Dental Blogs - Parkwood Dental

What Are the Dental Implant Procedure Steps?

November 4, 2019 by Joe Amaral

If you are missing one or more of your teeth or planning to have them removed in the future, you have probably heard about dental implants. They offer a long-term or permanent replacement option that can also help preserve the integrity of your bone and gums. You may be wondering, however, about the procedure that is involved with getting you that updated smile. Keep reading to learn about the dental implant procedure steps necessary when you visit Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL.

Dental Implant Procedure Steps to a Winning Smile

When getting your new implant, you may experience some or all of these dental implant procedure steps. Keep in mind that the actual steps you experience may be slightly different depending on your specific situation.

Bone Grafts

Without a tooth in its place, your jawbone loses some of its mass. If it has been a long time since you had a tooth in place, you may need to have the bone built up before an implant can be placed. This is done through grafting extra bone to yours and allowing it to heal. Keep in mind that not everyone will need to take this dental implant procedure step.

The Implant Is Placed

Once your bone is strong enough to support the implant, your dentist will carefully drill a hole and put the titanium implant post in it. This will form the artificial root for your new tooth and is the actual implant. Your jaw will need about 12 weeks to heal after this is done. During that time, your jawbone will grow around the post to secure it and give your dentist a strong attachment point for your crown.

An Abutment Is Attached

An abutment is a small piece that acts as a bridge between the implant and the crown. It offers an appropriate surface to allow the crown to be securely attached later on. Some surgeons will use a one-piece implant that already includes this portion, so you may not have to undergo another procedure. If you do, you’ll want to be sure that your jaw has had time to heal before having another surgery to place the abutment.

A Crown Is Added

Once the actual implant is firmly established in your jaw and the abutment is attached to it, you are ready for a crown. Your dentist or surgeon will take a mold or impression of your mouth and have a crown made to resemble a natural tooth.

You’ll want to decide on the best material for your situation. Some options include porcelain, composite resin, and metal. Porcelain is the most natural-looking, and also the most expensive. It can be a good choice for a front or highly visible tooth. You might want to leave the metal crowns for molars that won’t be visible when you smile or speak.

Your Smile Is Renewed

Once your crown is attached, you are ready to go. You can eat, drink, and chew as if your teeth were natural. Proper hygiene is crucial to making sure your implant lasts a long time, so be sure to keep brushing and flossing regularly.

If you are ready to talk to someone about getting an implant, or if you just have questions about the dental implant procedure steps, contact the professional staff at Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL to schedule a consultation. We can help you design a customized treatment plan so you can experience a completely renewed smile.

4th Annual “Little Smiles, Lots of Fun” Event a Big Success!

October 22, 2019 by spcadmin

Thank you to everyone who attended our 4th Annual Little Smiles, Lots of Fun event on Saturday!

We provided free dental services to 53 children!

For 23 – it was their first time at the dentist! We inducted many into the No Cavity Club, too! 🦷

Thank you to the amazing parents who brought their kids out and who are teaching their kids the importance of oral health & seeing the dentist regularly.

We also want to say thank you to all of our doctors and staff who made the event possible!

For more on the event, check out our Facebook page!

4th Annual “Little Smiles, Lots of Fun” Event

October 9, 2019 by spcadmin

Crown vs Veneer: What’s the Difference?

October 7, 2019 by Joe Amaral

If you are looking for ways to improve the function of your teeth and/or how they look, then you have the option of getting either a crown or a veneer. There is a difference when it comes to crown vs veneer, and knowing how they are different will let you know which one is right for you.

Crown vs Veneer

One of the biggest differences when it comes to a crown vs veneer is how much of the tooth is covered and how much has to be removed for the process.

When it comes to a crown, this is an element that covers your entire tooth and is about 2 mm in thickness. It can be an all-metal alloy, a metal alloy with porcelain fused to it, or completely made from porcelain.

A veneer is about 1 mm thick and only covers the front of your tooth. It is made from a thin layer of porcelain or other materials.

What Are Crowns and Veneers Used For?

Both crowns and veneers are used for a variety of dental issues. They can cover discolored teeth; crooked teeth; broken, cracked, or chipped teeth; or reinforce weakened or decaying teeth. Knowing which one is the best option for your teeth will depend on the problem that the dentist is trying to solve.

Veneers

Veneers are considered a conservative restoration method, and they are often used when your tooth has enough enamel on it for the veneer to bond to.

To prepare your tooth for the veneer, a small amount of enamel, about half a millimeter, on the front of your tooth is ground down and roughened. Veneers can improve the look and color of your teeth and are the best choice when the problem that needs to be corrected is minor.

This means that veneers are the best option for chipped or cracked teeth, for small gaps in between teeth, and for superficial alignment issues. The thin veneer layer holds up through normal use of your mouth, but it can crack or come loose if there are repeated, sharp impacts to the tooth.

Crowns

If you have to have a crown, this will cover your entire tooth. To prepare the tooth for a crown, most of the tooth will have to be ground down. Conversely, if there isn’t enough tooth for the crown to adhere to, then it will have to be built up. These processes are often done with a local anesthetic.

Crowns are often used when you experience larger dental problems, including bad breaks, decay, or if you had a root canal performed. The role of the crown is to prevent further damage from happening to the tooth while allowing you to use your mouth as you normally would.

Your Dentist Will Choose the Best Method

When it comes to knowing if you need a crown vs veneer, your dentist will let you know which one is your best option. If you need to have dental work done, contact Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL and make an appointment today!

Helpful Facts About Porcelain Bridges

September 2, 2019 by spcadmin

Losing a tooth or teeth can be a worrisome experience. You may feel embarrassed to smile or find eating difficult. Losing a tooth does not have to rob you of your peace of mind and make your smile look unappealing. Porcelain bridges are the perfect solution to your missing tooth problems.

What are Porcelain Bridges?

These are dental prosthetic appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain bridges are fixed on to the teeth to allow the teeth to function properly. They also help to make the teeth look natural, and your smile looks pleasing without the gaps caused by missing teeth.

Why is Porcelain Used in Bridges?

Porcelain is a durable and strong material that is used to make bridges. It mimics natural tooth color and can be molded to take the shape of the tooth or teeth it replaces, making it an ideal tooth replacement material.

Do I Need a Bridge?

Porcelain bridges are the right choice for you if:

You have missing teeth due to dental trauma
You have lost a few teeth due to dental caries or tooth decay
You have broken-down teeth due to decay or injury
Your teeth are discolored
You have had root canal therapy in a few teeth
You need to cover dental implants placed in missing tooth areas
You do not want a removable replacement of the missing teeth

What are the Benefits?

Missing teeth cause a loss of function and aesthetics. A bridge covers a broken down or missing tooth by attaching on to adjacent teeth. It makes the smile look natural by filling the spaces where teeth are lost. It helps to restore normal chewing function and prevents unusual tooth movements into the gaps where teeth are absent. Porcelain bridges can be customized to suit the color of the teeth in the mouth. This gives the replaced teeth a natural tooth-like appearance.

What is the Procedure Like?

The placement of bridges is done in the comfort of our office. In the initial visit, a precise measurement of the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth is recorded. A temporary crown is placed for the interim. The measurements are then used for fabrication of the bridges. The second visit involves removal of the temporary crown and placement of the porcelain bridge on to the teeth.

How Can I Get Started?

Why let a missing tooth stop you from smiling? Regain the natural appearance of your smile and enjoy the benefits of porcelain bridges by working with the team of specialists at Parkwood Dental, located in East Bradenton and West Bradenton. Contact us today to book an appointment and get started.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns in Bradenton

August 5, 2019 by spcadmin

When a tooth gets damaged, it is important to protect it to prevent further issues. Additionally, if you have a tooth that is embarrassing due to its shape, size, or discoloration, addressing it can be immensely beneficial. One of the best ways to go about fixing either issue is getting dental crowns. These crowns, available here at our East and West Bradenton offices, can help restore both function and appearance to teeth. There is a long list of benefits associated with this treatment option.

What to Expect with Dental Crowns

Prior to beginning, the tooth and surrounding gum are numbed. Any decay is removed. The tooth is then prepared to support the crown. A temporary crown can be placed while your permanent crown is being precisely created. You will then have a follow-up appointment where your temporary crown is removed and the permanent one takes its place.

Initially, the crown may feel odd in your mouth. You may find that your tongue is drawn to the area. This is normal. Over time, you will adjust to the crown and it will function and feel just like any of your other teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

Are you wondering why and when dental crowns may be useful? This popular option may be the perfect solution for you if you need help:

Holding together a tooth that has cracked or otherwise broken
Protecting a tooth that has had its enamel worn away
Covering a dental implant to protect it
Covering a tooth that has had a root canal
Adding length or width to a tooth
Covering up a discolored tooth

Dental crowns are a great option in these situations because:

They can last 5-15 years or longer if properly cared for
They have a very high success rate
They allow you to chew normally on the tooth
They can be crafted to blend with the surrounding teeth

How to Care for Dental Crowns

How long your new dental crown lasts depends largely on how well you take care of it. It will be important to thoroughly brush and floss every day. You may want to avoid chewing particularly hard foods directly with your crown. As always, regular dental visits are important to your overall oral health.

You can learn more about the many benefits of dental crowns by getting in touch with our team at Parkwood Dental in East and West Bradenton. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Arrival Announcement of Two Dentists

August 1, 2019 by spcadmin

We are pleased to announce that Drs. Oscar J. Hernandez and Thao Nguyen have joined the Parkwood Dental family

Bradenton, FL (July 31, 2019) Earlier this month, Parkwood Dental accepted Dr. Oscar Javier Hernandez, DMD and Dr. Thao Nguyen, DMD into their family practice in an ever-expanding effort to better serve their local community in Bradenton, Florida.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Hernandez and Dr. Nguyen to our family practice,” said spokesperson Jodie Hernandez. “It’s such an exciting time for us, and we look forward to their contributions toward improving the health of our community.”

Dr. Oscar J. Hernandez, DMD received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), located in Lakewood Ranch. During his studies, he provided dental care for his local community. Known as “Dr. Tito” by his patients and fellow staff, he brings forward an array of novel techniques complemented by the wisdom instilled in him by his father, DMD Dr. Oscar Hernandez.

Dr. Thao Nguyen, DMD received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Roseman University of Health Sciences, located in South Jordan, Utah. Prior to this, she volunteered her expertise throughout numerous opportunities to administer dental care for patients in underserved populations. During a USNS Mercy humanitarian mission in 2010, Dr. Thao traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia to educate, assist, and provide on-site interpretation for those in need.

While working toward their respective master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences at Barry University, Dr. Tito and Dr. Thao discovered that they both shared a strong passion for dentistry. Ever since then, they have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of their patients through the prevention and treatment of dental disease.

Drs. Tito and Thao will aid Parkwood Dental in its mission to provide each patient with an experience that promotes a strong lifelong relationship with the family practice.

Those who would like to schedule a dental appointment with either of Parkwood Dental’s locations in East and West Bradenton are welcome to call 941-753-1432.

Teacher Appreciation Credit

July 17, 2019 by spcadmin

Thank you to all the teachers and coaches! To show our appreciation, we’re offering a Teacher Appreciation Credit.

Whether you’re a retired or current teacher or coach, you have access to an exclusive special discount on dental services.

We are happy to offer this special discount to all the teachers and coaches in the communities we serve here at Parkwood Dental. Our Teacher Appreciation Credit is our way to give back to the teaching community.

• On your first visit, we will apply a $250 credit to the cost of your future services after your initial visit*.
• You will receive $100 off each subsequent year as our patient.
• This credit can be applied to your current dental insurance.
• Credit includes products and services at either of our Bradenton locations.
• We offer this discount as a small way to say thank you for everything that you do!

*Offer expires 12 months after issue date and cannot be refunded for cash; not redeemable for cash

Key Benefits of Routine Dental Care

July 1, 2019 by spcadmin

If you are waiting until you have a toothache to visit our dentist, this is the wrong approach to dental care. We recommend routine dental care to avoid having serious dental health issues that require major treatments. While it is possible to have an injury to a tooth that requires an emergency visit to our dentist, most of the dental problems that we see are caused by neglecting to visit our dentist for many years. Dentists have a standard rule that you should have a checkup every six months along with a professional cleaning. Our dentist knows that patients will rarely develop a large cavity or gingivitis in only six months. There are several benefits from having routine dental care for your gums and teeth. First, you can maintain a beautiful smile with your own natural teeth longer when you have your teeth cleaned every six months to remove plaque. It is important to remember that this doesn’t replace daily oral hygiene with brushing and flossing, but it will remove plaque from hard to reach areas of your mouth. An additional benefit from professional teeth cleaning is that you are less likely to develop gum disease that can infect your alveolar bones and jawbone. The removal of plaque will also help to keep your breath fresh so that you won’t offend others.

Protect Your Internal Organs from the Dangers of Bacteria

When you visit our dentist for your checkup, you will require a complete examination, and we may also obtain X-rays of your teeth. If we notice a problem with a tooth, it is often easy to fix without any sedation or painkillers. You might have a tiny cavity that requires a small filling with a color-matching resin, or alternatively, you can have a tooth that has a small chip that requires a bonding process. These procedures will protect the underlying layers of teeth to avoid having bigger problems later. Keeping your teeth and gums in great condition can also protect you from other health conditions because we are removing harmful bacteria from your mouth.

Have More Confidence with Perfect Teeth

Having a gorgeous smile can also have mental benefits because you will have more self-confidence. Other people are attracted to nice smiles that indicate that you care about your overall health. If you have attractive teeth, you may feel markedly better about applying for jobs or socializing with others. By visiting our dentist, we can make a customized mouth guard to protect your teeth while you play sports. These protective mouth guards are also suitable while you are using a bicycle or a scooter to avoid any damage to your gums or teeth.

Get in Touch with Us for More Information

To learn more about the benefits of routine dental care, make an appointment with Parkwood Dental. At our convenient location in Brdenton, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Common Questions About Gum Disease

June 3, 2019 by spcadmin

Gum disease is a relatively common issue that is not always well-understood. It is usually avoidable by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, but this is not always the case. If you have recently found out that you or a loved one has the early signs of gum disease, you may have questions about how this happened and what can be done about it. The following is a list of some of the most common questions we are asked as well as the answers.

What Exactly is Gum Disease and What Causes It?

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It is almost always preventable, but it is the most common cause of tooth loss for adults. The disease develops when plaque builds up just below your gum line. Untreated, this will cause tiny pockets that form, which separate the gum from your teeth. This allows things to more easily penetrate your gums.

The biggest cause of this condition is not maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine. Other risk factors include:

Being pregnant
Having crooked teeth
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Having diabetes
Being genetically predisposed
Having old dental fillings
Taking certain medications (certain birth control pills, steroids, cancer therapy drugs, and more)

How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

Seeing our dentist regularly is the best way to know if you begin to develop the symptoms of this condition. Symptoms that you can look out for at home include:

Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing
Swollen gums that look redder than usual
Gums receding
Pain while chewing
Bad breath
Very sensitive teeth
Loose teeth

Can Gum Disease Be Treated?

Gum disease can be effectively reversed, but only if it is caught in the early stages. Early-stage gum disease is typically called gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can typically only be managed rather than treated. Treatment for gum disease involves having the plaque carefully removed by a dentist. As long as the disease has not progressed too far, your gums will be able to heal themselves once the plaque is gone. It will be extra important to brush and floss regularly afterward in order to prevent the disease from coming back.

Have more questions about gum disease or ready to start treatment? Schedule a consultation at Parkwood Dental. We will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and can develop a treatment plan that is tailor-made for your situation. Contact us today to book your dental appointment in West Bradenton or East Bradenton.