dentures

Dentures: Definition, Types, Advantages and How to Care for them

I recently watched a video about how we rarely appreciate what we have until we don’t have it anymore. Think about it, how much we ignore our ability to move from place to place until we can’t walk, Or how much we take the ability to chew our food, to pronounce the word scrupulous or to smile at our loved ones or even to laugh unabashedly in public until we lose our teeth. However, not all is lost because someone who probably wanted to chew his or her meat in peace came up with dentures and these have been developed as time has gone on.

What are dentures?

Dentures can be defined as prosthodontic devices constructed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are typically used in case someone has lost all or almost all their teeth on either or both the arches in the mouth. Loss of teeth comes about due to old age, severe trauma, different oral diseases and so on. Loss of teeth comes with many consequences which by and by affect the physical, mental and social health of the individual in one way or another. This is a reason for which the acquisition of dentures should not be taken lightly in case one gets the misfortune of losing their teeth.

Why should one get dentures?

When one has dentures;

  • They are able to chew their food on their own and enjoy it which ensures proper nutrition.
  • They are able to speak without difficulty since loss of teeth makes pronouncing some words difficult.
  • They are able to maintain their facial structure. When teeth are missing for a prolonged period of time, the facial muscles sag and this makes one look ages beyond their years.
  • They are also able to maintain their facial aesthetic features considering the fact that dentures closely resemble the natural teeth.

Types of dentures

There are two main types of dentures. The complete dentures and the partial dentures

1. Complete dentures

Complete dentures can be of two types; conventional dentures and immediate dentures. Conventional dentures are made after the remaining teeth have been removed and 8 to 12 weeks allowed for the tissues to heal. The immediate dentures are made in advance and then placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and the gums prepared. These ensure that one does not remain completely edentulous as they wait for the conventional dentures. Overdentures are placed over a small number of the remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared.

2. Partial dentures

Partial dentures are an option in case one has not lost all their natural teeth and are made in form of a fixed bridge. In case one or more natural teeth remain, they can be used as a bridge and crowns on either side of the space are placed. Artificial teeth are then cemented into the gap, with the teeth on either side acting as support. This both replaces and prevents the teeth from falling out of position.

Side effects of dentures

After one gets their dentures, they can expect a few side effects while their body gets used to their presence in the mouth.

  • There may be increased saliva due to the irritation of the salivary glands by the dentures. This decreases after a while with acclimatization to the dentures.
  • The dentures may feel consistently loose while the oral muscles get accustomed to the dentures.
  • Irritation and soreness of the gums which with some over the counter medications. However if they are prolonged, one should see their dentist.

How to take care of dentures

Dentures should be taken care of well for them to be in peak condition for optimal use.

Dentures are not made of the same material as the natural teeth and so should not be treated the same way. The dentures should be cleaned using a denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to prevent them from being eroded.

After removing the dentures, keep them covered in water or denture solution.

It is important that you maintain stellar oral hygiene when you have dentures to prevent numerous oral disease for example denture induced stomatitis and thrash.

Brush the tongue, the gums and the roof of the mouth using a soft bristle tooth brush to stimulate circulation when one is not wearing the dentures.

Where can I get dentures

Dentures can be acquired at Ezza Dental Care. You can schedule a free appointment with our dentist. Consultation is free

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misaligned teeth

MISALIGNED TEETH; CAUSES, EFFECTS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

I don’t know if this goes for you too but during high school, people who had braces were considered cool. We looked at them with this sense of fascination for the sophisticated wires in their mouths. It is only now that I realize how we often delusionally admire or even envy things whose scope we do not fully appreciate. The people who wore braces had them for a number of reasons and fashion is nowhere at the top of the list. The predominant reason was that they were trying to have their misaligned teeth fixed.

What are misaligned teeth?

Misaligned teeth are teeth which are out of their proper or desirable position in the mouth.

Effects of misaligned teeth

When teeth are not in their desirable position, there are far reaching effects on the person’s way of life as a result. These include;

  1. There can be a change in one’s speech where they develop a lisp. This is because proper positions of the teeth play are role in pronunciation of some sounds.
  2. Chewing can become problematic. Misaligned teeth can make cutting, tearing and grinding food difficult or even painful which takes the joy out of eating.
  3. Misaligned teeth have many crooks and crannies which may be difficult to clean efficiently. This can result in tooth decay and subsequent gum disease.
  4. Misaligned teeth also have increased chances to be injured, especially the incisors. This is because they may not be well supported by the jaw.
  5. There can also be compromised breathing due to the defects in the jaw, tongue and cheeks positioning.
  6. One of the most severe effects is on the psychological wellbeing of a person. Misaligned teeth are not necessarily aesthetically pleasing and henceforth the self-esteem of someone may plunge.

Causes of misaligned teeth

The cause of misaligned teeth is variable in its constitution. Many factors both subtle and not can play a role in moving the teeth from their normal or desirable position. These factors can act on the teeth, the jaw, the cheek or even the tongue. Some habits can also influence how the teeth grow and thus misalign.

  • Genes influence how we develop from an embryo to a baby and then to an adult. As part of their niche, they also influence how teeth are positioned. This is determined by how the cheeks, the jaws and the tongue develop. At first glance, you may miss the correlation between all these and the teeth alignment, however it is imperative to take note of the power of consistent small things. If any of these structures is not well formed, it may affect how the teeth are positioned or how they fit in the mouth.
  • Tooth loss can also cause misalignment of teeth. This can be both in adults and in case there’s early loss of the milk teeth. The teeth neighboring the gap may grow into it and this changes the usual positioning of the teeth. Teeth can be lost to injury, to bone diseases or to gum disease. Some are knocked out during the initiation ceremonies in some cultures.
  • Habits play a role in the development of misaligned teeth. In babies and toddlers, thumb sucking and excessive use of pacifier or bottles can cause displacement of the front teeth. In adults, mouth breathing, teeth grinding and other similar habits can eventually result in displacement of the teeth.
  • Misalignment or malformation a jaw can result in poor correlated teeth especially in case a jaw is too small which results in crowding of teeth.
  • Improperly done dental restorations for example crowns and other prostheses can result in the misalignment of teeth long term.

These are just a drop in the ocean of the complexities that are the causes for misaligned teeth. Teeth may be too many or too few on the jaw which changes the orientation of the teeth.

Misaligned teeth can either repair themselves as one ages or they may need some extra help. The specialty of dentistry that deals with these and other related conditions is orthodontics.

Treatment

The treatment plan most likely to be suggested by the dentist is braces. There are a variety of braces that are chosen for their function, cost and appearance. Fixed braces are the best and are very effective. There are other options which may be more aesthetically pleasing as compared to the fixed metallic braces. These are however not as efficient and are much costlier. Lingual braces and invisible aligners are some of the options.

The treatment for misaligned teeth takes a period of 2 to 3 years. One year or more is spent wearing the braces, to coerce the teeth to grow in a certain direction and the rest of the time, retainers are worn to prevent the teeth from reverting to their former position. The visits to the dentist are usually three months to check the progress of the treatment. It is important to take care of the braces and your oral hygiene in order for the treatment to work.

Treatment for misaligned teeth is available at Ezza Dental Care. Visit us today for a free consultation and our dentist will help you come up with a customized treatment plan.

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root canal therapy

Root canal therapy as an option to tooth extraction

After we stop expecting money from the tooth fairy or a rat with a secret underground bank, we become very possessive with our teeth. We do not want to lose any which is why the word extraction evokes a dread in us, a justified dread. Stronger than that dread however is the dislike for pain. Pain from the causative tooth and perhaps even fear of what we have not experienced yet, fear of a root canal therapy. We are going to explore why root canal therapy is that stone that kills many birds and why it’s bad reputation is based on smoke and mirrors.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dentistry treatment plan which aims at repairing and saving a tooth that is badly decayed, cracked or defectively filled. It is found in a specialty called endodontics which deals with the inner tooth structure id est, the pulp, blood vessels and nerves contained therein. It is a procedure that can easily be performed by a general dentist depending on the extent of the tooth’s damage and the comfort level of the dentist. In case it is a complicated case, the patient is referred to an endondotist who will provide specialized care.

Signs that you may need a root canal therapy

The question of whether or not you need a root canal therapy is best answered in the presence of clinical evidence from examination and investigations carried out by your dentist. There are however pointers whose frequency could be a sign that you may need root canal therapy. These include;

  • Pain on biting or chewing.
  • Teeth with deep cavities

What is involved during root canal therapy?

When you hear the term root canal therapy, your mind is probably plagued by ideas of its complexity, the pain involved, the cost and what not. Most of these are however just castles in the air considering that the procedure is easy and not as painful as your mind may have convinced you. The procedure is aimed at removing the infected pulp and cleaning out the canal.

 The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth and contains the nerves and blood vessels which nourish the tooth. The canal from which the treatment gets its nomenclature is what holds the pulp. When the pulp gets infected, the infection can spread to the extradental tissues and can cause erosion of the jaw bone and may even seed into the blood. The inflammation resulting from the body’s response to the infection of the pulp causes it to swell and this results in the excruciating pain experienced.

As earlier mentioned, the aim of RCT (root canal therapy) is to remove the infected pulp and to clean out the root canal of any infection culminating in sealing of the tooth. Since the pulp can be dubbed the living part of the tooth, removing it results in its “death”. This is however not compromising for the tooth in terms of function or appearance since it can still obtain nutrients from the surrounding tissues. The pulp is majorly important as the tooth emerges from the gum and after this happens, it can be survived without.

Root Canal Therapy can be carried out in either a singular or multiple sessions depending on what needs to be addressed. Outlined below are the standard steps in which it is done;

  1. The dentist will carry out an intra and extra oral examination.
  2. They’ll then obtain an x-ray of the offending tooth to ascertain the extent of infection and spread if any.
  3. After that, the dentist will then anesthetize the area he is going to work on. This will result in numbness and thus absence of pain during the procedure.
  4. In order to isolate the tooth and to keep it dry and free from saliva, a rubber dam will be placed around the tooth.
  5. The dentist will the drill an access hole.
  6. Using root files, they will then remove the pulp and all contents of the pulp. They use water or sodium hypochlorite to remove the debris.
  7. After satisfactory removal of the pulp, the dentist may decide to seal immediately or wait for a week to pass. In case they choose to wait, they will place a temporary filling to keep the canal clean till the next appointment. They also place an antibiotic to clear off any microorganisms before they finalize the procedure.
  8. After the week is done, the dentist then does the final sealing of the root canal. He uses a sealer paste and gutta percha. Depending on the state of the tooth, further treatment may be necessary for example, crown, crown and post and so on which provide further strength to the tooth and enable it to maintain appearance and function.

After the procedure is done, you may experience numbness or discomfort or even slight pain. This can be handled with over the counter medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Put off chewing using the tooth until the numbness subsides. You can then upgrade to soft foods and subsequently, you can return to your previous diet.

Are there any complications with root canal therapy?

Like with any other procedure, complications may arise during or after root canal therapy. These maybe as a result of;

  • A higher number of canals than anticipated and thus some may not be cleaned out.
  • There may be an undetected crack.
  • The restoration may be defective.
  • The gutta percha may breakdown.

These call for involvement of a specialist who will either redo the RCT or may decide to extract the tooth.

Root Canal Therapy Vs Tooth Extraction

A root canal therapy is better than an extraction for as long as the tooth can be saved. This is advantageous for a number of reasons. No artifact can replace the authenticity of a natural tooth. When you have your tooth extracted, your smile, your chewing, how your teeth fit with each other are all negatively affected. To alleviate all these, you would need an implant which further increases cost. Extraction is like scorched earth policy, a drastic measure which must be avoided at all costs until it cannot be. Which is why you should always consider root canal therapy as your better option. This is available at Ezza Dental Care.

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Image showing professional teeth cleaning

Professional Teeth Cleaning – Here’s what you need to know

Teeth cleaning is a part of oral hygiene where an oral health professional removes plaque, calculus, or tartar from and around the teeth in a clinical setting as a preventive measure against oral disease. It is also known as dental prophylaxis due to its preventive function.

How often should one do professional teeth cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning is a routine procedure despite the ideal frequency not being empirically defined. The widely accepted one however is twice a year, every six months.

Why is professional teeth cleaning important?

Professional teeth cleaning is important for a variety of reasons.

  1. It removes plaque and tartar which could have caused periodontal diseases and even some systemic diseases for example Heart Failure.
  2. It greatly improves the aesthetic of one’s smile. During oral prophylaxis, stains and calculi which are hard to remove using normal tooth brushing are removed and thus the smile is brighter.
  3. A fresher breath is attained since all the debris that could be on and around the teeth is effectively removed.
  4. Identification of health issues. These could be both oral and extra oral but during the process of teeth cleaning, conditions can be identified and dealt with in their early stages.

What happens during teeth cleaning?

The procedure for teeth cleaning is short and easy to do. It is also thankfully not painful unless there’s an underlying pathology for example inflamed gums or cavities in the teeth or hypersensitivity. It takes around thirty to sixty minutes, depending on how extensive the cleaning has to be in tandem with how dirty the teeth are.

First, the dentist carries out a physical exam, both intraorally and extra orally.

They then ask you to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic to kill any microorganisms that may utilize the chance to invade your body.

The dentist then applies a disclosing solution to your teeth and on the areas around them. The solution colors the tartar or calculi differently depending on how long it has been present.

Using a dental mirror, he’ll then see the areas which need special attention.

The dentist will then use a scaler to scrape off the debris on your teeth. The scaler has a sharp end and a non-pointed end, the sharp end is used above the gum line and the blunt end is used below the gum line. The scaler maybe metallic or ultrasonic depending on availability, and of course the patient.

After debridement, the dentist will apply Prophypaste; a material containing gritty substances and fluoride among other components. He applies this using a rubber tipped rotary brush attached bon a low speed hand piece to remove any remaining caliculi and to give the teeth some polishing.

They’ll then rinse your mouth and hand you a mirror to see your brighter smile.

Is professional teeth cleaning safe?

The procedure is a safe one and the myths around eroding enamel and dentine are just that; myths. The slightly common side effect is hypersensitivity of the teeth especially to hot and cold food. This is however because the tartar which was covering those areas has been removed and hence the teeth are yet to be remineralised.

Does professional teeth cleaning hurt?

Ideally there should be no pain during professional teeth cleaning. However the pain that may be present during the procedure is usually as a result of periodontal disease or cavities present at the time the procedure is carried out.

Where can I do professional teeth cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning is available at Ezza Dental Care and so, you can book your appointment with us. Our contact is available on the website and on all our social media platforms.

How much does teeth cleaning cost?

Professional teeth cleaning at Ezza Dental Care costs between Ugshs 80,000 and Ugshs 150,000 depending on how dirty one’s teeth are.

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Teeth affected by gum disease

Gum Disease: Causes, Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Jane was excited for a new day. She jumped out of bed and started preparing herself for work. In the bathroom, she had a pretend concert using her toothbrush as a makeshift microphone. She then lined it with toothpaste and started to brush her teeth, the song becoming a hum. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and she was amused at what she saw. There was foam around her mouth and she thought she bore a resemblance to Santa Claus. Laughing, she spat out the foam. In the sink basin, her attention was however drawn to the color of the spit.

 Jane’s toothpaste was white so the reason it had red stains was not adding up. To be sure, she spat more and her heart sunk as her taste buds caught on what was undoubtedly dying her spit; blood. Her concert ended, and anxiety took its place. What was this? What was happening to her? Why today? All these questions ran through her mind as if they were on a relay running track. What Jane was to find out later after she called her dentist is that she had just experienced one of the commonest signs of gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a condition characterized by deteriorating health of the gingivae and the other tooth supporting structures. It has two broad categories, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis involves inflammation of the gums which are also called the gingivae and periodontitis involves inflammation of the tooth supporting structures. The latter develops after the former and is a worse stage; however gingivitis does not always result in periodontitis.

When we don’t brush our teeth as often as we ought to, we consequently reap from seeds we did not intentionally sow. These may not stop at people facing the other way when we talk to them because we have what they call “dragon breath”(bad breath).

Causes of gum disease

Unless removed, food sticks to our teeth and harbors bacteria which form plaque. Plaque is a mass of bacteria contained in a biofilm and grows on any of the surfaces within the mouth. The presence of the bacteria causes the body’s immune system to respond and this acts in conglomeration with the toxins produced by the bacteria causing inflammation of the gum tissues and eventually, it destroys them. In case the tissues get infected, the microorganisms keep digging and destroying the tissue until the gum line recedes and the tooth socket gets eroded which leads to the teeth falling out.

Inflammation causes the gums to swell, change in color, become tender and fragile which makes them easily bleed. This is the most common path of development of gum disease but it is not the only one. Hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause or pregnancy, illnesses which compromise the immunity of the body like HIV/AIDS, cancer or diabetes, some medication for example Procardia or NSAIDS can all lead to one getting gum disease.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease

There is a range of signs and symptoms and one may be experiencing just a single one or even all of them at a go. These include;

  • Gums that bleed easily during or after tooth brushing or eating food
  • Painful swollen gums whose color could have changed
  • Bad breath
  • Shaky teeth
  • Pockets forming between the teeth and the gum

Treatment for gum disease

Gum disease can worsen either slowly or very rapidly and the earlier it is treated, the better the recovery and the less expensive the treatment. Depending on the stage, treatment can range from an antiseptic mouth wash to emergency surgical procedures considering that it can become fatal if the infection reaches the blood stream. It is important to consult with us at Ezza Dental Care to get a personalized treatment plan.

As they say, prevention is better than cure. Prevention is especially paramount for the people at high risk for gum disease. These include the pregnant, lactating mothers, those in their periods, and those on predisposing medication or the immunocompromised. First things first, oral hygiene practices must be paid attention to including brushing teeth a minimum of two times a day, flossing, changing a tooth brush every three months et cetera.

Diet too plays a role in how strong our immunity is henceforth, vegetables should be integrated because they have antioxidants and vitamin E and C which are important for the mouth’s health. Stress breaks down a lot of things in the body and the mouth is not spared. Efforts must be made to decrease stress levels. In case you are using medication which puts you at a risk, talk to both your physician and dentist so that a regimen can be adjusted.

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Teeth Stains and their look after treatment

Teeth Stains: Causes, Types and How To Get Rid Of Them

Teeth stains have left many people with unpleasant smiles. And today I want us to know the different kinds of stains, their causes and their treatment options. There are two kinds of dental stains. We have extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains

These are teeth stains of the outer layer of the tooth called the enamel. It occurs when stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, build-up in the film of protein that covers the tooth enamel.

Common causes of extrinsic stains include the following:

  • Dark-colored foods or drinks (i.e. cola, coffee, wine, berries)
  • Smoking
  • Wearing down of the tooth enamel as a result of aging
  • Poor dental hygiene, such as inadequate brushing or flossing, can lead to tooth discoloration.

Dealing with extrinsic stains is quite easy. All we have to do is polishing/scaling which is often called professional dental cleaning.

Intrinsic stains

These are teeth stains that occur below the surface of the tooth. It occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the tooth enamel.There are two common causes of intrinsic stains;

Fluorosis

A major cause of fluorosis is the inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. Sometimes, children enjoy the taste of fluoridated toothpaste so much that they swallow it instead of spitting it out.

But there are other causes of fluorosis. For example, taking a higher-than-prescribed amount of a fluoride supplement during early childhood can cause it. So can taking a fluoride supplement when fluoridated drinking water or fluoride-fortified fruit juices and soft drinks already provide the right amount.

Fluoride occurs naturally in water. Natural fluoride levels above the currently recommended range for drinking water may increase the risk for severe fluorosis. Symptoms of fluorosis range from tiny white specks or streaks that may be unnoticeable to dark brown stains and rough, pitted enamel that is difficult to clean. Teeth that are unaffected by fluorosis are smooth and glossy. They should also be a pale creamy white.

Tetracycline stains

These teeth stains affect people who take in tetracycline during their early years (below 8 years). These stains can also affect individuals whose mothers took tetracycline antibiotics during their second and third trimesters.

Since intrinsic stains exist on a deeper layer of the tooth, they are not likely to respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments. Instead, patients who wish to improve tooth color will need to consider more extensive dental treatment.

Following are some of the most common options for those with intrinsic dental stains:

Porcelain veneers

These thin, shells bond to the facial surface of the teeth to conceal intrinsic tooth stains and other cosmetic imperfections.

Lumineers

Lumineers are very similar to porcelain veneers. They cover the teeth to hide stains, discoloration, and other blemishes. The primary difference is that they require less preparation than traditional veneers.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding conceals tooth stains with a tooth-colored dental compound. Although dental bonding will not last forever, it does offer a quick and affordable solution for minor intrinsic stains.

Dental crown

If a tooth has intrinsic discoloration as a result of tooth trauma, it may be necessary to restore the tooth with a dental crown. A dental crown will strengthen the tooth while improving its appearance.

What are the Symptoms of Tooth Discoloration?

Indications of tooth discoloration include white streaks, yellow tints, or brown spots or pits.

How is Tooth Discoloration diagnosed?

Tooth discoloration is easy to spot even without the use of special instrument or test. A visual test will detect a tooth discoloration.

Contact Us

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth due to dental stains or tooth discoloration, the experienced dentist at Ezza Dental Care can help. Contact us at your earliest convenience.

References

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Oral Health during pregnancy

4 Dental Strategies for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is an exciting and busy time in a woman’s life. But pregnant women should be certain to take care of their dental health for themselves and their babies. Here are 4 key strategies;

1. Keep your teeth and gums healthy

Gum disease can lead to premature birth or a low birth weight baby. Sometimes, it can also cause the transfer of decay-causing bacteria from you to your baby.

2. Avoid or treat sickness, vomiting and acid reflux

Pregnant women who experience morning sickness with vomiting and/or acid reflux are at high risk of tooth erosion.

3. Prevent gum disease

Many women can develop gum disease during pregnancy because of natural hormonal changes in the body. Make sure to treat your teeth and gum early, to avoid this.

4 . Quit smoking!

Smoking while pregnant is not good for you or your unborn baby, and can lead to gum disease

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About Ezza Dental Care

Ezza dental care is dedicated to guide you through a customised dental care investment that improves your life and the that of your loved ones.

Our Services

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Root Canal Therapy

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Seruwale Complex 1st Floor

info@ezzadentalcare.com

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