Advantages of Dental Implants

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas +822-553-7512

The dental implants are basically the best replacements if you have lost your natural tooth.
There are several advantages that speak in favor of choosing dental implants.

• They look extremely natural. Someone with a dental implant denture will have a beautiful smile, just like he/she would have a natural set of healthy teeth.
• Dental implants not only look good, but they also feel like natural teeth. It takes a little bit of time until one gets used to them, but after that, you will never have any problems.
• With aging, natural tooth loss occurs. And, with that teeth loss, the bones in the jaw area will also start to collapse. If you have dental implants, the entire bone structure of the face stays in place.
• When dental bridge work is done to a patient, the teeth in the proximity of the missing teeth will be altered. This is not the case with dental implants, because none of your healthy teeth will suffer any changes or adjustments in order to make the implant fit.
• With dental implants, patients can eat and chew regularly just about any kind of food. With dentures, you may already know how embarrassing it can become to have a bite from an apple, without using quickly the adhesive.

However, in order to become a successful candidate you must have healthy gums and strong bones that will hold the artificial tooth replacement.
Bone grafting is routinely used for people who do not have enough or strong jaw bones for the dental implant to be biologically inserted.

The Right Way to Floss

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas +822-553-7512

Flossing is important because proper flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from those spaces between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach.  Research shows that regular flossing can also reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

Although flossing can be difficult at first, learning and practicing the proper technique will help you to become more comfortable and efficient. Try following these simple steps in front of a mirror.

• Wind about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving about five inches between your hands.
• Pinch the floss between your thumb and index finger on each hand and leave about one inch in between.
• Gently guide the floss down between all the teeth using a gentle sawing motion, pulling the floss in a "C shape" around the entire side of the tooth and sliding it under the gum line. Use an up and down motion to clean the entire surface of the side of the tooth.
• Pull the floss out from in between the teeth. As you move to the next tooth, unroll clean floss from one finger and wind the extra floss onto the other finger. Floss each tooth with a clean section of floss, gradually working your way around your mouth, cleaning both sides of each tooth.

 Tips

• Use a pattern - start at the back upper right tooth and move to the upper left side. Then go to the back lower right tooth and move around to the back lower left side.
• Establish a routine.
• Practice and improve your technique.
• Avoid wrapping the floss too tightly around your fingers.
• Remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly after flossing to remove loosened food particles.
• If the floss catches or tears you might want to try a different type/brand of floss (e.g., waxed vs. unwaxed).
• If you are just beginning to floss, your gums will likely to bleed. Once your start to floss regularly the bleeding should stop. If the bleeding continues, get your gum checked.

Deep Cleaning for Mild Gum Disease

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn- Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas +822-553-7512

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease  is a bacterial infection of the gums and bones that surround the teeth causing the gums and bones to shrink away from the teeth. The bacteria will cause the bone around the teeth to degenerate. As a result teeth will loosen and possibly fall out.

Most people are not even aware that they have it. In the early stages it is painless and goes unnoticed.

Then, how do you know if you may have periodontal disease? Do you have bad breath? Do your gums bleed or are they red and swollen? These are some common symptoms, but you may not be experiencing any symptoms at all. This is why it is important to have routine check-ups to screen for gum disease.

The good news is periodontal disease is a treatable disease. If detected early the effects can be reversed and the bone may stop receding. A tiny ruler called a probe is used to measure the “pocket depths” around each tooth. In a healthy mouth the “pocket depths” are usually between 1-3 millimeters. In an individual with periodontal disease the pocket depths start to reach 4-5 mm or greater.

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease.

For mild cases, deep cleaning ( scaling and root planning) is performed. Scaling means scraping off the tarter (calculus) from above and below the gum line. Root planning gets rid of the buildup on the roots of the teeth where the germs gather, removing the bacteria colonies that contribute to the disease. Additionally, the doctor may recommend placing an antibiotic down into the tissue surrounding each tooth that has periodontal involvement.
In case of severe, long-term periodontal disease, it may be necessary to have gum surgery.

The prognosis for mild to moderate periodontal disease is generally good. With diligent care, including brushing, flossing and follow-up cleanings as recommended by your dentist, it is possible to keep your teeth for a lifetime.