How Do I Maintain Good Oral Health in My Senior Years?

How Do I Maintain Good Oral Health in My Senior Years?

With age comes wisdom, as well as changes in the mouth and general health. The good news is that ongoing oral hygiene practices and routine dental exams can help maintain your healthy, confident smile. We, at Hebron Family Dentistry, are here to support your oral health every step of the way.

Common Dental Concerns for Seniors

Poor dental hygiene practices earlier in life, poor diet, and ill-fitting dental appliances can cause gum (periodontal) disease, as can health conditions such as diabetes or cancer. Gum disease left untreated can progress and damage the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, which can potentially lead to tooth loss.

Older adults are susceptible to developing decay and cavities on their teeth and root surfaces, especially if they have gum recession. Tooth sensitivity can also increase with age, as the gums recede over time, exposing parts of the teeth not protected by enamel.

Dry mouth is another common concern with age and can result from some health conditions or medications. If not treated, dry mouth can lead to tooth and root decay, potentially resulting in tooth loss. Moreover, osteoporosis can develop over time, with bones in the body becoming brittle and prone to fractures. When the bone density in the mouth decreases, the teeth may become loose and fall out.

How to Maintain a Healthy Smile in Your Senior Years

The best way to keep your smile healthy is to prevent oral diseases from developing. Make sure you maintain proper oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Maintain the function of your dentures or bridges by following the care instructions provided to you.

It’s important to limit the intake of sugary or starchy snacks and carbonated drinks and to refrain from using tobacco products. Make sure you drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist and consume a healthy, balanced diet, so you have the nutrients needed to maintain your oral health. Check your mouth regularly for sensitive areas, sores, or any unusual lumps or bumps. If you see anything out of the ordinary, contact our office for an appointment.

We encourage you to keep up with your regular dental exams even if you don’t have any teeth to allow us to monitor your oral health and any restorations.

Senior Dental Care in Hebron, KY

Visit Hebron Family Dentistry to learn more about the services we offer to support your oral health. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile for many years to come. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

What Are Dental Implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

If you are in search of a restorative dentistry solution to replace your missing teeth, you’ve come to the right place. Hebron Family Dentistry is proud to offer dental implants, the best alternatives to healthy, natural teeth. Our long-lasting restorations will enhance your quality of life, and will leave you looking, feeling, and smiling your best!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, screw-like titanium posts we surgically place into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. They provide a stable and secure foundation to support fixed or removable replacement teeth, bridges, or dentures that we custom-match to your natural teeth. Implants boast a more than 95% success rate, which is significantly higher than any other tooth-replacement option.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Implants have become today’s standard for replacing missing teeth, with their unparalleled comfort and stability. You will restore your natural facial structure, chew with ease, and speak with clarity. Most importantly, dental implants are the only restorations that preserve healthy bone mass by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots and stimulating the bone. They also prevent any remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment, which lowers your risk of developing a host of dental problems down the road. Dental implants are very durable, with the potential of lasting a lifetime with proper care.

Candidates for Dental Implants

Dental implants offer an excellent restorative option for patients missing one or more of their teeth. Most people in good oral and overall health and with adequate bone mass to support the implant are good candidates. If, however, you have suffered bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary to rebuild the bone to allow you to enjoy the many benefits of dental implants. 

Caring for Dental Implants Restorations

You must commit to meticulous oral hygiene practices for the long-term success of your dental implant restorations. That includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as keeping up with your dental exams and cleanings at Hebron Family Dentistry. We will monitor your oral health and ensure that your restorations stay in tip-top shape.

Dental Implants in Hebron, KY

Visit Hebron Family Dentistry to learn more about restoring your smile using dental implants. Dr. Watson and her outstanding team are committed to utilizing cutting-edge technology and techniques to deliver quality, durable restorations. You will love the stunning results. Don’t wait. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

Is It a Dental Emergency?

Is It A Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies often happen when least expected, and we at Hebron Family Dentistry are here to help. We are proud to offer emergency services to new and current patients in Hebron, KY, and the surrounding areas. We believe that being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of a dental emergency can help improve your treatment outcomes and will lower the chances of future complications.

Is it a Dental Emergency?

At times it’s challenging to determine whether or not you are experiencing a dental emergency. In general, a dental problem that requires immediate treatment to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth is considered an emergency. That also applies to severe infections that may pose a threat to your oral and overall health.

To determine whether you are experiencing a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is there severe, persistent tooth pain?
  • Is there any swelling to your jaw, mouth, or face?
  • Has your mouth or face suffered trauma?
  • Do you have one or more loose or knocked out teeth?
  • Is there bleeding from your mouth?
  • Are there any bulges, swells, or knots on your gums?

If your answer is “yes” to any of the above questions, you are likely experiencing a dental emergency. Contact Hebron Family Dentistry immediately for an emergency appointment and care instructions. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Common Dental Emergencies

Here are some tips to help ensure the best possible treatment outcomes:

A Persistent Toothache: Pain may indicate an infection or an abscess, which may potentially pose a threat to your oral and overall health. Rinse with warm water and use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be caught between your teeth. Make sure not to place aspirin or painkillers on the affected area. Call us for an emergency appointment immediately.

Knocked-Out Tooth: Gently return the tooth to its socket without touching the root. If that is not possible, place it in a container with some milk. Contact us immediately! Getting treatment within an hour of knocking out a tooth is your best chance of saving it.

Cracked or Broken Tooth: These may be painful and will require emergency care. Rinse gently with warm water, and contact us as soon as possible.

Other Common Dental Emergencies: These may include loose teeth, injury to your tongue, cheeks or gums, or a lost crown or filling. Contact us right away!

Quality Emergency Dental Care in Hebron, KY

If you experience a dental emergency, contact Hebron Family Dentistry for quality urgent care. Our experienced and caring team will work tirelessly to alleviate any pain and to save an injured tooth. You can always count on us for quality, comfortable care.

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant Supported Dentures

If you are in search of a stable and comfortable solution to replace your missing teeth, you may want to consider implant-supported dentures. These durable, custom-made restorations come as close to having a new set of natural teeth as possible. Talk to your trusted team at Hebron Family Dentistry to find out if implant-supported dentures are right for you.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are oral devices designed to restore missing teeth, similar to conventional dentures. What sets them apart is that they are secured in place by titanium dental implants. A dental implant fuses to your bone over time, and eventually, it becomes part of the jawbone, providing a secure, stable, and long-lasting foundation for your new replacement teeth. Implant-supported dentures deliver incredibly natural results and unparalleled comfort.

All-On-4 Implant Supported Dentures

You don’t have to get implants for every lost tooth to restore your smile. All-on-4 implants only require four precisely placed implants on the top jaw and four on the bottom to provide the needed support for your dentures.

What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?

The most significant health benefit of restoring missing teeth using implant-supported dentures is the stimulation they provide to your jawbone. When tooth roots are missing, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Dental implants mimic the function of natural roots and halt bone atrophy, allowing your jaw to maintain its shape and strength. Traditional dentures will likely require adjustments and relining to accommodate the changes that occur in the shape of your jaw with time. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, may never need adjustments, saving you time and money down the road.

With implant-supported dentures, you’ll get fully functional new teeth and a long-lasting smile. You’ll be able to speak with clarity and can enjoy your favorite foods once again. Implant-supported dentures maintain your facial structure, restoring your youthful appearance. With proper care, your new restorations can last a lifetime!

Caring for Your Implant-Supported Dentures

Just like your natural teeth, implant-supported dentures need daily care. Make sure you remove any detachable parts and carefully clean around the attachments, restorations, and your gums. Follow the care instructions we provide to ensure the longevity of your restorations. Don’t forget to schedule your periodic dental exams to allow us to monitor your oral health and to ensure your dentures remain fully functional. 

Implant-Supported Dentures in Hebron, KY

Contact Hebron Family Dentistry to learn more about restoring your smile using implant-supported dentures. Our team is committed to utilizing cutting-edge technology and techniques to provide our valued patients with quality, durable restorations. We are all about healthy, confident smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!