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What Do Dental Implants Look Like?

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If you are looking for a permanent solution for damaged, broken, or missing teeth, then dental implants may be right for you. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we offer many restorative options for our patients, and are conveniently located in Richmond Texas. One of the most common restorative options is dental implants. Implants are a great option, and are durable and reliable, giving patients that bright white smile they have always wanted.

What Do Dental Implants Look Like?

Implants function like natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. They look natural and feel comfortable in the mouth. Once you have implants no one will know you have them because they look that natural.

Implants act as an artificial tooth root similar to a screw that is placed in the jawbone. The implant is made of titanium and provides the base of support for one or more artificial teeth known as crowns.

Benefits of dental implants: 

  • Implants are permanent and do not slip or click like other restorative options. 
  • Implants preserve the natural bone in the mouth and help stimulate new bone growth. 
  • Implants can last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if cared for properly. 
  • Dental implants provide long term value financially giving patients a beautiful long lasting smile. 

What Should I Expect When Getting Dental Implants?

In order to provide the proper amount of support, the patient must have enough bone in the jaw. Part of our evaluation process will be to determine if you have enough bone present. If needed, bone grafting can be done where synthetic bone is added to the area needed.

With dental implants multiple appointments are required, and there is a healing process involved. The process is called osseointegration, and this is when the bone fuses to the implant that serves as the base for support. This allows the implant to function like a natural tooth.

Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is set on top of the implant, and this holds the implant in place. Custom crowns are made to match the shade and color of your natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be used while we wait for the permanent crowns to be installed.

Contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry

At Graceful Smiles, we provide exceptional dental care for patients of all ages. We take care of our families, and ensure that each appointment is a positive experience for everyone.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Elsa Mammen, please contact our dental office in Richmond, TX today! 

What Age Should a Child Go to the Dentist?

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Many parents wonder what age is the right age to bring their child to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that parents seek out a dentist for their child by age of one, or when they notice the first tooth erupting. Typically primary teeth erupt around six months of age.

In many cases, parents feel their child is too young to see a dentist, or that they don’t have enough teeth to warrant a visit. Visiting a dentist at this early age helps to ensure baby teeth are coming in properly, and allows the dentist to determine if they see any issues early on. It is important that children keep their primary teeth in place until they are lost naturally.

What Are The Benefits of Primary Teeth?

Some of the benefits of getting primary teeth include:

  • They help children to chew their food properly
  • They help with speech development
  • Primary teeth promote a healthy smile, and they give children confidence about their appearance.
  • Primary teeth save space for future adult teeth

Starting your child out right with proper dental care helps build good oral hygiene habits. If you establish a good relationship with your dentist, this helps your child to understand how important it is to take care of your teeth.

Contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry

Our team will check for any issues as your child grows older, and ensure your child’s teeth are looking and feeling great during each visit.

At Graceful Smiles, we provide exceptional dental care for patients of all ages. We take care of our families, and ensure that each appointment is a positive experience for everyone.

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s first appointment with Dr. Elsa Mammen, please contact our dental office in Richmond, TX today! Graceful Smiles today!

Who does dental implants near me?

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Graceful Smiles Dentistry offers cosmetic dentistry as well
as many other services in Richmond. Our goal is to provide the highest level of
care to our patients of all ages. We want our patients to feel relaxed and at
ease when they enter our office. Graceful Smiles offers many dental restoration
options for our patients, and one of the most common is dental implants.

Dental implants are a great option if you are looking for a
permanent solution. If you have cracked, missing, broken teeth, or your current
dental implant has become loose, our office can help. Graceful Smiles Dentistry
is conveniently located to serve patients in the Richmond area.

The following
restorative services are offered at Graceful Smiles Dentistry:

  • Dental Bridges
  • Ceramic Dental Crowns
  • Inlays and Onlays
  • Dental Implants

If you currently have dental implants, and notice your
implants feel loose, this may indicate your implant is in need of replacement.

Dr. Mammen has a passion for dentistry, and has many hours
in continuing education to keep up with the latest technology. She specializes
in restorations for dental implants, and provides patients with beautiful
smiles.

If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are
right for you, or have an issue with an existing dental implant, contact
Graceful Smiles Dentistry to schedule your appointment.

What happens during professional teeth whitening?

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If you have dull or stained teeth, or just want your teeth brighter and whiter, professional teeth whitening may be right for you. Teeth whitening removes stains from your teeth by deeply penetrating the teeth while you sleep.

At Graceful Smiles, we use the Kor Whitening system. This system uses a refrigerated whitening gel that is used overnight. This gel is highly potent, and gives patients the results they desire by removing stains from tea, coffee, and tobacco.

Impressions will be taken of your teeth to create custom trays that will be worn over night using the whitening gel. The Kor trays are designed to lock out saliva during treatment to prevent the saliva from destroying the whitening gel. This provides a highly effective whitening treatment that gives exceptional results.

Our staff will discuss how long to wear the trays, and send home instructions for each patient to follow. Patients are to wear the trays each night for around two weeks. Once that is complete, we will have you return to our office to do a shade comparison to see your results. Typically patients see results that are 16 shades whiter than before.

How long do permanent veneers last?

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Veneers are porcelain shells that are bonded to teeth. Veneers match the color and shade of your natural teeth, and give patients a beautiful smile.

Veneers are typically used for chipped, stained, or uneven teeth. They give a uniform and bright white look. A cement material is used to apply the veneers to teeth.

Veneers are made out of a durable porcelain, and are permanent and long lasting. Typically veneers last anywhere between 10-15 years, but this depends on the amount of wear and tear to the veneers. In order to ensure the veneers last, patients must take good care of their teeth.

Tips to ensure your veneers last:

  • If you suffer from bruxism or clench your teeth regularly, you may want to consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your veneers from damage.
  • Avoid biting any hard objects or food that may damage your veneers.
  • Avoid biting your nails as this can damage your veneers.

If veneers are taken care of, they will last for years. We recommend following good oral hygiene habits that include brushing and flossing daily. It is important to attend your regular dental visits in our office to ensure your veneers continue to look and feel great.

If you are interested in finding out of veneers are right for you, contact Graceful Smiles to schedule your appointment.

Are Veneers as strong as teeth?

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Veneers

Veneers are shells made out of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. They match the color and shade of your natural teeth, giving patients the smile they have always dreamed of.

When veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth, a cement material is used. Veneers are typically used for chipped, stained, or uneven teeth. Veneers give a uniform look that is natural and bright white.

Veneers are durable and made out of porcelain, which makes them long lasting. On average, veneers last anywhere between 10-15 years, and this depends on wear and tear. Patients must take good care of their teeth to ensure their veneers will last.

Tips to care for Veneers:

  • Avoid biting any hard objects or foods with your teeth.
  • If you suffer from bruxism or clench your teeth, a mouthguard may be helpful. Wearing a mouthguard will help prevent damage to the veneers.
  • Avoid biting your nails as this can damage your veneers.

Veneers are extremely durable if they are cared for properly. Brushing and flossing daily is recommended, as well as regular visits to our office.

If you are interested in finding out more about veneers and if they are right for you, contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry to schedule your appointment.

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?

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Many people wonder when it is appropriate to call your dentist in an emergency. If you have experienced trauma and have a cracked or chipped tooth, this is not typically a dental emergency unless you are experiencing pain or bleeding.

It is best to access the situation and determine how bad the crack or chip is. If you are experiencing a high level of pain or bleeding it is best to call our office right away, and we will accommodate you and get you in as soon as possible. Our highly trained staff are equipped to handle any dental emergency, and we encourage all patients to call if they are unsure.

While you wait to come into the office, we recommend rinsing with warm water and applying pressure to stop any bleeding. An ice pack can be used as well to prevent swelling.

If you do not have any pain or bleeding, we still encourage you to call our office at your earliest convenience soon after the incident. This way we can take a look and address the issue promptly.

Patients should not wait and avoid addressing a chip or crack. If left untreated, the situation may become worse and cause additional problems.

At Graceful Smiles we care about our patients, and your oral health is our priority.

Call Graceful Smiles today to schedule your appointment.

What is considered a dental emergency?

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In many cases patients are not sure when to call the dentist if you are experiencing pain. At Graceful Smiles, we offer same day or next day appointments. Our friendly staff will address any emergency situations for our patients, and ensure you are taken care of promptly.

It is very important to know the common signs or symptoms that may signal you need to call our office. Any pain that is dismissed or not addressed can make a bad situation worse. Additional problems may arise if the issue is not taken care of.

The quicker you make an appointment to see us in the office, the faster you can recover and get on a plan to prevent future issues.

Dental emergencies include any problems that may require immediate attention. A few examples include saving a tooth, or alleviating pain. Infections can be life-threatening and should be addressed immediately.

Signs or symptoms of a dental emergency you should not ignore:

  • Abscess or infection
  • Bleeding or irritated gums
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Any tooth pain that is persistent and does not go away
  • Mouth or lip sores that will not go away
  • Jaw pain, clicking, or popping
  • Change in tooth color, or spots that have formed on the tooth’s surface
  • Loose teeth

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our office. Any pain or trauma should be a good reason to call, so our team can evaluate the issue. Our staff at Graceful Smiles is highly trained to handle dental emergencies, and we are happy to assist our patients with any issue.

Call us today to schedule your same or next day appointment, and let us help you get on the road to recovery.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

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dental implant

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

It’s a good idea to keep your teeth and gums healthy with regular brushing and flossing.

If you’re missing teeth or are wearing an ill-fitting denture, implants are a great alternative to other treatment options available. Implants are securely and safely placed into the bone of the jaw. From there, they’ll fuse and bond with the surrounding bone to create a semi-permanent restoration for crowns, bridge work and even full dentures. Implants have been a go-to option for a lot of patients since they’ve been developed. They’re great for most patients and can successfully help in enhancing the overall look and appeal of your smile.

I recommend this office. They constantly were checking if I was ok. The dentist and staff were very nice.

Amy T

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The average dental implant will last for about two or three decades. It’s not uncommon for patients to have implants that are far older than three decades. This is why they’re considered to be a semi-permanent option for missing dentition. You can have a single tooth replaced at a time or use multiple implants to replace several or all of your teeth. Obviously, certain factors will determine how long the implant stays secured in your mouth. If you have bone loss issues or have suffered from facial trauma, this may affect the lifespan of the implant.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Implants

Just like the rest of your teeth, your implants will benefit from regular dental appointments. We check the health of your implants and make note of any signs of cracking or breaking. If the implant is loose, this could be due to bone loss underneath the gum line. However, issues with implants are rare and most of these restorations last for decades without any type of problem coming into play. Because of this, you can experience the benefits of a long-lasting and highly durable restoration that enhances your smile. It’s a good idea to keep your teeth and gums healthy with regular brushing and flossing. This helps to prevent gum disease from developing, which could lead to bone loss over time. We can offer advice and information on your dental implants if you’re considering having them done. Because implants are easy to place and quickly fuse with surrounding bone, you can experience the benefits of having a secured option that you won’t need to worry about for years.

If you would like to come in for a consultation regarding dental implants, we welcome you to call our office and schedule an appointment with one of our helpful staff members.

Tips to Improve Dental Hygiene for Children

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Tips to Improve Dental Hygiene for Children

You need to be in charge of teaching your children better brushing habits.

Children need to see the dentist twice a year to keep their teeth healthy and clean. Unfortunately, many children do not take good care of their teeth at home, which means they may develop cavities and other dental problems that cause more work to be needed at their checkup visits. By adopting healthier habits at home, you’ll find that your child’s checkup visits are easier and quicker.

Choose the Right Tools

The right tools will make all the difference for your child when brushing and flossing their teeth at home. While manual brushes are fine, powered toothbrushes help to brush away plaque, bacteria and debris quicker than any manual would be able to accomplish. Choosing a kid-friendly flossing tool can help in creating healthier and stronger teeth and gums. Remember to always use a toothpaste meant for children that contains fluoride, as this helps to prevent cavities.

My wife adviced to try graceful smiles after her visit. Looks like she was right again. This is now the dentistry for me, my wife and our two little kids.

Eleghosa Obasohan

Teach Good Brushing Habits

You need to be in charge of teaching your children better brushing habits. You can do this by either showing them or by brushing your teeth in front of them so that they can follow in your footsteps. When you take the time to care for and appreciate your own smile, you’ll find that your children do the same and put more effort into their oral hygiene.

Get Involved

In most cases, you’ll need to brush your child’s teeth for them until they’re about five to six years old. Younger children may not have the dexterity to hold the brush and hit every tooth’s surface. By brushing your child’s teeth for them, you can be sure that they’re being cleaned properly twice a day. However, once your child is old enough, they need to learn how to care for their own teeth.

Adopt Healthier Eating Habits

Eating healthier foods can have a serious impact on the health of your child’s smile. Sugary snacks and drinks can cause tooth decay and deep stains. By teaching your child to eat better and make healthier choices, they’re less likely to go for sugary sweets and candies that could ruin their beautiful smile.

As with all patients, routine trips to the dentist help to keep smiles healthy and bright for life. If you have a child who needs to see a dentist, call our office today and we will work to get them in for an appointment.

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Contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry in Richmond

Questions? Contact our office today!

Hours

MON :  9 AM – 5 PM
TUES:  9 AM – 5 PM
WED: CLOSED
THURS: 9 AM – 5 PM
FRI : 9 AM – 5 PM
SAT : 9 AM – 3 PM
SUN : Hours might differ

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