Dental implants have been a trusted solution for over sixty years and have become the preferred choice among cosmetic dentists for replacing missing teeth.
A dental implant consists of two key components: a titanium screw-like base and a custom-made replacement tooth that fits onto the screw. The titanium screw is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone and, over time, it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which is what makes dental implants so reliable and long-lasting.
This bond with the jawbone allows the implant to fully replace the root of a missing tooth. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, support a dental bridge, or serve as secure anchors for dentures.
The jawbone stays healthy by being stimulated by the natural roots of teeth. Without the roots, the bone begins to shrink, which causes dentures to shift over time. Dental implants replicate tooth roots, providing continued stimulation to the bone, which helps prevent bone loss and maintains facial structure.
With a high success rate and a natural look, dental implants are a stable and secure option for replacing one or more missing teeth. They are widely regarded as the best solution for tooth restoration by cosmetic dentists.
If you’re missing a tooth and seeking the best replacement option, consult with a cosmetic dentist in [Fernandina Beach] to learn more about how dental implants can benefit you and restore your smile.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Fernandina Beach dental office.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re certainly not alone. Studies show that around 50% of adults experience some level of fear regarding dental visits, with about 5% of those individuals experiencing severe anxiety. Despite these fears, the desire for a beautiful smile and good oral health often motivates patients to push through their anxiety and see their dentist.
Here are some techniques many patients use to manage their fear and successfully get through dental appointments:
- Using internal resources – Encouraging yourself that you can manage the situation, even if you’re nervous.
- Prayer – Turning to a higher power for strength during the procedure.
- Self-distraction – Engaging in activities like singing or playing mental games to keep your focus off the treatment.
- Distancing – Convincing yourself that any discomfort is temporary and imagining it as something else, like numbness.
- Optimism – Focusing on the positive aspects and reminding yourself of what comes after the appointment.
Interestingly, optimism is often one of the key strategies in overcoming dental fear. Patients who use this mindset tend to visit the dentist more regularly and report lower levels of anxiety. Additionally, humor has been found to be an excellent way to reduce stress during dental visits. A lighthearted atmosphere can break down psychological barriers and make patients feel more comfortable with their dentist and the dental team.
However, if these methods don’t work for you, sedation dentistry may be a viable option to consider. At [Amelia Dental Group], we offer a range of sedation options tailored to help you feel relaxed and at ease during your treatment.
Whatever strategy you choose to help you manage dental anxiety, the most important thing is to continue to prioritize your oral health by returning for regular visits. Consistent dental care is essential to maintaining optimal dental health.
Magazine articles often say that a smile reveals a person’s personality. If so, you don’t want to have dull, yellow, stained, dingy teeth! Instead you want a faultless set of pearly whites that communicates the best things about you, such as good hygiene and a confident air.
To transform your smile from dull to brilliant, teeth whitening is a great option. The field of dentistry has developed a whole array of products and procedures for brightening smiles. For example, patients may choose to completely hide their discolored teeth behind dental veneers. Or, tough stains can be covered up with dental bonding. If you’re looking for methods that simply bring your yellowed teeth back to a more appealing shade of white, there are several teeth whitening techniques to choose from:
Over-the-counter products are available from your local drugstore including whitening strips, gels, pens, toothpaste, mouth rinses and more. These require consistent use following the directions, and take longer than most other methods. Most products do provide some level of improvement, but not as dramatic as professional methods.
Home whitening methods are available from your dentist, such as customized trays that you fill with a special bleaching solution to wear at home for a period of time. At-home whitening typically takes several weeks to achieve desired results.
Professional whitening is performed at the dentist’s office using specialized tools. It is the most effective method and results are visible in only about an hour, due to the highly concentrated bleaching solution and enhancement with ultraviolet light or lasers.
Teeth whitening not only brightens your smile but also can shape your entire personality. A common benefit is increased self-confidence because you no longer feel you need to hide your teeth, but instead you tend to smile and laugh and speak more easily. Feelings of embarrassment about your teeth can affect you in many ways, but a smile that you’re proud of can improve the way you interact with others. Ask your dentist about whitening methods that can help you improve both your smile and your personality.
Dr. Garrett
Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry,” refers to the practice of calming and relaxing a patient prior to a dental procedure with the use of pharmacological agents. Sedation dentistry began in the late 1700s when a chemist named Humphry Davy began experimenting with inhaled gasses and first observed the analgesic effects of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” on himself and on dental patients.
In 1844, an American dentist named Horace Wells used nitrous oxide as a dental anesthetic during the extraction of his own molar tooth. Wells made the observation that while he experienced very little pain while undergoing the extraction, he was still fully conscious during the procedure. A few years later, dentist William Morton and surgeon John Warren performed a public oral surgery at Harvard University, demonstrating the analgesic properties of a sulfur-ether compound, further proving that sedation dentistry should be explored further.
For years, trial and error procedures informed doctors of the safety of various levels of pain-relieving gasses. It was discovered that 100% nitrous oxide, when used in prolonged dental cases, could lead to hypoxia, a condition in which the body is deprived of the oxygen it needs to thrive, something that can eventually lead to death. Finally, a Chicago surgeon named Dr. Edmund Andrews began mixing nitrous oxide with oxygen, administering them simultaneously. This allowed for safer analgesic options for both surgical and dental procedures. Ether and chloroform, combined with some nitrous oxide, was later shown to provide deeper sedation for prolonged treatments.
Intravenous (IV) sedation began in the 1960s at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California. Dentists there experimented with IV sedation for the highest level of management for pain, anxiety, and fear for dental patients undergoing surgery.
Today, dentists routinely turn to sedation dentistry for their patients to relieve pain, stress, and to provide the most comfortable dental therapies as possible. Talk to your dentist to discover the latest sedation dentistry options and to see how they can help you positively experience your next dental procedure.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Fernandina Beach dental office.
Good oral health is a key factor in bringing smiles to the faces of the entire family. When everyone has healthy teeth and gums, there’s more to smile about. Oral health issues can sometimes run in families, so addressing one person’s issue may help alert others to potential problems. A family dentist is a valuable asset for everyone in your household. This type of dentist cares for individuals of all ages, from young children to seniors, all in one practice. Family dentistry is dedicated to meeting the oral health needs of every family member, offering a wide range of benefits.
Establishing a relationship with a family dentist means that everyone in the household visits the same office for their appointments. Over time, the dentist and staff become familiar with each person’s needs, fostering comfort and ensuring that everyone receives consistent, high-quality care. A family dentist understands the unique needs of each family member, making the experience more personalized.
Family dentists are highly trained and equipped to handle various dental concerns. This includes routine services like cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings. Some family dentists also offer advanced procedures such as implants, veneers, bonding, contouring, root canals, and even orthodontic care. When choosing a family dentist, it’s important to find one that provides services to meet the diverse needs of every family member.
In addition, family dentists are skilled at educating patients on how to care for their oral health. They teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques, remind teenagers about the importance of maintaining braces, and offer special care to adults for maintaining healthy gums. Seniors may require attention to keep their natural teeth in good condition. Family dentists are well-versed in addressing the oral health challenges unique to each stage of life, ensuring tailored care for optimal results.
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining good oral health should be a priority. Finding a trusted family dentist is the first step toward safeguarding your family’s oral well-being.
Do you live in Fernandina Beach or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Having a smile that makes you feel self-conscious can affect your confidence. With the wide variety of options available today to improve the appearance of your teeth, there’s no reason to continue hiding your smile. One of the best solutions is Invisalign, or invisible braces. This innovative technology can help you transform your smile without the discomforts associated with traditional orthodontics.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic aligners designed to gently shift your teeth into better alignment. These aligners are practically invisible when worn and can be removed for eating and cleaning. You won’t have to deal with a mouthful of metal, restricted foods, or food getting stuck in your braces—offering a more convenient and comfortable treatment process.
What Problems Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign can correct a variety of dental issues, such as:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Mild malocclusions (bite issues)
- Twisted teeth
These problems not only affect the appearance of your smile but can also lead to oral health issues, including difficulty cleaning teeth or uneven wear.
Who Should Consider Invisalign?
Anyone dealing with dental issues like those mentioned above is a good candidate for Invisalign. It’s especially ideal for individuals who want to make a great impression in both personal and professional settings. If you’re looking to improve your smile without the use of traditional metal braces and enjoy the flexibility of removing your aligners for special occasions, Invisalign is an excellent choice. This treatment is suitable for a wide range of ages, from adults to self-conscious teens. Invisalign is also perfect for people who play sports or musical instruments, where traditional braces might interfere.
Start Your Journey to a Beautiful Smile
If you’re unhappy with your smile, schedule a consultation with a professional who offers Invisalign treatment. Discover if this solution is right for you and take the first step toward a brand new, beautiful smile.
and Dr. Mokris is accepting new patients from Fernandina Beach and the surrounding area.
