Online Dental Education Library
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions, please contact us.
Choose from the links below, browse our Glossary, or simply type in keywords for more information.
YOUR HEALTH ---
- Medication and Heart Disease
- Age and Oral Health
- Tobacco
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Oral Piercing
- Periodontal Exams
- What is Tooth Decay?
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Fluoride Facts
- Mouth Rinses
- Sealants
- X-Rays
- Denture Care
- Emergency Care
- Prevention Tips for Children
- Women and Tooth Care
- Seniors and Oral Health
- Nutrition and Your Teeth
- Choosing a Toothbrush
- Your First Dental Visit
- Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
- Oral Health Products
- Types of Floss
- Water Picks
- Managing Pain
COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS ---
- Abscessed Tooth
- Dental Emergencies
- Bad Breath (halitosis)
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Canker/Cold Sores
- Cavities and Tooth Decay
- Toothaches
- Dry Mouth
- Fluorosis
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
- Wisdom Teeth
- Jaw/TMJ
- Lacerations and Cuts
- Oral Cancer
- Plaque
- Sensitive Teeth
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- Jaw Disorders
- Missing Teeth
- Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
- Excessive or Uneven Gums
- Old and Unsightly Fillings
DENTAL TREATMENTS ---
Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.
Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.
Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.
Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth.
Because implants require surgery, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the procedure.
Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.