A visit to the dentist can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, especially for young children. However, the good news is that sedation dentistry is an option to help reduce discomfort and anxiety during dental procedures, even in pediatric patients.. Despite its many benefits, myths surrounding pediatric sedation dentistry prevent parents from considering it as an option. If you are wondering if sedation dentistry is safe for children, read on.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is technically a medical option used to assist patients, especially younger children, in feeling comfortable and relaxed during various dental procedures. It typically relies on certain medications that help patients stay calm and be still while having dental treatments.

Many different types of sedation dentistry exist, including nitrous oxide (commonly called laughing gas), oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. Nitrous oxide is usually a popular option for mild anxiety. In contrast, oral or intravenous (IV) sedation is used for longer or more complicated dental treatments or patients with severe anxiety.

Safety and Pediatric Dental Sedation

Unfortunately, many parents and caregivers have hesitations regarding sedation dentistry for their children because they think it is dangerous. However, even pediatric sedation dentistry is actually relatively safe when provided and overseen by an experienced and qualified medical professional.

Pediatric dentistry sedatives are carefully selected and monitored to ensure that they are safe for use on children of all ages. In addition, the dosages given depend on the specific age and weight of your child, so they only receive an appropriate, safe amount.

Rest assured, prior to sedation taking place, the dental provider will take a thorough medical history to ensure there are no underlying health conditions or allergies that could pose a risk during sedation or dental treatment.

You should note that even still, some side effects, such as dizziness or nausea, may arise after the procedure. Fortunately, these symptoms typically go away quickly and don’t pose any continued risks to your child’s health.

With appropriate monitoring and care from trained dental and medical professionals, pediatric sedation dentistry can be safely used on children without significant risks or harm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Dentistry

Are Baby Teeth Really Important for Children?

Yes, primary, also known as "baby," teeth are important to children for several reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally,  but they also help in creating a path that permanent teeth will follow when they are ready to come in. It’s imperative to care for baby teeth, just as you would permanent teeth.

How Should You Clean Your Baby's Teeth?

Once your baby has teeth, use a toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay. Be sure to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants. Brush your baby’s teeth at least once a day before bed.

Schedule a Pediatric Dentistry Consultation Today

Your child’s journey to excellent dental health begins with a consultation at Greer Dental Studio. We will evaluate your child’s overall dental health and teeth. Whenever it may be helpful or necessary, we will offer dental sedation for our pediatric dental procedures.

Call 864-259-2590 or contact us today to learn more and schedule your child’s appointment.

Go around the world in a single day without leaving the state while enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of countless cultures at Greer City Park and Greer City Hall. The Greer Goes Global International Festival highlights many cultures found in the Greater Greer Community and Upstate South Carolina.

Celebrate the global cultures of the Upstate with Greer's 10th Annual International Festival at Greer City Park. International featured country tents, food trucks and vendors, sports, and a market come to Greer City Park during this exciting festival. If you are interested in representing your country as a vendor or at a booth, you can submit an application here.

This year's festival will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Greer City Park in Greer, South Carolina. The entertainment schedule is jam-packed and includes:

• Jazz on a Stick
• Mr. JJ's Magic
• NIAD Dance Company Student Troupe
• Indian Classical Dance
• JL Mann High School Jazz Ensemble
• Our World First Drums
• Parade of Nations
• K-Drum Team
• Art Davis- Bagpiper
• San de Callao
• Brazillian Martial Arts
• Greenspan Big Band

Countries Represented

The following countries will be represented at the festival:

• Brazil
• Sweden
• India
• South Korea
• USA
• South Africa
• France
• Germany
• Turkey
• Belgium
• Ecuador
• Cambodia
• England
• Scotland
• Bermuda
• Wales
• Northern Ireland
• Nicaragua
• Senegal
• China
• Ireland
• Japan
• Ukraine

You'll have the opportunity to learn more about over 40 countries from representatives at each booth, watch native performances and even try the musical instruments for yourself. If you get hungry from all the activity, make your way over to the vendors on the City Park promenade or a food truck. With offerings such as fajitas and gyros, there's something to tame everyone's appetite here. Additionally, there will be children's arts and crafts activities from around the globe.

Do You Need Help with Services?

Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate should contact 864-968-7008 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.

Keep the following in mind when attending:

• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Pets aren't permitted
• One-way traffic- please follow the set traffic patterns throughout the entire festival

Learn More About Dental Services in Greer, South Carolina

At Greer Dental Studio, we offer a variety of dental services to Greer residents and beyond. Some of our services include the following:

• In-office bleaching and at-home bleaching
• Veneers
• Cosmetic bonding services
• Extractions
• Crowns, bridges, and dentures
• General and family dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Invisalign aligners
• Endodontics
• Periodontal procedures

We will gladly answer your questions about any of our treatment options.

Our highly experienced dental provider, Dr. Georgea Thekkethottiyil (Dr.T), is committed to the highest standards of providing the most advanced dental care to her patients. Dr. T is incredibly enthusiastic when it comes to serving the entire family. She takes great pride in her ability to connect with kids and adults alike.

Get started on your path to excellent dental health today by requesting an appointment online or calling us at 864-259-2590.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can straighten your teeth and align your bite. It achieves the same general goal of braces, but with a more discreet and comfortable method. If you’ve been told that you have an overbite or underbite, you may be wondering if Invisalign can fix it. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign and what it can do. 

What is Invisalign? 

Invisalign treatment consists of a set of clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth. The aligners are designed to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, straightening your smile and closing gaps between the teeth. You wear each aligner for about 2 weeks, then switch to the next one in order until you have worn them all and your treatment is complete. 

Benefits of Invisalign 

Invisalign has many benefits, including: 

• Discreet. The clear aligners are virtually invisible on your teeth, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the obvious look of braces. 

• Comfortable. The aligners are smooth and flexible, shifting your teeth gently without irritating the soft tissues of your mouth. 

• Convenient. You can take your aligners out to eat and clean your teeth. No food restrictions or special dental hygiene tools necessary. 

• Fast results. Invisalign can straighten teeth in 6-18 months. 

What Invisalign Can Do 

Invisalign can treat the following common orthodontic issues: 

• Crowding
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite

 

What Invisalign Can Not Do 

There are some limitations to the extent that Invisalign is capable of moving the teeth. Invisalign can not: 

• Rotate teeth more than 20 degrees. 
• Move teeth up or down in the socket.
• Correct severe bite misalignment. 
• Close large gaps between teeth. 

Bite Alignment With Invisalign 

When it comes to aligning the bite, Invisalign can shift the teeth in the jaw so that the upper teeth meet together properly with the lower teeth in mild to moderate cases. The two most common types  of bite misalignment are: 

• Overbite. An overbite occurs when the upper row of teeth extend too far beyond the lower row of teeth when you bite down. In severe cases the lower teeth can even touch the roof of the mouth. 

• Underbite. An underbite is just the opposite, when the upper row of teeth meet behind the lower row of teeth when you bite down. 

 

Invisalign cannot change the shape of the jaw, which is often necessary to treat severe overbites and underbites. For more significant adjustments, braces may be necessary and in some cases even surgery. 

Am I a Candidate for Invisalign? 

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic cases. Patients of all ages may be eligible for Invisalign, but it may not be right for very young children. Teenagers and adults are the ideal age range for Invisalign treatment. If you’re interested in Invisalign, a brief evaluation can determine if you are an ideal candidate.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

 

Can Invisalign fix a crossbite? 

Another common type of bite misalignment is a crossbite. This occurs when some of the upper teeth meet in front of the lower teeth and others meet behind. Invisalign may be able to correct mild to moderate crossbites. 

 

Can Invisalign fix an open bite? 

Another type of bite misalignment is an open bite. This means that when you bite down your back teeth touch, but there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth in the front. Invisalign may be able to correct an open bite in some cases. 

 

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation Today

To get started with Invisalign, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Greer Dental Studio. We can assess the current position of your teeth and provide a recommendation for the best course of treatment to achieve your smile goals. 

Call 864-259-2590 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

If you're dealing with persistent and noticeable teeth stains, there are practical options available to maintain a bright smile. Regardless of the cause—whether it's trauma, poor oral hygiene, smoking, or dietary habits—several teeth whitening choices can address the issue. Consider the following three options, weighing their pros and cons to find the most suitable solution for achieving your desired smile.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments

Over-the-counter options like whitening toothpastes, gels, strips, creams, and trays are convenient for at-home use. Easily accessible at local grocery stores or pharmacies, these choices are affordable. However, they work gradually over time, making them less ideal for those seeking immediate results. They are more suitable for individuals looking to maintain a whiter smile or address mild stains over an extended period.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional, in-office teeth whitening provides excellent and rapid results. During these treatments, a dentist employs a special bleaching agent with trays. Alternatively, at-home professional whitening offers the flexibility to achieve professional-grade results at home, but the treatment duration is longer compared to in-office procedures. The exact duration can vary between patients.

Dental Bonding

For stubborn stains resistant to previous whitening options, such as those related to trauma, certain antibiotics, or fluorosis, dental bonding is often effective. It's also beneficial for addressing stains caused by small chips or cracks in the enamel. In this procedure, a dentist applies a special composite resin to stained teeth, shaping it to resemble natural teeth. Dental bonding results are prompt, and the resin can be matched to tooth colors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening 

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Although many people mistakenly think that teeth whitening isn't safe, it generally is. Especially when it's performed professionally, teeth whitening is extremely safe for the majority of the population. What patients need to understand is that the overuse of teeth-whitening products can be harmful. This is because tooth enamel is temporarily stripped during the whitening process. If overdone, this stripping can be detrimental to the teeth long-term.

What is the Minimum Age for Teeth Whitening?

Typically, a patient needs to reach their teenage years before getting their teeth whitened. Dentists don't recommend teeth whitening for children or patients who still have any baby teeth. However, adults are typically the best candidates for teeth whitening, no matter what option, because their teeth are developed and have accumulated years of stains.

Teeth Whitening at Greer Dental Studio

At Greer Dental Studio, we offer many solutions for whitening teeth and are happy to discuss each one with you. We can craft a teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry plan that fits your budget and your timeline. Our professional team of dental associates partners with you not only for a healthier smile but also for a bright, white, and straight smile. We are here to help you meet your dental goals, no matter what they might be. Take the first step in getting a whiter smile by calling us today.

You can contact us at 864-259-2590 or request an appointment online.

Unfortunately, accidents and unexpected dental problems can occur at any age, including childhood. Parents and caregivers must be prepared and knowledgeable about the appropriate actions to take if and when a pediatric dental emergency occurs. 

Knowing what constitutes a pediatric dental emergency and how to handle them can help parents and caregivers navigate these situations more effectively and with increased confidence.

Common Types of Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Pediatric dental emergencies can include many different situations. Some common examples include:

• Knocked-out teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Severe toothaches
• Injuries to the lip, mouth, or jaw
• Objects lodged between teeth

Any incident that causes significant pain, bleeding, or compromises the integrity of the child's oral structures or dental health should be treated as a dental emergency requiring the immediate attention of a dental professional. When in doubt, if your child is experiencing a dental emergency, it's always best to call and seek professional dental advice.

What To Do When a Pediatric Dental Emergency Occurs

When faced with a pediatric dental emergency, acting quickly is crucial. Remain calm so you can reassure the child and assess the situation.

If a tooth has been knocked out, gently rinse it with water but don't scrub it, and ease it back into the socket if possible. For broken or chipped teeth, rinse the child's mouth with warm water and apply an ice pack or other cold compress to prevent or reduce swelling. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.

Then, seek professional dental care as soon as possible.

Pediatric dental emergencies can be distressing for the child and the parent or caregiver. Remember that providing emotional support and reassurance to the child when a dental emergency occurs is crucial. 

It's best to stay calm, use comforting language, and explain what is happening in an age-appropriate manner. These steps will help alleviate anxiety and promote a positive dental experience for the child.

Contacting the Pediatric Dentist

In a dental emergency, you need to contact a pediatric dentist immediately. They can walk you through what to do over the phone and schedule an urgent appointment. Many dental practices have emergency protocols in place to accommodate these situations.

When speaking to the dentist, remain calm and provide clear details about the incident to help them prepare to treat the child accordingly.

Prevention of Pediatric Dental Emergencies

While childhood accidents are unpredictable, preventive measures help reduce the risk of pediatric dental emergencies. For example:

• Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports or activities that pose a risk of dental injuries
• Teach them proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing
• Maintain routine dental check-ups so your child's dentist can identify and address any potential issues before they become emergencies

Is Your Child Experiencing a Dental Emergency? Contact Greer Dental Studio Today

Pediatric dental emergencies can happen nearly anywhere at any time. They require prompt attention and swift action. Parents and caregivers can ensure their child receives prompt care and support by understanding what a dental emergency is and knowing how to respond. Being prepared, contacting the pediatric dentist, and providing emotional comfort is essential to effectively managing a pediatric dental emergency.

At Greer Dental Studio, we can handle a variety of dental emergencies during and after our normal business hours. Contact us online or call 864-259-2590 to learn more.

Are you missing one or more of your adult teeth? From dental decay to accidents, tooth loss has many potential causes.

 

Luckily, if you’re missing teeth, you may also have several treatment options to consider. One such option is dental bridges.

 

Asking questions about any treatment for missing teeth before deciding a particular option is right for your needs is always smart. For example, along with wishing to learn more about what dental bridges consist of, you might also want to know how long you can expect a dental bridge to last.

What You Need to Know About Dental Bridges

As its name suggests, a dental bridge is a false tooth or set of teeth that bridges the gap where a single tooth or multiple consecutive teeth are missing. Dental bridges come in these forms:

• Traditional dental bridge: A traditional dental bridge consists of a pontic or multiple pontics (the technical name for replacement teeth in a dental bridge). A dentist cements two crowned abutments to the adjacent teeth on either side of the pontics. These abutments support the bridge.

• Cantilever bridge: The support structure in a cantilever bridge only attaches to one tooth adjacent to the gap in a patient’s mouth. While this places more stress on the supporting tooth, a cantilever bridge may be a viable alternative to a traditional bridge if the tooth on one side of a gap isn’t healthy enough to provide the necessary support.

• Implant supported bridge: A dental implant may provide more support for a dental bridge than a natural tooth could provide. If a patient is missing multiple teeth, a dentist might recommend an implant supported bridge instead of a traditional bridge, as this option also has minimal impact on the teeth adjacent to a gap. However, this treatment option is more invasive and time-consuming.

• Maryland bridge: Rather than cementing abutments to the teeth adjacent to the gap in a patient’s mouth, a dentist could offer a Maryland bridge, which involves cementing a metal support structure to the back of a patient’s teeth. The Maryland bridge treatment procedure is less invasive than that of a traditional dental bridge, but a Maryland bridge is not as strong.

 

There’s no single type of dental bridge that’s perfect for every patient. Discuss your options with a dental professional for more information about which may be best for you.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Typically Last?

The lifespan of a dental bridge can vary depending on several factors. That said, according to one 2012 study from the Journal of Dentistry, approximately 72% of dental bridges remain in good condition for at least 10 years.

Important Factors Affecting How Long a Dental Bridge Lasts

Again, many factors can play a role in the lifespan of a dental bridge. They include:

• Oral and dental hygiene habits: Brushing, flossing, sticking to a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist at least once every six months all contribute to your overall health. Maintaining proper dental and oral hygiene habits can also optimize the lifespan of your dental bridge by preserving the health of the tissues that support it.

• How many teeth you are missing: In a study from the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, researchers found that shorter dental bridges tend to have higher survival rates than longer bridges.

• Your lifestyle: Sports accidents and other such accidents can result in damage to a dental bridge. If your lifestyle puts you at a relatively high risk of being involved in such accidents, your dental bridge may not last as long as someone else’s.

• Type of dental bridge: Implant supported bridges may last longer than other types of dental bridges. Traditional bridges may also last longer than Maryland bridges, which are typically weaker.

 

Many of the factors influencing the longevity of a dental bridge are within your control. By prioritizing your dental health and coordinating with your dentist, you could optimize your bridge’s lifespan.

Tips for Boosting the Lifespan of a Dental Bridge

Along with practicing sound oral hygiene habits and seeing your dentist on a regular basis, ways to keep your dental bridge in the best shape possible for as long as possible include the following:

• Eat the right foods: A balanced diet contributes to overall oral health. Additionally, refraining from eating hard or sticky foods could guard against damage to a dental bridge.

• Use your teeth for chewing: This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s important to consider how you might sometimes use your teeth for such tasks as opening bags or packages without realizing this can damage them. Using your teeth as tools may also damage a dental bridge.

• Minimize nervous chewing and teeth-grinding: Chewing your fingernails, pen caps, or other such items may result in a dental bridge wearing down earlier than expected. Grinding your teeth can have the same effect. Try to be conscious of these habits, and make an effort to avoid them.

 

The main point to take away from this post is that a dental bridge could serve as a fairly long-term replacement for your missing teeth. With proper care, a dental bridge may restore your smile for a decade or more. You can also discuss replacing a dental bridge with your dentist when or if yours ever does wear down.

Learn More About Dental Bridges in Greer, South Carolina

At Greer Dental Studio, we’re always happy to answer patients’ questions about dental bridges and other treatment options for missing teeth. Contact us online or call us at 864-259-2590 today to request an appointment.

Your smile plays a major role in your overall confidence. Research confirms it. If you’re unhappy with your smile because your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like them to be, your day-to-day self-esteem may take a hit.

 

Luckily, this isn’t a problem without a solution. Effective options for whitening your teeth include the following:

Bleaching

At-home whitening strips you may purchase at a pharmacy can potentially whiten your teeth to a degree. However, for truly stunning results, consider professional whitening services.

 

A cosmetic dentistry professional offering teeth whitening treatment could improve your smile’s brightness in just one appointment. In-office teeth bleaching involves:

• Applying a rubber shield or a gel to protect the gums
• Applying a bleaching agent to your teeth
• Activating the whitening agent with a specialized light

 

The treatment process is simple and noninvasive. If an at-home teeth whitening treatment is more convenient for you, a cosmetic dentist can provide an option that’s more effective than over-the-counter whitening strips and toothpastes. Professional at-home teeth whitening involves:

• Making an impression of your teeth
• Using the impression to create a custom mouthguard that fits your teeth and mouth perfectly
• Applying a whitening agent to the mouthguard and wearing it for a certain period of time every day

 

Your dentist will explain how long you should wear a mouthguard for ideal results. They’ll also let you know when you can stop wearing the mouthguard on a daily basis.

Veneers

A veneer is basically a shell that looks just like the front side of a natural, healthy tooth. Common materials for veneers include porcelain and composite resins.

 

When placing a veneer over your teeth, a dentist will:

• Prepare each tooth by removing a very thin layer of enamel
• Use a special bonding gel to attach each veneer to each tooth
• Activate the bonding gel with a specialized light

 

Veneers cover up stains, resulting in brighter smiles. A dentist might also recommend veneers to improve the appearance of misshapen or damaged teeth.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a treatment involving the application of a composite material to a tooth. The composite material’s color matches that of a healthy tooth, making it a useful tool for concealing stains. 

 

Cosmetic bonding is another simple treatment option that’s relatively affordable and may take less than one hour to complete. Along with addressing stained teeth, cosmetic bonding can:

• Improve a chipped tooth’s shape
• Conceal a crack in a tooth
• Ensure the color of a tooth is smooth and consistent

 

The above points highlight an important fact: there’s no single teeth whitening treatment that’s right for every patient. If your teeth are merely stained, professional bleaching might be ideal. If your teeth are also damaged, misshapen, or both, you could achieve superior results through cosmetic bonding or veneers.

 

Discuss these options with a cosmetic dentistry professional for more information. A dentist offering teeth whitening treatments can help you better determine how best to enhance your smile for years to come.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening in Greer, South Carolina

At Greer Dental Studio, offering in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching, veneers, and cosmetic bonding services, we’ll gladly answer your questions about these treatment options. Get started today by requesting an appointment online or calling us at 864-259-2590.

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that corrects tooth alignment and minor to moderate bite issues without brackets, wires, or bands. It is discreet, comfortable, and effective.

Patients need to meet certain criteria to be eligible to receive Invisalign treatment. The criteria are as follows:

• Good oral health with no untreated gum disease or cavities
• No missing teeth
• Fully grown jawbone (Invisalign is for adults and older teens)
• Ability to keep both the aligners and your teeth clean and well-cared-for
• Ability to follow the dentist's instructions and wear the aligners 22 hours daily

How Invisalign Works

Your dentist will take a set of digital impressions using an intraoral scanner. They will use these impressions to create a 3-D model of your mouth, including hard and soft tissues.

 

The dentist then designs your aligners, deciding on the movement of individual teeth. The data goes to the lab, where Invisalign makes a series of graduated aligners from medical-grade plastic.

 

When you receive your aligners, the dentist will direct you to wear each one for one to two weeks. Gradually, the aligners will move your teeth into the best possible positions. In about 12 to 18 months, you will have a gorgeous new smile.

Advantages of Invisalign

Discreet

Your aligners will be nearly invisible on your teeth. Most people will not notice you have them in. You can complete your orthodontic treatment privately without drawing unwanted attention.

Comfortable

The aligners are smooth, medical-grade plastic. They lack sharp or abrasive edges unlike traditional wires and brackets. You can wear them all day without issues.

Easy Care

Cleaning the aligners is easy, with several options, including Invisalign's special cleaning crystals. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, clear liquid antibacterial soap, or a non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your aligners looking their best.

Since you take your aligners out for cleaning, you can take excellent care of your teeth and avoid tooth decay and gum disease that braces occasionally cause.

Faster Than Braces

In most cases, Invisalign treatment is quicker than braces. Braces typically take between 18 months and three years, while Invisalign takes between 12 and 18 months. Some patients may see even faster results.

Our Tips for Success With Invisalign

• Wear your aligners as directed. One of the most common problems with Invisalign happens when people fail to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Treatment times slow down, and you may not receive the maximum results.
• Be sure to wear your retainer after completing treatment with Invisalign. If you skip wearing your retainer, your teeth may return to their original positions, wasting your time and investment.

Contact Greer Dental Studio

Invisalign is a proven system that can give you a beautifully aligned smile. Your appearance and your oral health will improve thanks to investing in Invisalign. If you are interested in talking to your dentist about Invisalign, call Greer Dental Studio at 864-259-2590

While dental implants are today's industry-leading replacements for damaged or missing teeth, myths about them continue circulating. This misinformation may prevent people from accessing the best care for their missing teeth.

This blog will debunk four of the most popular myths about implants and share other vital information about these restorations.

Myth #1: Dental Implants Are Too Expensive

Many people with missing teeth don't consider dental implants affordable. While they represent an investment in oral health, they last longer than any other restoration. Bridges need replacement every 5 to 10 years, while an implant post can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top of the implant will need periodic replacement.

Myth #2: Dental Implants Are Just Cosmetic

While you may feel that you can live with a missing tooth, your oral health and the alignment of your other teeth will suffer. Missing teeth cause their neighbors to drift out of place, causing crowding of some teeth and more space between others. These shifts can disrupt your dental bite and make your teeth harder to keep clean. Crowded teeth are more likely to cause tooth decay and gum disease. Promptly replacing a missing tooth is the optimal choice to protect oral health.

Myth #3: Dental Implant Surgery Is Difficult

Many people avoid dental implants because they believe the surgery is too intimidating. The surgical procedure itself is usually comfortable with anesthesia. The recovery period can involve some normal discomfort, including jaw, gum, and teeth soreness. However, most patients report that it is not as difficult as they thought before the surgery.

Myth #4: Dentures Are Just as Good

While dentures may seem easier at first glance, fitting and installing them can be challenging. Dental implants protect the jawbone from deterioration, whereas dentures often cause the jawbone to wear down. Dentures may shift or become uncomfortable when you eat certain foods.

Could I Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Healthy Gums

If you have gum disease, you must control it before getting implants. Your dentist will advise you on what needs to happen to proceed with the implant process.

Sufficient Jawbone Mass to Support Implants

Missing teeth cause the jawbone to break down and reabsorb into the gums. If your teeth were lost or extracted years ago, it might be possible to get implants if you undergo a bone graft procedure to bulk up the jawbone.

Healthy Enough For Surgery

To get implants, you must be healthy enough to undergo oral surgery. Talk to your primary care doctor and specialists to determine your eligibility.

Willingness to Quit Smoking

Tobacco use restricts blood flow to the gums, meaning that dental implants can fail. If you want implants, you will need to commit to going tobacco-free.

Call Greer Dental Studio

You can overcome the problems caused by missing teeth. If you want to know how dental implants can improve your life, call our office at 864-259-2590. We can make an appointment for a consultation and show you how implants can transform your smile.