because there are minimal risks or side effects.

Acupuncture and Dentistry

The FDI World Dental Federation has already adopted a resolution confirming the use of acupuncture in dentistry. The FDI World Dental Federation is an organization of dentists all over the world and they gather yearly to discuss issues surrounding dentistry, dental practices, and other related fields.

The organization considered the use of acupuncture as a sensible supplement aid to current dental practices, both as an analgesic and for addressing various dental disorders. Acupuncture is proven to balance the meridians, reduce swelling, reduce cortisol levels, improve healing, provide drainage, and relieve the damaged organ systems and myofascial system from the effects of chronic oral disease and toxic material overload.

Dental patients’ responses to acupuncture have been overwhelmingly positive.

It is important to note that not all dentists can administer acupuncture to their patients. They need to have a thorough knowledge and experience in acupuncture. We are fortunate to have employed professional acupuncturists to ensure quality care for our patients.

Acupuncture service is an added feature that boosts Lanap and Implant Center’s reputation of using holistic treatment methods to ensure that the patients’ overall health is supported every step of the way. Lanap and Implant Center takes pride in utilizing acupuncture before, during, and after dental procedures. During your consultation, we will discuss if acupuncture is ideal for your condition and treatment. Dr. D and his team at Lanap and Implant Center have just one goal in mind: and that is to give the highest quality of dental care possible by giving holistic treatment methods.

As we near the holiday season you may be looking for new ways to improve your look, and what better way to give you a boost of confidence than a brand new smile? Here at The LANAP and Implant Center we are proud to provide all-in-one smile restoration services to our patients. Regardless of whether you have damage due to trauma, disease, or simply from aging, we can help give you a smile of which you can be proud.

What is Smile Restoration?

Smile restoration can mean many different things depending on your individual oral health and the goals for your smile. Whether you have a few missing teeth or are in need of full reconstruction, our team of periodontists are fully equipped to help restore your teeth, periodontal tissue (gums), temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and the esthetics of your teeth in order to give you a brighter and healthier looking smile. During your consultation exam we will determine which course of treatment will be best suited to give you the most satisfactory results. Often X-rays and impressions are needed prior to beginning treatment so that we can accurately make a patient plan. Depending on your individual case, multiple steps may be required to meet the end goal of the restoration, and treatment time varies case by case. Your doctor will be able to give you an estimated treatment timeline after the course of treatment is determined.

Who benefits most from smile restoration?

While anyone can benefit from taking steps to improve their smile, Those who benefit most from smile restoration are those who have damage to their teeth, periodontal tissue, and those who struggle with having a stable bite. Additionally, those who have suffered from oral cancer are prime candidates for smile restoration. While smile restoration can bring many esthetic benefits, it is most helpful for those who need it in order to have a healthy mouth. Our primary goal is to ensure that our patients have healthy, fully functioning smiles, but we are also excellent at making them look great!

Here at The LANAP and Implant Center, we are one of the few practices that is fully equipped to handle all of your smile restoration needs. If you believe you are a candidate for smile restoration, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation. As always, we are proud of the role we get to play in your dental care. We hope to see you soon!