A Guide to Dental Implant Aftercare

Many people are opting for Dental Implants to replace damaged or missing teeth. Since getting dental implants is considered oral surgery, it is important to follow certain aftercare tips as you would with any other kind of surgery. Following the aftercare tips listed below should ensure your dental implants heal well.

Dental implant and crown aftercare

While there is likely to be some discomfort for several days following dental implant surgery, there are things that can be done to help deal with the pain. You can also take steps to prevent irritation or an increased risk of an oral infection. Below are four important care techniques to use after dental implant placement:

Practice good oral hygiene

First, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene following a dental implant procedure. While good oral hygiene is always necessary, there is increased importance after dental implant and crown placement. This is due to the affected area being more vulnerable. Ensuring good oral hygiene starts by practicing a consistent dental routine. This should include a thorough brushing several times each day, flossing and using mouthwash at least once a day and checking the mouth to ensure there are not any health concerns.

Always remember to floss

Flossing promotes general oral health. However, it is perhaps most important following dental implant and crown placement. After dental implant surgery, the mouth, particularly the area that is affected by the procedure, is increasingly vulnerable to bacteria, which can cause an oral infection. While brushing can remove most of the acid and food particles that can cause an oral infection, there are some parts of the teeth brushing cannot reach. This is true for the areas between teeth. It is crucial to floss after each meal for several weeks after dental implant treatment.

Avoid harmful foods and drinks

Another great way to ensure bacteria does not harm the gums and teeth surrounding the dental implant is to not allow bacteria to reach the affected area in the first place. When sugar and other acidic ingredients gather in the mouth, the buildup of bacteria will attack the teeth and gums. Consider avoiding too much sugar, as well as other acidic food types, after a dental implant operation. Additionally, avoid very hot or cold food or drinks as they can cause increased sensitivity in the affected area.

Visit the dentist

Finally, it is important to make it to all of your scheduled dental checkups. During a dental checkup, the dentist can examine your mouth, conduct an oral examination and various testing procedures and ensure there are not any oral health concerns. Also, a routine dental cleaning schedule can prevent tooth decay, gum complications and various other oral health problems. This upkeep is important following a dental implant procedure.

The bottom line

Taking good care of your new dental implants is vital for their success. Using this guide should help ensure your implants heal quickly without issues. Are you considering a dental implant in the Columbus area? Get more dental implant information at . Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants.

5 Teeth Whitening Tricks That Give You a Beaming Smile

Teeth Whitening is one of the most common procedures a cosmetic dentist performs. It can significantly improve the color of a person’s teeth in one or two visits. The appearance of your teeth is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. It is important to keep your teeth looking their best to boost your confidence in the office or when out with friends. The good news is that the bleaching agents used to whiten teeth are significantly stronger these days. There are easy ways to remove common stains caused by coffee, red wine and the use of tobacco products.

Teeth whitening tricks for a brighter smile

1. Stay away from foods and drinks that are known to cause stains

There is a simple rule a person can use to determine if an item will stain their teeth. If it would stain a white t-shirt, it can certainly discolor your teeth as well. Well-known drinks with strong tannins include coffee, tea, colas, red wine and grape juice. Avoid sipping on these beverages and drink them quickly when you do have them. You can even drink from a straw to protect your teeth. Follow up by rinsing your mouth with water afterward.

2. Get professional teeth whitening

While many over-the-counter products can be used to whiten teeth, nothing compares to a professional whitening performed by a dentist. The bleaching agents in the teeth whiteners used by dentists are significantly stronger than what is found in the over-the-counter alternatives. They can make a person’s teeth significantly whiter after a single session. Patients can expect their teeth to be about 10 shades whiter after each whitening session at a dentist’s office.

3. Consider getting veneers

Certain stains, like those caused by tooth decay or fluorosis, cannot be removed with bleaching agents. When this is the case, you can use veneers to hide the discoloration. These are thin, tooth-shaped coverings that attach to the front of a tooth. Veneers usually consist of porcelain or ceramics and look just like real teeth. You can also use veneers for other cosmetic issues like crooked teeth or gaps between teeth. If the entire tooth is badly discolored, a crown can be used instead.

4. Practice good oral hygiene

Taking proper care of teeth is a good way to ensure they look their best. Use a whitening toothpaste, especially one that contains baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, to remove any residue that could cause long-term stains.

5. Get regular dental cleanings

The dentist scrapes off tartar and polishes the teeth when a patient goes in for a dental cleaning. Tartar gives teeth a yellow tint, so taking it off and polishing makes teeth appear brighter. It also gives the dentist a chance to examine the patient’s mouth and deal with any issues that are developing.

Ready for a whiter, brighter smile?

Follow these tips to keep your teeth clean and white. If you have moderate to severe stains, then call our office to learn about our teeth whitening procedures. Are you considering teeth whitening in the Columbus area? Get more information at . Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening.

The Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

Most dentists agree that chewing sugar-free gum is beneficial for the health of teeth! Many people group gum chewing into the same group as candy. However, this is hardly the case when it comes to sugar-free gum. In fact, most dentists may instruct their patients to chew sugar-free gum to help in cleaning the teeth and knocking loose any food particles after eating during the day. Of course, it should be mentioned that chewing gum with sugar does not have the same benefits and would be grouped into the same category as candy. Throughout the remainder of the article, references to “gum” indicate sugar-free gum.

Sugar-free gum and cavity prevention

Not only does chewing gum help in knocking food loose from between and around teeth, the increase in saliva that gum chewing produces helps to wash away harmful acids. The acids that are glossed on and that stick to teeth throughout the day can be washed away with the extra saliva. Because of this, chewing gum can help in preventing this from happening which also prevents tooth decay and cavities. Overall, chewing gum has several benefits to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. It is great to do after a meal or after drinking a sugary drink.

Gum chewing and reducing tooth sensitivity

If someone has completed whitening treatments, especially ones at home, and now are experiencing tooth sensitivity, chewing sugar-free gum could be a great solution. Again, because of the increase in saliva flow, it can help in reducing tooth sensitivity and washing away the properties that are causing an increase in tooth sensitivity.

Sugar-free gum strengthens tooth enamel

Xylitol, which is the main ingredient in sugar-free gum, has another great strength. It can greatly reduce the number of acids that are left behind by sugary drinks and foods. Because of this aspect, it is great at strengthening tooth enamel. By reducing the acids by using the xylitol, the enamel is not only cleaned but strengthened too. All in all, this is another great way for people to boost the health of their teeth by simply chewing some gum. Another benefit from chewing sugar-free gum is the fact that it provides and supplies important minerals to a person’s teeth including calcium and phosphate. Both of these are vital for strengthening enamel and are in full force when chewing sugar-free gum. For these reasons, many dentists agree that sugar-free gum is a great suggestion to their patients as a way to not only have a treat, but also fight decay, boost enamel, and preventing cavities. Do you have any other questions about sugar-free gum or tips to help in obtaining and keeping the best oral health? Give us a call today and we will be glad to help guide and direct you in making the best choices for your oral health. Give us a call and our staff can answer any additional questions, along with giving more tricks that you can use each day to ensure the best health for your teeth and gums each day! Request an appointment here: or call iSmile Dental Group LLC at (614) 459-3229 for an appointment in our Columbus office. Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care.  

3 Way to Eliminate Coffee Stains on Teeth

Many coffee lovers rely on coffee to kickstart their day. Over time, you might have realized the price your teeth have paid to enjoy your cup of joe. The stains on your teeth make them lose their natural whiteness. However, there are several ways that you can remove the coffee stains on your teeth.

How to eliminate coffee stains on teeth

Apart from brushing your teeth regularly, which might not be working as you wanted, there are other ways to remove coffee stains from your teeth.

1. Professional care

To reclaim the whiteness of your teeth and that hidden smile, visit your dentist for a professional cleaning. On some occasions, this might involve some polishing to remove the stains on the top layer of your teeth. The other option would be bleaching, which is a professional tooth whitening treatment. This process will lighten the shade of your teeth. To keep your teeth from staining after the process, keep using a whitening toothpaste. Additionally, brush your teeth at least twice in one day.

2. Teeth-whitening kit

You can talk to your dentists to get a whitening kit that you can use from the comfort of your own home. Most of these methods use a hydrogen peroxide solution. This means that you have to be careful and follow the instructions to the best of your ability. There are two types of kits that you can purchase: Liquid packs or teeth-whitening strips. Liquid packs:  There is one for the upper set of teeth and another for the lower set. All you need to do is apply the solution on the guards provided. The kit includes syringes for this purpose. Then place the guard over your teeth and leave it there as directed. After this, all you need to do is rinse your teeth and brush them as usual. Teeth-whitening strips:  If you decide to use the strips, the first step will be to apply the solution to your teeth. Instead of using the guard like with the gel packs,  you will use the strips. Leave the teeth-whitening strips on as directed in the instructions. Then, proceed to rinse and brush your teeth. It is very important for you to use teeth-whitening kits when you have some time to spare. Failure to follow these instructions could lead to damage to your enamel. Due to the hydrogen peroxide present in these kits, prolonged use could lead to damage of the teeth and gums.  

3. A mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

As an oxidizer, hydrogen peroxide stimulates the enamel to give up the coffee particles that cause stains on the teeth. Baking soda, on the other hand, increases this reaction. To make the mixture, add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in a clean empty container. Then add baking soda and stir until you have a paste. Apply the paste on your teeth, leave it there for 15-20 minutes then brush with your regular toothpaste. The results might not show up immediately but after 2-3 weeks you will see a difference.

Conclusion

To remove the coffee stains on your teeth today, visit your dentist for teeth-whitening treatment, buy a teeth-whitening kit, or make your own mix at home. Request an appointment here: or call iSmile Dental Group LLC at (614) 459-3229 for an appointment in our Columbus office.

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How to Make Professional Teeth Whitening Last

Whether a person is looking forward to a social event or wanting an improved smile, teeth whitening can cause the smile to stand out. Even if you brush twice a day for two minutes, avoid smoking and visit the dentist for annual cleanings, your love for blueberries or wine may leave that smile appearing less than dazzling.

Making professional teeth whitening last

A professional teeth whitening is safe, easy and seldom takes longer than an hour. However, after investing in teeth whitening, patients want to know how to protect the teeth from new stains. The following six tips will protect your newly whitened teeth from future stains:

1. Avoid foods that stain

Certain foods and drinks are known opponents of teeth whitening due to their strong staining powers. Some of the most shared offenders include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Berries
• Red and white wine
• Tomato sauce
• Sugary foods and drinks

These foods and beverages are known for having specific properties that break down tooth enamel and leave stains — the last thing a person wants after spending time and money on a professional whitening.

2. Eat foods that protect the teeth

Some foods are good for oral health and can help keep the teeth healthy and dazzling. Crunchy vegetables and fruits that are full of water, like celery and apples, help produce saliva when eaten. Saliva helps counterbalance acids that break down tooth enamel and leave your teeth more susceptible to stains.

3. Brush after every meal

Although some foods and drinks can stain the teeth more intensely than others, most foods and beverages can undo the effects of the teeth whitening over time. Brushing your teeth after every meal will help extend the life of the professional whitening. By brushing away food particles and bacteria, your teeth will remain healthy and strong.

4. Use a straw

Although most people may not typically think to drink coffee, tea, or wine through a straw, it can help people to avoid stains while enjoying some favorite drinks. Drinking through a straw can prevent beverages from touching the outside of the teeth. People can use a straw to sip sodas and sports drinks as well since they frequently have artificial coloring and sugar. Both can stain the teeth and break down tooth enamel.

5. Stop smoking

In many cases, it only takes several months of smoking for the tar and nicotine in cigarettes to stain teeth yellow. After several years of heavy smoking, teeth can even become brown. Smoking poses other serious oral issues besides staining teeth. It increases the risk of gum disease, gum infections, plaque and oral cancer. If pearly whites and healthy teeth and gums are a goal, then snub the cigarette.

6. Visit the dentist regularly

To maintain good oral health, visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least once a year. If your teeth have recently undergone a professional whitening treatment, your dentist may suggest quarterly visits.

Talk to your dentist about how to keep your teeth white

Teeth pick up stains for a variety of reasons, so talk to the dentist about professional whitening and what can be done at home to prevent future stains. Knowing what to avoid can help the teeth look fabulous between visits. Following these six pieces of advice and listening to the dentist’s recommendations will help your professional teeth whitening last and keep your smile looking bright and white! Are you considering teeth whitening in the Columbus area? Get more teeth whitening information at .

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Not Sleeping Well? You May Need a Sleep Apnea Dentist

Looking for information about what a sleep apnea dentist does? If you have not been sleeping well lately, then it is definitely recommended that you find out if you have sleep apnea. When you do not get the sleep you need when sleeping at night, you are simply not able to perform your everyday habits to the best of your ability. When someone receives this type of diagnosis, they will need to find out what their treatment options are.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that causes those diagnosed to stop breathing during the night when they are trying to sleep. They could stop breathing for a few seconds or up to a minute. They could stop breathing 20 times during the night or up to hundreds of times. This disruption of sleep means they are receiving the deep restorative sleep they need to feel rested and be productive the next day.

Sleep apnea effects

The effects of sleep apnea include the following signs and symptoms, which will vary from one person to another: feeling tired all the time, headaches, depression, trouble focusing, forgetfulness, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Sleep apnea treatment

The treatment for sleep apnea will often include an experienced dentist choosing an oral appliance for the patient to wear when sleeping. Another option is using a CPAP machine.

Why a sleep apnea dentist?

The reason someone should choose a sleep apnea dentist when they are not sleeping well at night is that this type of dentist has decided to place a focus on helping patients who have sleeping disorders. They understand how difficult it can be to live one’s life with this sleeping disorder.

Got questions?

If you happen to have any questions about how a sleep apnea dentist can help you, we invite you to call us at your earliest convenience. It is essential that you take care of your sleepless night problems as soon as possible. If you do not, it will only continue to get worse. A dentist who has experience in treating sleep apnea in their patients is highly recommended because they have the knowledge necessary to address any sleeping challenges their patients may be dealing with. We hope to hear from you soon if you have any questions for us! Call (614) 459-3229 today to reach iSmile Dental Group LLC.

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What Remedies Are Good For A Toothache?

What if out of the blue, you start experiencing toothache, say in the middle of the night, and your dentist is miles away, what do you do to relieve the ache? To get momentary relief, some of these remedies are worth trying.

Available remedies for a toothache

Cold Compresses

If a toothache comes with inflammation, you can place a cold compress against your cheek at 20-minute interval (off and on duration). The cold will render the area numb, which will help reduce the ache. It will also help alleviate swelling and soreness. Cold compresses should provide enough relief to get some sleep, but it will not give a permanent solution to a toothache. If a toothache is a result of cavities or underlying dental problem, only a dentist will be able to solve that.

Clove Oil

To use clove oil as a toothache remedy, soak a swab of cotton into the clove oil and gently run the cotton ball on the affected area of your gum and tooth. It will help lessen the ache and swelling caused by a toothache temporarily. Clove oil contains a natural anesthetic called eugenol, and that is why this remedy is effective. This remedy only alleviates the painful symptoms of a toothache; it will not solve the problem permanently. It also has a repugnant taste, which may make this remedy an unpleasant option.

Salt Water

If your gums are swollen and your teeth ache, consider washing your mouth with lukewarm saltwater for respite. Pour a few teaspoonfuls of salt into a cup of lukewarm water, swish the water in your mouth for a few seconds and spit it out. Cold and hot water can hurt if you have a toothache, but warm water is soothing. It will help relieve the pain and ease gum swelling. The results are only temporary.

Tooth Pain Medications

To deal with a toothache, you can use over-the-counter drugs, following the instructions on the package. Try not to move the medication close to the affected tooth because it can cause a burning sensation around the gum tissues, causing further pain. Pain medications are only advisable while preparing for a dentist appointment. If you depend solely on painkillers without getting treatment, the tooth will deteriorate.

See your Dentist

You need to have your toothache examined by a dentist as soon as you start experiencing a toothache. If you experience symptoms of tooth abscess such as facial swelling, fever, and continual pain and the dentist is not available, visit the emergency room straight away.

Preventing Toothache

Although many dental issues can cause a toothache, the most likely culprit is a cavity. Luckily, you can avoid cavities by observing adequate oral hygiene. Also, remember to visit the dentist regularly for dental checkups. If the cavity occurs in your teeth, the dentist will detect and treat it before it starts causing unbearable toothache.

What is the bottom line?

The remedies proffered above will only provide substantial relief pending your dentist appointment. However, they cannot solve the origin of the issue. Request a dental appointment here:  or call iSmile Dental Group LLC at (614) 459-3229 for an appointment in our Columbus dental office.

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What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?

Not very many people lose their baby teeth, and in exchange, get perfect adult teeth that need nothing done to them. There is always something that can be done to improve your smile. Enhancing your smile means enhancing your life. So, what happens when you get to your dentist, and you ask them about cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist will go over everything with you but having knowledge beforehand will help you save time and money and give you options that you may not have had before.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Simply put, it is the service in which a dental professional uses traditional and advanced techniques and dental materials to maximize the overall functionality and appeal of your teeth. Most problems must be solved with more of a practical approach, such as cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, over and underbites, etc. Some people need specialist dentists like orthodontists to ensure their teeth move into the correct position using braces, retainers or clear aligners. The teeth must be problem-free before discussing any cosmetic work. Therefore, we will prioritize the work based on what you need, including cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions

Choosing a solution to your cosmetic problems is done with the help of your dentist. There are always options for every situation, but they will give you the best one, and why it would work best for you. You should be able to trust in your dentist’s expertise in choosing the right option. Here are the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures and materials:

Teeth Whitening

This is a simple procedure that uses harmless products and natural remedies to whiten your existing teeth. Some procedures even have nutritional benefits for your enamel and the overall health of your teeth.

Dental Veneers

A veneer is a thin surface that consists of porcelain or other materials that covers the natural tooth to give the patient a completely different appearance. The veneers are placed strategically so that they do not interfere with normal functions, like eating, drinking or talking.

Dental Bonding

There are several kinds of dental material used for bonding, such as Amalgam, but the basic idea is that the dentist uses the putty-like substance to mold to an existing tooth, so it can be shaped to correct the defect. Misshapen or crooked teeth that appear intermittently in a smile may be a good candidate for dental bonding. The dentist applies the putty, then hardens it with a special tool with a UV light. They will then finish shaping, and polishing the bonding material so that it looks exactly like the existing teeth.

Dental Crown

The dental crown process is when a dentist takes a mold of the decayed or damaged tooth before making a dental crown out of artificial material. The dentist will then fit the crown over the tooth where it sits, just above the gum line. In comparison to veneers, crowns cover the entire exposed tooth, while veneers cover just the front part of the tooth. More Options Depending on your tooth situation, you may get inlays or onlays, which are fillings that can be gold, silver, or tooth-colored material. If you have missing teeth, a bridge may be used, which is when caps are used on either side of the gap, where a false tooth is placed in between. Obviously, braces are another option that an orthodontist will help you with if you need complete or partial jaw or tooth alignment. Request a cosmetic dentistry appointment here: https://ismiledentalohio.com or call iSmile Dental Group LLC at (614) 459-3229 for an appointment in our Columbus dental office.   Source: https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adults/what-is-cosmetic-dentistry-costs-types

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Welcome to iSmile Dental Group LLC

We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Columbus, OH area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures and Dental Crowns.