What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a disease that affects the gums and other supporting structures in your mouth. It is a very common disease in humans and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Although it’s normal to have bacteria in the mouth, periodontitis results when there is too much and specific conditions are met where they are continuously increasing in number. In this blog, we’re going to talk about periodontitis, what causes it, and how you can prevent it.

Causes

Healthy mouths contain around 700 different types of bacteria. Most of this bacteria is harmless and is even healthy for your mouth. However, if you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria is left to accumulate on and in between teeth resulting in plaque buildup. When plaque is left too long without breaking up, it becomes a hard deposit called tartar. This tartar increases the accumulation of bacteria and it starts traveling down to the root of the tooth. As the inflammation reaches the root, it creates a gap between the root and the gum. This is when serious periodontal issues start to occur.

There are several things that determine the rate at which periodontitis takes effect. The strength of the person’s immune system is and the number and type of bacteria that are present in the gums are major factors. Additionally, people who smoke or have diabetes will be more likely to develop periodontitis due to an inability to fight off the infection. It’s important to note that periodontitis can only be caused by the bacteria buildup in dental plaque. Although genetics, diabetes, and smoking can increase the rate at which the infection occurs, it still requires the plaque to travel from the crown to the gum.

Prevention

It’s never too soon to start thinking about periodontitis and how to prevent it. Although periodontitis is more common in adults and seniors, it can happen to anyone if the conditions are right. Brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly are the most important ways to prevent periodontitis. The longer bacteria is left on the teeth, the more likely it is to become plaque and pose serious problems for your oral health. When you brush, make sure to cover every tooth, front and back, and to floss everyday as well. Many people don’t understand the importance of flossing, but in reality, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your teeth. About 40 percent of the plaque that builds up is in between your teeth in hard to reach areas. Not only does it break up harmful plaque, but it’s great for your gums. You can also try using antibacterial mouthwash, but should never be used as a substitute for brushing.

Smoking

There are several major disadvantages a smoker has when trying to prevent periodontitis. Periodontal treatments like bone and gum grafting are less successful or often, fail more frequently than in people who don’t smoke. In smokers, the effects of periodontitis will progress more quickly and it’s less likely to be resolved through treatment.

Other risk factors

There are several other risk factors including stress, diabetes, and other systemic diseases. Diabetes will causes blood vessels to thicken, meaning less nutrients will be flowing through the body and removing harmful wastes that lead to infection. If you have diabetes, it’s important that you notify your periodontist and dentist in order for them to help you prevent gum disease and periodontitis.

Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics

Pacific Northwest are your premier periodontal specialists in Seattle and the surrounding area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with us. Read our next blog in this blog series to learn more about treatment options for periodontitis.

Are You Wearing Dentures? – Part 2

Hello, and welcome back to our blog here at Pacific Northwest Periodontics. Last time, we talked about dentures and how many patients would experience better long-term success with dental implants. This time, we’re going to talk a little bit more about dental implants and the benefits you’ll experience by choosing them over dentures. Keep reading to learn more.

Dental implants

Many people who have reached the point where they need teeth replacement often go with the option they’ve heard the most about. Although dentures are a common option for people experiencing tooth loss, it certainly doesn’t mean that they’re the best option for everyone. Let’s take a look at how dental implants work to see if they may be a better option for you.

The most important thing to remember when considering dental implants is that this is a permanent solution to your tooth loss problems in most cases. Where dentures are a separate piece that can be removed and replaced, dental implants are made of titanium and are attached to your jawbone just like the roots of your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants will not move around and become loose.

Since dental implants work like your regular teeth, it’s important to make sure your jawbone and gums are healthy enough to receive implants. One of the main reasons that people lose teeth in the first place is due to resorption or bone loss. The jawbone becomes too weak to support teeth and they eventually fall out. During your initial consultation, your periodontist may require you to undergo bone grafting which will restore the lost bone and allow your dental implants to be secure and healthy.

 

Single-tooth replacement can be used for patients who are missing just one tooth or multiple teeth in different parts of the mouth. Single-tooth implants are supported by one implant and will have no effect on the surrounding teeth. Since the bone in your jaw is maintained by regular stimulation from chewing and biting, an implant will actually reduce the chance that you will lose surrounding teeth due to further bone loss.

Multiple tooth replacement is required when you have several teeth that need to be replaced. There are several ways to go about this. If there are three or more teeth missing in a row, your periodontist will usually use a lesser number of implants than teeth that will support the bridge (a series of connected dental crowns). The difference between an implant-supported bridge and a traditional bridge is that traditional bridges often require the periodontist to grind down surrounding teeth which can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss.

All-On-4® is an option for replacing a full set of teeth. Four implants is enough to support a full arch of teeth without them moving or coming loose. This procedure requires you to have any remaining teeth extracted and if necessary, undergo a bone regeneration procedure like bone grafting to restore lost bone and make your jawbone healthy enough to support the implants.

 

Dental implants are a more permanent solution for tooth replacement, especially if you need a single tooth replaced. They work naturally, like your real teeth, and allow you to regain the chewing power, smile, and general lifestyle that you had before you started losing teeth. Dental implants are also much easier to maintain and clean, and you won’t have to take them out each night before you go to bed like with dentures.

Contact Pacific Northwest Periodontists

Pacific Northwest Specialists in Periodontics and Dental Implants are your dental implant experts in Seattle and the surrounding area. Contact us today if you have any questions about the implant procedure.

Are You Wearing Dentures?

Have you gotten to the point where you’re considering buying dentures or you’ve already purchased them to replace your natural teeth? Although dentures may seem like a permanent solution to your dental issues, there are actually much better options out there. If you’ve lost a significant amount of teeth, you want a solution that lasts the rest of your life, not just a quick fix that won’t help in the long run. In this blog, we’re going to talk about dental implants and why you should choose them over standard dentures.

In order to see why dental implants are a better way to go than dentures, you should first learn how dentures work. There are three types of dentures: conventional full dentures, immediate full dentures, and partial dentures.

 

Immediate full dentures are placed right after your remaining teeth are extracted. Before your extraction procedure, your dentist will create a model of your jaw and apply them right after the procedure. These types of dentures need to be realigned regularly in order to prevent the changing bone from loosening your dentures.

Conventional full dentures require you to wait several months for the tissue in your gums and jaw to heal before being applied. This means you’ll be without teeth during this time.

Partial dentures lay on a metal piece that is attached to your natural teeth. You may be able to get a crown attached to your natural teeth in order to anchor in the denture.

 

Just by learning about the types of dentures there are available, it’s not hard to see the issues with them. Depending on the type of denture you get, they may not feel natural for months after your procedure. And in the case of conventional full dentures, you won’t have any teeth while your mouth heals. Even once they are comfortable, it may take a lot of time and practice to speak and chew naturally with them.

How long do they last?

Dentures also take a lot of time and effort to clean and maintain. Dentures that are not cared for properly can be dried out, broken, or warped if hot water is applied for long periods of time. You’ll need to buy a special denture cleaning solution and soak your dentures in them every night. After a while, your dentures will need to be aligned or remade if they’ve seen a significant amount of wear. In some cases, you may need to have the base of the dentures remade to accommodate for changes in your mouth.

How much do they cost?

When it comes to dentures, one of the biggest concerns is the cost. Conventional full dentures will cost you around $1275 to $2750. Immediate full dentures will cost around $1475 to $3150, and partial dentures around $950 to $1900.

Contact Northwest Periodontics

Would you like to learn more about dental implants? Read our next blog to learn about the options that are available. If you’d like to speak with an experienced periodontist, contact Pacific Northwest Periodontics today.

Dental Implants vs Natural Teeth

If you’re considering the possibility of an implant procedure, you will more than likely have questions for Dr. Darrin A. Rapoport and Dr. Ralf F. Shuler. You might be wondering how dental implants compare to your regular teeth and if you’ll be able to notice any differences. Here at Pacific Northwest Periodontal in Seattle, we want to fill you in with all you need to know about the similarities and differences between dental implants and your regular teeth. Having our patients understand and be comfortable with our procedures is of the utmost importance to us. Schedule an appointment for examination today to see if dental implants are right for you!

Dental Implants Are More Durable

One of our primary goals in our implant dentistry practice is to provide the same form and function as your natural teeth. However, with that in mind, it is important to note that an implant is not a tooth. Since it is made out of a titanium base and, in most cases, a ceramic exterior, an implant is not capable of decay and does not have the dental pulp or a periodontal membrane that occur with your other teeth. This means they normally last just as long as your other teeth and can endure more.

Dental implants are composed of three distinct components that make up the layers of the tooth: the implant body, the abutment, and the restoration. This differs greatly from regular teeth as the layers are less apparent in natural teeth, and therefore blend together more. Having more discernable, separate layers is what keeps dental implants from being nearly as susceptible to bacteria and decay.

With that being said, it is still extremely important after having a procedure to take care of your implant by keeping up good oral hygiene habits and getting routine checkups as you would for your natural teeth. This is because your implant needs time to form a strong bond with your jawbone in order to be less susceptible to gum disease or misalignment. In this way, an implant is still very similar to a tooth!

 

 

Look and Feel of Dental Implants

When it comes to the look and the feel of an implant, it is very difficult to decipher many differences. They are very aesthetically pleasing as good dentists are able to get the color and shape to replicate the old tooth almost identically. After receiving a dental implant and following the post-operation procedure, it is also hardly noticeable to you in terms of feeling. Especially when compared to dentures or dental bridges, implants have a lot less noticeable sensation. They also are more functional as they can still be cleaned and flossed just like your other teeth.

Overall, dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. They allow you to have all of the same functionality that you do with your other teeth, but they can withstand more in many cases. As long as they are inserted with the correct procedure by certified, credentialed Doctors like ours at Pacific Northwest Periodontics, they will bring your smile back and greater than ever. If you’re interested in seeing if a dental implant is right for you, schedule a consultation today!

How Dental Implants Are Made

Dental implants are certainly a marvelous innovation in modern science, but you may be wondering, what exactly are these things that are replacing my teeth? Here at Pacific Northwest Periodontics, we want you to have access to the same information and knowledge as us; in order to help answer your questions and show we can be trusted with your next dental implant procedure in the Seattle area. Schedule an appointment today!

 

History Of Dental Implants

To fully understand the progression behind the science and technology of dental implants, let us begin with a quick history lesson. Contradictory to popular belief, the first dental implants were not George Washington’s mythical wooden teeth, but in fact seashells. According to the AAID, Archaeologists have found remains from Mayan and Aztec burial sites in Central America in which tooth-shaped seashells had been hammered into jaws to fill empty tooth sockets.

Today, the process is not near as excruciating thanks to the Swedish orthopedic surgeon, P.I. Branemark. He discovered  that titanium was a highly practical material for use in dental implants because it naturally fuses with bone. This allows titanium dental implants to be inserted and your jawbone will naturally bond to the titanium and fill the gap nicely, similarly to the way a natural tooth would.

 

How Implants Are Formed

  • The process starts with a four-meter long solid titanium rod that can be formed into approximately 200 implants.
  • Exterior threading is cut into the rod in order to aid in anchoring the implants into jaw.
  • The individual dental implants are then cut to length, and the interior threads are drilled to attach the crown.
  • The implant is cleaned and then inspected for correct dimensions.
  • The implant is sent through a vapor degreaser, where solvent vapors envelop the titanium to clean off residual lubricant and oils used in the cutting process.
  • The top of the implant is then dipped into a mild acid that is electrically charged to produce a color (anodizing).
  • The same process is then done to the exterior of the implant to create a more a porous surface which helps it bond to the jawbone.
  • A final cleaning is done in hot, purified water where a generator sends high frequency sound waves into the water creating waves and bubbles that gently scrub the implants.
  • Then it is ready to be used!

 

 

How Crowns Are Formed

Crowns can be made from stainless steel, gold, silver, or ceramic.

  • In this example , we will explain the process using the most popular material:  ceramic.
  • A plaster impression of the mouth is formed.
  • The impression is scanned into a computer and the dimensions are electronically determined.
  • Liquid plaster is then formed into molds that are hardened and cured for 12 hours.
  • Molds are then cut to match the dimensions of the tooth being replaced. The mold is  20-30% larger to allow for shrinkage of materials later.
  • Next, a device sticks the tooth into liquid ceramic that hardens into a glaze.
  • A ceramic powder is formed into molds and then the tooth is placed into the powder.
  • The powder is then solidified onto the tooth. Any excess ceramic is chiseled away to match the file of the replica tooth. The entire crown is then heated to harden the ceramic and shrink it to its appropriate size.
  • Porcelain is then painted onto the crown and heated to make it appear like a normal tooth.

If you want to learn more about dental implants from our highly knowledgeable team, check out some of our other articles on “What Are Dental Implants?”

Not sure if it’s right for you?  Pacific Northwest Periodontics in Seattle is currently offering a full exam and consultation with Dr. Rapoport or Dr. Schuler for only $99. Schedule your visit today!

Tips for Affording Dental Implants

After careful consideration and research, you have decided that dental implants are what is right for you and your situation. The only problem now is, how can you possibly afford to have a procedure like this done? Everyone you have talked to proclaims how expensive a procedure dental implants are, which may make you question, is it really worth it?

It might surprise you to hear that dental implants may cost less than other forms of treatment available to restore teeth. The reasoning behind a lot of the cost issues with dental implant procedures has a great deal to do with the dentists providing the services.

Choose a Periodontist you can trust.

Any dentist will tell you that they are more than willing and capable of doing implants, because they know there is a high profit off of these procedures. But the way to get the lowest possible cost for your dental implant procedure is to contact a certified dental implant expert like Doctors Darrin A. Rapoport and Ralf F. Shuler of Pacific Northwest Periodontal. Our dentists are ‘credentialed implant dentists’ certified by the AAID, meaning they have documented amounts of education, training, and proven experience with dental implant procedures.This also means that they have knowledge and information available to keep your overall cost to a minimum.

Not only are both of our doctors credentialed, but they are both board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology, a status that only 10% of the periodontists in the U.S. have been able to achieve. This goes without saying that they are among the leaders of the industry and can be trusted to not only provide quality treatment, but among the most affordable.

Get examined before getting prices.

One thing to be vigilant of when getting prices for dental implants is if someone gives you a price without even seeing your mouth first. As the doctors at Pacific Northwest Periodontics will tell you, every procedure is unique to the person’s dental structure and issue. Dental implants are customized to fit your mouth, which means your price is quoted on a case-by-case basis after performing an oral exam.

Right now, you can receive a dental implant exam and consultation for $99 (normally a $590 value) at Pacific Northwest Periodontal.

 

 

Upfront Cost and Long Term Savings

When it comes to choosing between the other alternatives, another aspect to consider is the durability and duration of dental implants versus dentures and other methods. Besides the nuisance of having to constantly take dentures in and ouhyt to clean, they also last a maximum of 10 years before needing to be replaced according to dentists. Dental implants are a permanent teeth replacement solution meant to last upwards of 25 years. This means there are no repetitive costs involved after having your procedure done; making dental implants the best long term investment for your teeth replacement.

Although it may seem like a large upfront cost for a dental implant procedure, it can be affordable and will also save you more money in the future. In the meantime, there are an abundance of financing options available to aid in making the cost more bearable. At Pacific Northwest Periodontal, we work with special financing companies to help you receive your procedure when you need it, with zero percent interest available to those who qualify. We also are sure to get the most out of your insurance benefits so that your out of pocket expense is to a minimum.

Smile Statistics Throughout the United States

As dental professionals, we see the way that a procedure can drastically change the way that someone lives their life. From the comfort factors to the aesthetic appeal, the dental implant treatment has proven to be one of the best options for individuals looking for a long-term solution. While the treatment is one that can change lives, so many people that are hesitant to commit to this procedure, and we’re not sure why.

Whether it’s the feeling that it just won’t work well or the insecurity of feeling like the only one with this issue, we think it’s important for everyone to understand just how much this treatment can benefit individuals and how many people are struggling with similar problems. We’ve seen some incredible statistics that are tied to smiles that prove how much of a difference dental implants have the opportunity to make.

Missing Teeth

Teeth can fall out for various reasons. When you visit the dentist, they’ll always provide you with dental care assistance to avoid the chances of your teeth rotting and falling out, but this isn’t the only way that teeth can fall out. While lack of dental hygiene is one of the primary reasons that teeth wind up falling out, accidents from sports or injuries are another reason that people are missing teeth.

It still goes further than these two reasons, though. A portion of the population is born with a smile that is toothless in places. Whatever the idea may be, dental implants are the answer for the spaces that you’re missing a tooth. Beyond that, we find that it’s essential for people to understand how big of an issue missing teeth is. It isn’t something that only a few people are dealing with in their lives. In fact, it’s something that a majority of the US population struggles with on a daily basis. We’ll dive into that next.

A Healthy Smile

A healthy smile will have 32 teeth, and while that is the number of teeth that a mouth should have, the average is far from it. Our national average is at 24.92 teeth. This number drops even further when you look at individuals over the age of 65. In elderly, ages 65 and over, there is an average of 18.9 healthy teeth in the mouth. These numbers solidify that a majority of our population could be benefitting from dental implants, and they aren’t even aware of how simple and life-changing the procedure can be.

Who Is a Good Candidate

If you’re wondering whether or not this is a procedure that you’d be a good candidate for, we’re here to help. As you’ve seen us mention above, the one thing that you need to have is a desire to have a smile that you love. If you are missing teeth, then this is a great way to have a natural bite and a beautiful smile. So the reality is, just about everybody is a fantastic candidate for this procedure!

Whether you’re missing one tooth or you’re missing all of your teeth, our team can help. We like to start with a consultation so that we can review the process with you and determine what will need to be done based off of your dental needs. Our goal, first and foremost, is to ensure that you’re comfortable and fully aware of what the procedure is going to look like moving forward.

Pacific Northwest Specialists in Periodontics and Dental Implants are ready to meet with you! Reach out to us today and schedule your initial consultation, or check out our blog post for more information on the procedure, the benefits and the functionality of dental implants.

Struggles With Dentures & Partials

Teeth are one of the first things that people notice about a person. Unfortunately, not every individual was born with perfect teeth or their ideal smile. In fact, very few people actually have the smile that they’d like to have. At times people simply don’t fully develop all of their teeth, while other times accidents can happen that leave their smiles looking like less full. Luckily there are a few solutions that can help you feel confident about your smile and provide you with the same functionalities as your natural teeth would.

For ages, there were only a few options that people could turn to when they wanted to alter their smile. Even fewer options were around when it came to dental solutions that would help your smile if you had missing teeth. What we have a hard time wrapping our mind around is that people are still using these original procedures when there have been so much growth and development improving the results and look of smiles over the years.

PNW Specialists in Periodontics and Dental Implants has provided the Seattle area with high-quality services to help individuals that are looking to improve their smile, get to their end goal. Today’s blog post is going to cover two of the solutions that have been around for years, that we still see many people using, but what we’re really going to look at is the downfalls of each procedure and why dental implants are going to be a better option for the results that you want.

Dentures

The one solution that has been around for decades, and for the longest time was the only option available when trying to make up for missing teeth, are your well-known dentures. While dentures may have a reputation of being tied to elderly individuals, that’s not at all what the demographics of dentures look like.

Dentures are designed so that they can fit on just the top of your mouth, just on the bottom, or a full set, all based off your needs. Since they were the only option for so many people that were losing teeth, the primary people that are seen using them are the older generations. However, there are so many people that utilize these on a daily basis. The thing is that while they were the primary option for quite some time, they certainly aren’t the best option that’s available for people now.

The main problem that we come across with this type of solution is that dentures don’t feel like your natural teeth in the slightest. As a whole, they can feel awkward while in your mouth because they aren’t extremely attached to anything. What ends up happening with this is that as you chew or you start to talk, the movement itself can feel extremely unnatural. Most people that choose this dental solution are choosing it because they aren’t entirely aware that there are other options that are better.

Partials

Partials are one of the newer solutions that we are seeing used more and more frequently. These are a newer solution than dentures and they are certainly different in terms of their structure and overall look, but the idea is pretty similar.

This is a solution that works to take things one step further with the aesthetic and functionality of your teeth. Partials are very similar to dentures, but they can fit a little bit tighter and will only fill the areas that you have teeth missing. Unfortunately, this solution may look better but it doesn’t provide much more in terms of comfort or in functionality.

As a whole, both of these older solutions simply don’t fit the mouth and they just don’t feel natural. While they were enough of a solution for people to turn to them, they aren’t the best option available anymore. Rather than settle for something that the only sort of works, you could invest in full dental implants and enjoy a much more natural feel.

One of the primary reasons that dental implants are so much better than these two solutions that we’ve just covered is the ability to tackle the bone loss struggle that is inevitable. As the mouth reshapes and loses more bone, dentures, and partials are much less likely to stay in place or work as well as they once did. From this comes a bunch of frustration and struggle, which makes the end results of dental implants even more worth it.

As a whole, these two solutions will take care of your bare minimum, but they won’t provide you with a comfortable lifestyle or full functionality. The last thing that you want is to live your life without full ability to enjoy a meal or feel confident, and that’s where our team wants to come in and provide a truly life-changing solution.

If you’ve been using an outdated solution to accommodate missing teeth, then it’s time to reach out to our team and talk some more about what the dental implant process looks like. We can sit down with you and provide you with an idea of what solutions are going to make great options with your circumstances. Contact us today so that we can get started on the journey to your favorite smile.

How Cold Weather Can Cause Toothaches

Have you ever eaten something hot or cold only to feel immediate pain in your teeth or gums? When the enamel on your teeth begins to wear off or your gums have receded, your teeth may be more sensitive to the temperature. However, diet isn’t the only cause of this sensation; when winter hits, your teeth will naturally contract due to the cold weather which can cause pain. In severe cases, this can result in a shooting pain like biting into ice cream and may cause unnecessary stress on your teeth and gums. Keep reading to learn how you can mitigate the pain caused by sensitive teeth, nerves, and gums during cold weather.

Cold weather and your teeth

Extreme weather conditions can contribute to tooth pain that you’re already experiencing or result in sudden shooting pain either in the teeth or the gums. Although our teeth naturally decay over time and become much weaker in old age, temperature can actually increase the rate at which this happens. Over time, cracks can form in your teeth, revealing microscopic tubes under your enamel that are sensitive to temperature, food, and pressure. This is the same thing that you experience when you have a cavity, or gum disease, and is usually the result of months or years worth of poor oral habits.

 

Below the enamel is the core of your teeth called dentin. This area is covered in nerve fibers and if you have any issues with your enamel or gums like periodontal disease, you will be susceptible to pain from factors such as cold weather. Although weather can cause pain regardless of your oral health, you’re more likely to experience pain if you already have a dental condition. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you may be experiencing seasonal pain in your teeth.

Causes of seasonal tooth pain

Seasonal tooth pain may be a sign that there is an underlying dental condition that should be treated by a dental expert. This may stem from worn down enamel, receding gums, or other dental conditions.

 

Tooth decay is a naturally occurring issue for everyone. However, if you’re experiencing significant tooth decay under the age of 60, you should see a dentist immediately.

Over Brushing may be the cause of your seasonal dental pain. Although it’s important to brush every day, brushing too much or too vigorously can wear down your enamel and expose your dentin.

Acidic foods are known to break down enamel. If you drink a lot of soda, coffee, tea, or juices, you may need to cut back on these to avoid seasonal tooth pain, and see a dentist to learn how you can protect your teeth.

Under/overbites are caused by improper tooth growth and jaw alignment. Although in some cases, this issue is purely aesthetic, severe underbites and overbites can lead to an unusual amount of pressure on certain parts of the jaw and teeth. This can result in pain or damage to your teeth or gums.

Periodontal disease is more common than you may think, especially in old age. Periodontal disease can make seasonal tooth pain worse.

 

These are just several of the reasons you may be experiencing seasonal tooth pain, especially in cold winter months. Although your pain may be temporary, it could be a sign of a more serious dental issue. If you’ve experienced tooth loss due to tooth decay or gum disease, dental implants may be right for you. Schedule an appointment with one of our periodontal experts at Same Day Implants today to see if single-tooth or All-On-4 dental implants are right for you.