What
are Dental
Implants?
Dental
implants are a method of replacing one or more
missing teeth,
involving surgical placement of a titanium screw-like implant into the
upper or lower jaw. This implant is then used to anchor an attachment
(abutment) onto which a crown or denture (teeth replacement) can be
placed.
What is
the advantage of Dental Implants over traditional dental prostheses
(bridges, dentures, etc)?
When one
or two missing teeth need to be replaced, a bridge may require cutting
the nearby teeth to support the prosthesis. However, with dental
implants, the nearby teeth do not need to be cut, since the implant is
placed into the jaw bone to support the replacement crown. Also,
when individual implants are used to replace missing teeth, they
re-create the most “natural” tooth-like replacement – you can brush and
floss between the implant crown just like a real tooth!
What are
“Implant Dentures” (Dental Implant Retained or Supported Dentures)?
Perhaps
the biggest problem or complaint long-term denture wearing patients
have is that their dentures are loose or don’t fit well. As a
result, they are unable to chew effectively and lack confidence when
going out with their friends and family. Dental implants can be
placed into the jaws, onto which a denture can be secured. The
result is a more stable and better retained denture. The
difference can be night and day for a patient who has lived a
significant part of their life with the fear that their denture may
come loose in public.
If you have one or more missing teeth and
are wondering about the best
way to restore your smile, call today to schedule a free consultation for dental
implants
Sedation Dentistry
At 1st Care
Dental, we understand that visiting the dentist for
treatment can sometimes be a stressful experience. However, we
also believe that seeing your dentist for treatment does not have to
cause anxiety and that the valuable time you spend with us receiving
dental care
can be a
relaxing experience.
We offer
sedation dentistry,
including intravenous sedation, which allows patients to experience a
feeling of sleepiness and relaxation
throughout their dental appointment. During the sedation process,
the patient is
carefully monitored
using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a
safe and controlled treatment environment.
At the end of treatment, the patient is also closely monitored until he
or she has met strict criteria for discharge prior to being escorted
home with a responsible adult.
If you
have been avoiding dental treatment due to anxiety about seeing the
dentist, call today to schedule your treatment with sedation
Dentistry
for Children
We take great pride in caring for our young
patients, from their very
first dental visit through the rest of their formative years. It
is important for children to have a healthy mouth, since dental
problems are often causes for missed school, due to pain and
infection. Moreover, a healthy smile can be the foundation for
good self-esteem -- helping young adults excel in life.
Making regular dental visits for check-ups
and cleanings can help us
identify any problems early on, to prevent major problems down the road.
We are often told by new adult patients
that they have been “avoiding
the dentist” most of their lives due to “bad experiences as a child at
the dentist’s office.” We strive to provide our young patients a
positive, reinforcing experience that can build a lifelong habit of
good oral hygiene and regular dental care, for a smile that lasts a
lifetime.
We
accomplish this with patience and understanding, and by not trying to
do too many procedures in one appointment. In most cases, a
parent or guardian is welcome to observe in the treatment area.
We never use a papoose board, nor do we force young patients in the
chair to complete dental treatment. When appropriate, we refer
our more challenging young patients to a pediatric dental specialist.
We are a dental provider for both Medicaid
and Texas CHIPs (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
We have an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon on staff to provide oral surgery procedures ranging from simple to complex tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth. We also provide bone grafting to
maintain or build up bone in the jaws, to treat periodontal (gum)
problems or in preparation for dental implant placement.
Wisdom
teeth are the third molars, which often are unable to grow into a
normal position (impacted) due to lack of space in the upper and lower
jaws. As a result, they can develop cavities and become infected,
resulting in facial swelling, difficulty eating and significant jaw
pain.
The ideal time to have wisdom teeth
removed
is between the late teenage
years to early twenties, since the teeth may not yet be fully developed
and patients tend to recover faster with less problems. We can best
evaluate your wisdom teeth using a panoramic radiograph that shows all
of the upper and lower jaws, to determine if your wisdom teeth need to
be removed to prevent future problems.
For patients who are anxious about oral
surgery, we provide several
sedation options, including moderate oral sedation and deep intravenous
(IV) sedation.
ClearCorrect (Invisible) Orthodontics
 |
Looking
for an alternative to metal braces?
ClearCorrect is the clear and
simple choice. No wires. No brackets. Just clear, convenient
comfort—every reason to smile.
With ClearCorrect, your
dentist or orthodontist can straighten your teeth using a series of
clear, custom, removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a
little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth.
How
does it work?
You and your doctor will evaluate your teeth and talk about any
problems or goals you have for your smile. Once you and your doctor
establish ClearCorrect
is the right treatment option for you, your doctor will take
impressions, photos, and x-rays of your teeth that ClearCorrect uses in
manufacturing your custom aligners. Then your doctor writes a
prescription for your custom aligners and sends it to ClearCorrect.
What can it do?
ClearCorrect can treat a
wide variety of issues that keep people from achieving their ideal
smiles. Straighter teeth don’t just look better; they work better too.
Poorly-aligned teeth can interfere with bite function, wear out
quicker, and are more prone to cavities. Ask your doctor how ClearCorrect can help you. |
Great for teenagers and adults who want to improve their smile!
