Lake Pointe Dental Care

After Care: Dental Implants

Dental-Implants-Aftercare
Are you considering dental implants but are worried about the recovery time?
Don’t worry, we’re here to give you the facts!

The recovery time following dental implant surgery tends to vary but is usually based on the amount of teeth being implanted, whether or not a bone graft was needed and how well the individual manages his or her recovery. The science and technology behind dental implants have improved drastically over the last few years, improving post-surgery pain and comfort for patients.

Recovery Time
Typically, you will have the fastest recovery time if you had a standard, single dental implant placed with no bone grafting. With a simple procedure like this one, there is very little discomfort or pain after the surgery. Mild bruising and soreness can occur, but this can typically be managed with over the counter pain relievers. In more severe implant cases, such as those where multiple teeth are implanted or severe bone grafts are needed in order to accomplish the implant, the recovery time tends to be longer and the discomfort can be more intense.

Post-Op
It is important to keep your mouth clean after surgery, which can be done by rinsing your mouth gently with saltwater beginning the day after surgery. You may begin brushing your teeth the night after the surgery, but make sure to be extremely gentle around the surgery area as to not disrupt the healing process. Remember that in the week following your surgery, there should be no smoking and no sucking through a straw, as this can seriously inhibit your healing process. Stick to a diet primarily consisting of soft foods for the first 7-10 days following your surgery before beginning to return to your normal diet.

As you can see, the recovery process after receiving a dental implant is fairly predictable and comfortable. It is important to follow the instructions that we give you, and always remember that if you have any questions or concerns regarding a procedure or following your surgery, you can always give us a call.

Dermal Fillers: Questions Answered

DermalFillers

Dermal Fillers:
While growing older is a part of life in which we have no control over, facial aging can be stalled with various cosmetic procedures. Facial fillers are a common procedure we offer. Years ago, if you wanted to diminish wrinkly, saggy skin, facelifts were the only option available. However, with today’s technology, dermal fillers can be injected into the face resulting in similar younger looking skin without needing to go under the knife. When it comes to facial fillers, we have years of experience working with Juvéderm fillers.

What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are facial injections used for aesthetic treatments to effectively reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles, contour and create volume, and to revitalize the skin. Facial fillers augment deep creases and replace structure immediately and can last up to a year for many of our patients.

What is Juvéderm?
Juvéderm® is a hydrating substance filler known as Hyaluronic acid (HA), that normally lasts about 9 months. The lack of HA causes your skin to lose structure and volume. Juvéderm is also a smooth injectable gel, which makes it less likely to look lumpy under the skin.

Where are Dermal Fillers used?
•Lip augmentation
•Cheek Augmentation
•Laugh Lines, also known as Parenthesis Lines
•Worry Lines, also known as 11s between the brows

The results of dermal fillers will leave you with volumized, younger looking skin, plump lips, as well as diminished facial creases. If you think dermal fillers are right for you, contact us to book an appointment!

Myths About Whitening

Myths-about-Whitening

Everyone wants to have a whiter smile but making the decision to pursue whitening treatment can be tough. Myths and stereotypes can lead to negative connotations, inhibiting you from moving forward with treatment. Below are three misconceptions about teeth whitening:

1. Teeth whitening treatments at my doctor’s office are no more effective than those purchased at drugstores.
On the contrary, the maximum strength bleach that our dentists provide delivers the best and fastest teeth whitening results. Another factor that makes dentist-provided whitening kits most effective is the fact that the trays are customized to fit each individual patient perfectly which keeps the gel in closer, more precise contact with your teeth. Don’t waste your time at the drugstore when you can get a brighter, whiter smile from us in record time!

2. Tooth whitening harms enamel.
Despite this negative misconception, teeth whitening does not actually harm the enamel of a tooth. Bleaching works by opening the pores of a tooth. This allows for the peroxide to enter the inner structure of the tooth and remove stains. The pores will close again over time, leaving the enamel unharmed.

3. You can never drink coffee or wine again after whitening.
While patients are told to stay away from heavy staining and acidic foods, such as red wine and coffee, it’s not forever! Dentists recommend this just for the first few days after treatment because the pores in your teeth remain open and the chemical reaction takes place over the course of a few days.

Whitening treatments can be intimidating, especially if you are not properly informed. It’s important to know the facts when making decisions about your teeth! We want you to have a smile that will make you feel confident. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, contact our office today. We are always here to help!

How to Take Care of Your Dental Implant

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Cleaning and taking care of your implant is just as important as cleaning your natural teeth. Here are some things you should know about caring for your implant.

Your implant and your natural teeth are similar because they both rely on healthy tissue for support! Just like with real teeth, plaque buildup can be harmful. It’s important to remove that plaque because it can develop into an infection. If the infection isn’t properly treated, it can result in a loss of bone around the implant which could progress to the loss of the implant itself.

It’s important to get your teeth cleaned on a regular basis so your dental hygienist can get biofilm off your teeth and keep your teeth infection-free. As always, you should be brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants are the closest thing you can get to real and natural teeth. They don’t require any special products or treatment, just a simple brush and floss will do the job! If they are properly cared for, they can last a lifetime, avoiding any further dental work down the road.

With a dental implant, you can still enjoy all your favorite foods. It will not loosen or fall out if you are chewing something hard.

Overall, dental implants are meant to make life better and easier! You don’t have to go out of your way to take care of them – a simple brush and floss will ensure that they improve your overall quality of life for many years to come.

If you think a dental implant may be right for you, call Lake Pointe Dental Care at (606) 677-0505 to schedule a consultation!

Botox: Is It Worth It?

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Plastic surgery has always carried an infamously pretentious price tag according to the media and the public. Many people assume that anything cosmetic will carry a giant price tag. However, can one truly put a price tag on confidence and self-esteem?

Gone are the days that only luxury A- list celebrities and socialites are able to afford cosmetic indulgences. We pride ourselves on offering top quality products on a competitive price scale that everyone can afford.

One affordable product we offer is an injectable called Botox. Botox is a simple, virtually pain-free, non –invasive solution for enhancing appearances and helping with our clients’ insecurities. Botox does most commonly target fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles – a point of dismay for many women and men alike! Aside from the cosmetic benefits, Botox has been proven to help combat other factors that may affect your day-to-day life such as: excessive sweating, headaches, and areas of chronic pain.

Most injections take less than fifteen minutes and can be done on your lunch break! There is no need to prepare for the treatment or undergo anesthesia. The best results are usually visible a week after your treatment and can last a few months. Botox is offered not only by plastic surgeons, but often times dermatologists and dentists also!

Especially in today’s “selfie” society, we want you to put your most confident you forward! We will provide a customized cost for you dependent on your area of treatment, however we know that your happiness and satisfaction are truly priceless. Save your morning coffee fund or cancel that gym membership you do not use- this is an investment you will not regret!

All in all, Botox can improve your self-esteem in ways that you never imagined. Indulge yourself by investing in you!

Call us today at Lake Pointe Dental Care Office in Somerset KY Phone Number (606) 677-0505 for more information and to see if you are a good candidate for Botox.

Teeth Discoloration

Teeth-Discoloration

What color are your teeth? Of course, there is no “right” answer. Teeth come in endless shades and ranges. When we talk about tooth color in our office, we try to break it down into no fewer than 40 shades (light to dark) and ranges (color). Everyone’s teeth are unique, and the possibilities are endless.

You may be wondering, what makes a tooth the color it is now or will be in the future? We all know about coffee and tobacco as being major culprits of stained teeth, but what else goes into the making of a tooth color?

Things We Can’t Control:
• Genetics – Inheriting your tooth color is a high possibility for your current color as well. You can also inherit your tooth’s propensity for staining.
• Aging – As we age, our teeth inevitably turn more yellow.
• Medicine Use – some medicines, such as certain antibiotics, can cause your tooth color to change.
• Injury – Traumatic tooth injuries can cause intrinsic discoloration of the inner part of the tooth, the “dentin”, which is difficult to remedy. Have you ever seen a tooth that looks “dead”? That gray tone has most likely been brought on by a traumatic tooth injury.

Things We Can Control:
• Food and Drinks – Certain foods and drinks, such as berries, sauces, coffee, dark soda, black tea and red wine, cause staining over time. Limit these foods and practice good oral hygiene habits!
• Over-fluoridation – Too much fluoride in children, while teeth are still developing, can cause tooth discoloration. Be sure to follow guidelines for safe fluoride use. Don’t abandon the use of fluoride altogether though. Fluoride offers numerous benefits such as: preventing tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid attacks and reversing early tooth decay. But we’ve all heard that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing!
• Tobacco Use – It is well known that cigarettes and other tobacco products turn teeth yellow and eventually brown. Don’t smoke or chew.

What can you do about stained teeth? We’re glad you asked! We offer professional teeth whitening options for the best and safest results. No matter what tooth shade you’ve inherited (or created), we can help make it whiter. Give us a call today to find out more!

When Should You Consider Dental Implants?

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Dental implants typically consist of three components: the post, the abutment, and the restoration. The post is a screw which is inserted into the bone. The abutment is attached to the post and the restoration is placed on top, giving the finished product a beautiful, realistic look.

Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth, but when is getting a dental implant the best option for you? There are a few circumstances where receiving an implant might be the best option for improving your smile.

To restore and preserve your appearance
One of the main functions of dental implants is to restore a smile back to its original glory. They are built to last a lifetime, and last much longer than dental bridges. If you are looking for a permanent solution to damaged or missing teeth, dental implants are your best option.

To protect and preserve a healthy jawbone
Missing spaces in your smile can lead your jawbone to deterioration. Dental implants are the only option which will protect and save your natural bone. Waiting to get a dental implant can continue to increase the chances of your jawbone not being able to support dental implants in the future.

To stop your teeth from shifting
Losing a tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and look unnatural. These teeth can become crowded or can be shifted unevenly. This can cause your teeth to become harder to clean and can also cause your face to sag and appear sunken.

These are just a few of the instances in which you should consider getting dental implants. Dental implants are one of the most useful and successful restoration options available today. For more information on how we can restore your smile with dental implants, contact our practice today at Lake Pointe Dental Care Office in Somerset KY Phone Number (606) 677-0505 !

Botox: By Decades

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Getting Botox can sometimes be uncomfortable to talk about, especially amongst the younger generation. People usually associate Botox with the older individuals, ranging from 40 years and older. However, there is no age requirement for Botox, in fact many doctors recommend starting younger as this could prevent future wrinkles.

In Your 20’s:
Getting Botox at a younger age does not mean that you are prone to wrinkles. Botox on fine lines is very beneficial as a preventative measure. Many doctors recommend that people who are interested in getting Botox at an older age should start younger, in their mid 20’s or so. This works as preventative care because Botox works by suspending movement of the muscles in the face that cause wrinkling. Consistent upkeep on your face will help lessen and decrease the likelihood of having significant wrinkles when you are older.

In Your 30’s:
During this decade of your life, wrinkles start to become more noticeable. Getting Botox done on a regular basis throughout this period can show significant improvement in your wrinkles. This will not only boost the way your skin looks but will also boost your confidence! Who doesn’t want to look great in their 30’s? Botox, along with maintaining a good skin care regime, is crucial to prevent future wrinkles. Keep up with these regiments to stay looking young and fresh!

In Your 40’s:
Regularly getting Botox can be crucial at this point, in order to maintain youthful looking skin. Unfortunately, results will not be the same as if you had started when you were younger. However, starting now will still be better than not having Botox at all. There could be a possibility of having to have more done now to give you that youthful, radiant face!

If you have any more questions about Botox and what age is right for you to start getting treatments, feel free to contact us today!

3 Tips to Keep Your Gums Healthy and Happy

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Keeping your gums healthy is vital to ensuring that your mouth stays clean and your teeth stay intact and in pristine condition. Incorporating a few simple steps into your daily oral hygiene routine will keep your teeth and gums healthy, happy and your smile shining bright for years to come.

Floss Like a Boss
Flossing is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to fight against gum disease and keep your gums healthy. Flossing once to twice a day helps to clean the hard to reach areas in-between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Keep ‘em Clean
Brushing twice a day is the most commonly preached method of keeping your mouth clean and cavities at bay. Be sure to brush with a fluoride based toothpaste to help to give you the best results when brushing. Next time you are shopping for toothpaste, look for the ADA seal of acceptance in order to ensure your toothpaste is backed by experts!

It is also beneficial to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day in order to protect your gums. Rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to finish off thoroughly cleaning your mouth, because it reaches areas that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.

Stay Regular
Visiting your dentist twice a year is extremely important in preventing oral diseases and guaranteeing that your teeth stay in tip top shape.
Your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning and will show you the proper way to brush and floss if you need a bit of help!

These three steps can help you significantly improve the health of your gums and reduce your risk of developing gum disease. If you have any questions about how to keep your gums healthy and happy, give our office a call, today!

The Dos and Don’ts of Good Dental Hygiene

Dos and Don’ts of Good Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene is important. Those who practice good oral habits reap the benefits, while the latter… not so much. Most of us have a great deal of control over whether or not we keep our teeth as we age. Those who don’t follow a proper routine, end up losing their teeth, thus requiring the need of tooth replacement (such as dentures, dental implants, etc.). If you want to achieve an optimal level of oral hygiene, all you have to do is follow these do’s and don’ts!

Do…
• Brush your teeth twice a day! Use a soft-bristled brush with a fluoride tooth paste and be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth, even the hard to reach places.

• Floss your teeth every day! Floss removes food trapped between your teeth and the film of bacteria that forms before it turns into plaque.

• Visit your dentist every 6 months! Regular visits allow your dentist to discover early signs of cavities and gum disease.

• Eat a mouth healthy diet! Indulge yourself in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and of course, water!

Don’t…

• Forget to replace your toothbrush! Tooth brushes should be replaced every 3 month—or after you recover from being sick. If you have an electric toothbrush, replace the head rather than purchasing a whole new one.

• Brush too soon after eating! Brushing immediately after eating acidic food can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. To be safe, wait at least 1 hour.

• Go overboard with bleaching! Over-bleaching your teeth can make them very sensitive to hot and cold foods, thus causing a variety of other problems.

• Ignore pain or abnormalities! Toothaches can be a sign of a more serious dental issue. See your dentist as soon as you discover changes in your dental health.

• Consume lots of soft drinks and sugary foods! These foods are highly acidic, which wears away your enamel overtime. Frequent consumption of sugary substances allow plaque to grow more rapidly—thus the likelihood of cavities will increase substantially.

When it comes to your dental hygiene—you have the option between keeping your teeth or not. By starting to practice these dental do’s and don’ts, you will be on the right track to a long-lasting smile. Give us a call today Lake Pointe Dental Care Office in Somerset KY Phone Number (606) 677-0505!