Missing Incisors

Implants are one of our specialties at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. Although they are often marketed as replacement teeth, they also work for people whose teeth never came in at all.  This condition is rare, but we still wanted to discuss what kinds of treatments are available.

It is relatively common for the wisdom teeth and upper canines to have trouble erupting, but in about 2% of adults, the upper lateral incisors never come in. (Lateral incisors are the flat teeth on either side of the central ones.) When they are unable to erupt, we can cut away the gum tissue covering them, allowing an orthodontist to attach brackets to them and guide them down with wires. But if the teeth simply never developed, the orthodontist would have to make room for them by opening gaps between the existing teeth.

The circumstances of a patient’s condition will determine whether implants or a partial denture should be used to provide them with incisors. Implants require a bit of jaw bone tissue to work with, but they won’t have to be adjusted as the patient ages. Many people also find them easier to clean. If a patient does get a partial denture, they may still benefit from miniature implants to snap it onto, ensuring that it will remain in place and their jaw tissue will have additional support.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Denture Stomatitis

We’ve placed a lot of prosthetic teeth at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. Many of them were dentures, which may have been attached to implants or allowed to rest on the gum ridges. In either case, we always encourage our patients to maintain their oral hygiene, because if they don’t, they will be at risk of developing denture stomatitis.

Candida species of yeast are always in the mouth, but they are not usually able to cause harm. Saliva contains enzymes that combat them, and people are usually able to keep their teeth clear of debris. But when someone has an upper denture adhered to the roof of their mouth, saliva may not be able to reach the top of the denture. This would allow a yeast infection to develop, creating the red sores we call stomatitis.

A patient isn’t always able to feel when sores have developed, so they need to do frequent examinations of their mouth. An infection is likelier to occur when the dentures are the wrong size, which can also lead to saliva pooling at the corners of the mouth and causing chapping. People with diabetes or who use inhalers are also at increased risk for stomatitis. Patients with dentures should remember to brush the inside of their mouth before putting their dentures in each morning and to make sure that they’re clearing debris away from implant abutments. They should also stay hydrated and might want to consider mouthwash.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Repairing Cracked Teeth

A cracked tooth is an emergency that demands immediate treatment. At the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban, one of our specialties is removing and replacing teeth with durable, attractive prosthetics. Different kinds of implants, crowns, and smaller prosthetics exist for a wide variety of situations relating to the extent of the injury and the patient’s overall condition.

Small cracks are known to dentists as “craze lines” and are considered a cosmetic issue. They, as well as chipping, may be covered with bonding. Like the fillings for cavities, these prosthetics are shaped as they are applied. Larger restorations, such as a crown or partial crown, will have to be shaped based on a physical or digital impression of the patient’s teeth. If a crack went into the pulp, a patient might be referred for a root canal prior to having their crown replaced in order to protect them from infection.

Cracked crowns can be replaced, but if a crack went into the tooth’s root, the entire tooth will have to be removed. Options for replacing it include implants, removable dentures, and fixed bridges in cases when more than one tooth is damaged. Implants that have become unstable also need to be replaced. To avoid cracking their teeth, patients are advised to wear mouthguards during sports and night guards if they clench their jaws in their sleep. They should also avoid using their front teeth for chewing or as tools.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Bite Checks

Bite checks are a regular part of any dental health check-up. At the Waltham office of Dr. Martin Urban, where many of our patients have implants or dentures, we’re particularly concerned with ensuring that their prosthetics still fit correctly. When a tooth or jaws are out of place, pain is likely to only get worse without intervention.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a condition affecting the joints that connect the lower jaw to the head. It may cause pain, tingling, or numbness along the jaw, neck, or shoulder muscles. TMD often exists in a vicious circle with bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. As people clench or grind their teeth in their sleep, their enamel is eroded and their teeth are pushed out of place. The pain from this can trigger more clenching, although people have also been known to grind their teeth in an unconscious effort to keep their airways open or as a way of coping with psychological stress.

Bruxism can crack teeth and deform dentures. During a dental examination, our hygienists will be able to recognize it by wear patterns in a patient’s teeth. We’ll also need patients to demonstrate how they close their teeth together and allow us to take x-rays to search for further evidence of misalignment. If a tooth or jaw is out of place, we can talk about corrective options. Patients may also need oral appliances to protect their teeth as they sleep.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Implant-Retained Dentures

Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss whether it occurs from dental trauma, periodontal disease, or tooth decay. For many years, the only tooth replacement options available to patients were dentures or dental bridges, but now there are implant-retained dentures. Fortunately, Dr. Martin Urban, DDS provides this restorative method in his practice.

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to dental implants. These types of dentures are recommended when a patient doesn’t have any teeth in his or her jaw but has enough bone in the jaw to support dental implants. Implant-retained dentures are removable and should be taken out of the mouth and cleaned every night.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants or restorative dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.