How to Know Whether You May Be Suitable for Dental Implants

How to Know Whether You May Be Suitable for Dental Implants

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be one option to consider. They can be used to support a crown, bridge or removable dental prosthesis. Implant treatment is not suitable for everyone. Your oral health, general health, available jawbone, medications and ability to maintain the implant all need to be assessed before treatment can be recommended. This guide explains some of the factors your dentist may consider when determining whether dental implants could be appropriate for you. What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is usually a titanium fixture surgically placed into the jawbone. It is intended to support a replacement tooth or larger dental prosthesis. After placement, the implant is generally allowed time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. This process is known as osseointegration. A crown, bridge or denture can then be connected to the implant at an appropriate stage. Treatment stages and healing times vary between patients. An implant-supported restoration may assist with chewing and appearance, but it does not behave exactly like a natural tooth. Outcomes and treatment lifespan cannot be guaranteed. What Determines Whether You May be Suitable? Available Jawbone An implant requires sufficient bone in an appropriate position.  Following tooth loss, changes in the height and width of the jawbone can occur. Previous infection, gum disease or trauma may also affect the amount of available bone. Your dentist may recommend dental X-rays or a cone beam CT scan to assess the proposed implant site and nearby structures. If there is insufficient bone, a procedure such as bone grafting may be discussed. Additional surgery is not required...
Dental Veneer Consultations in Perth: What to Expect

Dental Veneer Consultations in Perth: What to Expect

If you are considering dental veneers, a consultation can help you understand your options before making a decision. At Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, a veneer consultation involves discussing your concerns, assessing your oral health and considering whether veneers—or a more conservative alternative—may be appropriate for you. Attending a consultation does not mean that you need to proceed with treatment. What are dental veneers? Dental veneers are thin restorations bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to change aspects of their appearance. Depending on the circumstances, veneers may be considered for concerns such as: Tooth discolouration that has not responded to whitening Chipped or worn teeth Irregular tooth shape Minor spacing concerns Differences in tooth size or proportion Veneers are commonly made from porcelain or composite resin. Each material has different advantages, limitations, costs and maintenance requirements. Veneers are not suitable for every patient or every cosmetic concern. A clinical examination is required before treatment can be recommended. Step 1: Discussing your concerns Your consultation will usually begin with a conversation about what you would like to change and what you hope to achieve. You may wish to bring reference photographs to help explain your preferences. These images can assist communication, but another person’s result cannot be reproduced or guaranteed because teeth, gums, facial features and bites differ between patients. This is also an opportunity to ask about: Porcelain and composite veneers The likely treatment stages Tooth preparation Possible risks and limitations Maintenance and future replacement Alternative treatments Fees and payment arrangements Your dentist should aim to understand your priorities rather than assume that veneers are the right...
Jaw Clicking or Locking: Assessment and Treatment Options in Perth

Jaw Clicking or Locking: Assessment and Treatment Options in Perth

Does your jaw click when you open your mouth, or does it sometimes feel stuck? Jaw clicking is common and does not always indicate a problem requiring treatment. However, assessment may be appropriate when clicking is painful, becomes more frequent or occurs with locking, restricted movement or difficulty chewing. These symptoms can sometimes be associated with a temporomandibular disorder, commonly shortened to TMD or described as TMJ dysfunction. What is the temporomandibular joint? The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull. Located just in front of the ears, they allow the jaw to move when you speak, chew and yawn. Each joint contains a small disc that assists with movement between the lower jaw and the skull. The surrounding muscles and ligaments also contribute to jaw function. TMD is an umbrella term for several conditions affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles or both. What can cause jaw clicking? Clicking or popping can sometimes occur when the disc and jaw joint move in an altered pattern. Other joint changes may also create noises during movement. A clicking sound does not necessarily mean that the joint is damaged or that the disc is permanently “out of alignment.” Many people have painless jaw sounds without developing pain or functional problems. Assessment may be appropriate when clicking is accompanied by: Pain or tenderness Jaw locking Restricted mouth opening Difficulty eating A recent change in how the jaw moves Symptoms following an injury Why does a jaw lock? Jaw locking can mean difficulty opening the mouth fully or being temporarily unable to close it after opening widely. Possible explanations include altered movement...
New Year, New Smile: Enhance Your Smile with Perth Dentist, Dr. Vicky Ho

New Year, New Smile: Enhance Your Smile with Perth Dentist, Dr. Vicky Ho

A bright and confident smile can make all the difference in your personal and professional life. With the new year upon us, now is the perfect time to invest in your dental health and aesthetics. If you’re in Perth, WA, Dr. Vicky Ho, a skilled cosmetic dentist with locations in Mosman Park and Perth, can help you achieve your smile makeover goals. Why Choose a Cosmetic Dentist in Perth, WA? Perth is home to some of the most experienced cosmetic dentists who specialize in transforming smiles. Here’s why you should consider visiting a local professional like Dr. Vicky Ho: Accessibility: Convenient appointments and follow-ups are easy with a local dentist. Area of Practice: Perth’s cosmetic dentists use techniques to ensure optimal results. Personalized Care: Local clinics focus on building relationships and understanding patient needs. Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatments in Perth Dentistry offers various procedures to enhance your smile. Here are the most popular options Dr. Ho offers at her cosmetic dentistry center in Mosman Park and Perth: Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth, perfect for covering discoloration, gaps, or minor misalignments. They create a flawless, natural-looking smile. Teeth Whitening  Professional teeth whitening is a fast and effective way to remove stains and brighten your smile. In-office treatments provide noticeable results in just one session. Invisalign Straighten your teeth discreetly with Invisalign. These clear aligners are removable, comfortable, and a popular alternative to traditional braces. Dental Implants Replace missing teeth with dental implants, which look and feel like natural teeth. They provide a long-term option to restore function and aesthetics. Cosmetic Bonding...
Dental Implant Costs in Perth: What Can Affect the Price?

Dental Implant Costs in Perth: What Can Affect the Price?

The cost of dental implant treatment in Perth can vary considerably. This is because implant treatment is individually planned and may involve several clinical stages, different restorative options and, in some cases, additional procedures. An accurate quotation can generally only be provided after your dentist has examined your mouth, reviewed your medical and dental history and completed any necessary diagnostic imaging. This guide explains some of the factors that may affect the cost of dental implants. It provides general information only and should not be regarded as personalised dental or financial advice. What is a dental implant? A dental implant is usually a titanium fixture placed surgically into the jawbone. It can be used to support a crown, bridge or removable dental prosthesis. A single-tooth implant restoration commonly involves: * The implant fixture placed in the jawbone * An abutment connecting the implant to the restoration * A crown forming the visible replacement tooth Implants may also be used to support the replacement of several missing teeth. The recommended approach depends on the number and position of the missing teeth, available bone, oral health, general health and individual treatment goals. How much does a dental implant cost in Perth? There is no single fee that applies to every patient. Published “from” prices may not represent the total cost of treatment because they may exclude imaging, additional surgery, provisional restorations, the final crown or ongoing maintenance. Before proceeding, ask for a written treatment plan that explains: * The proposed treatment stages * What is included in the quoted fee * Any costs that are not included * Possible additional procedures...