Category: Restorative Dentistry

Can You Sleep with Dentures?

Posted March 10, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

Adjusting to dentures is frustrating for some people. It might take a little while to get used to taking out dentures before bedtime, which may lead a patient to ask, “Can you sleep with dentures?” At Paris Mountain Dental, serving Travelers Rest, SC and the nearby region, we want to make the transition to wearing dentures as simple as possible for our patients.

Why You Shouldn’t Sleep with Dentures

One reason why it’s so important to take your dentures out before you sleep is because it gives your gums an opportunity to heal. You may experience some discomfort if you’re not giving your gums a rest. Additionally, when you leave your dentures in, you’re allowing bacteria and food to remain inside your mouth for extended periods. This could possibly cause an infection.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health linked sleeping with dentures to an increased risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia-causing bacteria may thrive in your mouth when you have dentures in while you sleep. Their study concluded that sleeping with dentures can double a person’s risk of pneumonia because of the chance that you could inhale the bacteria while sleeping.

Additionally, leaving your dentures in while you sleep decreases their lifespan. Therefore, you may be spending money on replacement ones sooner than necessary.

Making Denture Removal a Habit

Adding a step to your routine can be difficult to adjust to or remember each day. We advise our patients to take their dentures out when they’re getting into pajamas before bed. Keep your denture container in plain sight as a reminder, possibly beside the sink or on your nightstand. If you’re still struggling to take your dentures out each night, set a reminder on your phone or leave a note on the mirror. Nothing serious will happen if occasionally you fall asleep with your dentures in. However, you should make it a habit to remove them before going to bed as much as possible.

Dentures in Travelers Rest, SC

If you have any trouble with your dentures, give us a call at Paris Mountain Dental. Your comfort is very important to us. If you would like to discuss getting dentures, we are here to answer your questions.

Contact us with any questions about dentures.

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Posted February 16, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

At Paris Mountain Dental, we’ve been lucky to see it time and time again: Dental implants have the power to change peoples’ lives. We’ve seen a patient go from being afraid to open their mouth because of the gaps in their teeth to showing off their radiant smile any chance they get. We’ve also seen how someone who had difficulty with chewing and speaking because of missing teeth regain the full function of their mouth for more ease with day-to-day activities.

That being said, there are still plenty of people out there who may be interested in getting dental implant surgery but are nervous at the thought that the procedure might hurt. Our expert dental team is here to clear up any confusion!

What the Procedure is Like

Let’s start with the dental implant procedure itself. Yes, getting a dental implant does involve getting surgery, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be painful. We take great care to ensure your comfort every step of the way. We apply a local anesthetic before getting into the procedure so that the area is numb and the most you might feel is pressure. At our dental office, we also have additional calming sedation options available like DentalVibe, which uses vibrations to make injections virtually pain-free.

Post-Dental Implant Surgery

After you’ve received a dental implant, it is possible that you’ll feel some soreness in the treatment area. This is completely normal as the numbness wears off. The good news is that this lessens over time, and it should be gone in just a couple of weeks. We can also prescribe you with pain medications to help with any potential discomfort.

After your recovery period, you shouldn’t experience any more pain, and if you do, it may be because of an infection or another health concern. In the rare chance you experience that, we would bring you in to remedy the situation.

All in all, many people find that this short amount of possible discomfort is worth being able to reclaim their smile. If you’re still concerned about whether dental implants hurt, we invite you to visit our Travelers Rest dental practice for an in-person consultation so we can answer all of your questions and ease your concerns. Call or email us today to set up a visit!

Contact us to learn more about dental implants.

Dental Bridges vs Implants: What are the Differences?

Posted January 11, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

Artistic rendering of a dental implant showing the implant in the jawbone on the left and the implant-supported crown on the right

LEFT: The dental implant has melded with the jaw bone. RIGHT: The implant is fitted with a dental crown.

If you’ve recently lost a tooth, then you’re probably weighing your different replacement options. Thankfully, you have a few treatments to choose from. Two of the most popular solutions are a dental bridge or a dental implant. Here’s a rundown of the main differences between the two so you can get a better idea of which is right for you.

Structure & Procedure

A dental bridge is an attachment that’s secured to the teeth next to your gap in order to stay in place. A dental implant is a post that goes into your gums, mimicking the shape and position of a natural tooth. Because of these differences, the way each is placed is also different. When getting a dental bridge, you may need to get dental crowns on top of the nearby teeth for the bridge to attach to. On the other hand, getting a dental implant requires surgery so that the titanium post can be embedded into the jawbone. This is also why the entire implant procedure can last significantly longer than getting a bridge.

Artistic rendering of a lower jaw supported bridge.

Lower jaw supported bridge. Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Effect on Other Teeth

When you get a bridge, it’s important that the teeth on either side of the missing teeth are strong and healthy to support the artificial tooth that will go between them. When you get a dental implant, your surrounding teeth won’t be affected. Although you will need to have healthy gums and a sufficient amount of bone in your jaw to support the implant placement. If you don’t, you may need to get an additional procedure called a bone graft so that your implant can be successful.

Cost & Lifespan

A dental bridge is a more cost-effective option than a dental implant. Both procedures require a dental professional to make a custom artificial tooth. The latter, however, is a more complex process due to the surgical component. It’s important when considering the cost of a dental bridge versus a dental implant to think about the long-term investment. A dental bridge may be cheaper initially but it generally lasts for 5 to 15 years before needing a replacement. A dental implant can last as long as 25 years.

Find Answers to Your Questions in Travelers Rest

As you can see, dental bridges and dental implants both fulfill the same purpose of replacing missing teeth. If you’re still on the fence about what’s right for you, let the Paris Mountain Dental team help. There are some differences between them, from the procedure to the price. And if the price is your main concern, we offer numerous payment options. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have!

If you’d like to learn more about dental bridges, implant support dentures or dental crowns, give us a call and we’ll schedule a consultation.

What Are Dental Implants?

Posted November 23, 2019 by Paris Mountain Dental

Missing teeth make it harder to eat, talk, and smile with confidence. Therefore, if you’re looking for a natural-looking durable solution, dental implants may be the perfect option for you! Read on to learn about this popular tooth replacement solution.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is composed of a solid metal post, either titanium or zirconia that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This post fuses to the jawbone to become a strong and supportive replacement tooth root. It is then topped with a restoration to provide a fully-functioning and natural-looking smile. This could be a dental crown, dental bridge, or dentures. The number of replacement teeth and dental implants you need will determine your specific treatment plan.

Dental Implant Procedure

First, a consultation at Paris Mountain Dental will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Our expert team will review your medical and dental history and ask questions about your oral health habits. This is necessary in order to evaluate whether your gums and jawbone are strong enough. Once you are approved, expect the process to take several months. During the recovery period, called the osseointegration phase, the metal post fuses to your jawbone. Once it is securely integrated, the restoration will be affixed to the implanted post.

Mini Dental Implants

At your consultation, we can help you determine whether denture stabilization with mini dental implants is the right solution for your missing teeth. This is a cost-effective way to keep dentures from shifting or falling out. Mini dental implants are less invasive to place than traditional implants. Therefore they are great for patients with less jawbone density.

Caring For Dental Implants

Caring for your implants is like caring for your natural teeth. Excellent oral health habits are necessary. You want to keep any natural neighboring teeth healthy, your gums strong, and your jawbone from deteriorating. Brush twice daily for two minutes each time, floss every day and visit us for routine checkups. Good oral health is also supported by a balanced diet. Drink plenty of water and avoid tobacco products.

Implants in Travelers Rest, SC

We have a number of flexible payment options. Don’t let budget worries keep you from improving your smile. So, contact Paris Mountain Dental today to schedule your consultation!

We would be thrilled to find the perfect tooth replacement treatment for your unique dental needs.

Tips To Protect Your Teeth & Smile As You Age

Posted July 26, 2019 by Paris Mountain Dental

Cartoon image reflected in a mirror of an elderly man and woman brushing their teeth

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

It’s a fact of life that as you get older, you have to take care of your body a little differently than you used to. Your teeth are no exception to that rule! As the years go on, you can become more at risk of certain oral conditions so it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your smile in its best condition. Here are some tips to help you protect your teeth as get older!

Avoid Dry Mouth

For many people, getting older means taking more medication. Some medications have dry mouth as a side effect. When your mouth is dry, it can cause chronic bad breath as well as an increased risk of tooth decay since there isn’t enough saliva to clean your teeth. To alleviate dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow.

Minimize Wear & Tear

With daily chewing and biting it’s unavoidable that your teeth will undergo some wear and tear over the years. To make sure your teeth last as long as possible, try not to chew on hard things like ice or your pen. If you notice that you’re grinding your teeth at night, get a night-guard made so you can prevent further damage.

Try an Electric Toothbrush

Using a manual toothbrush can become more difficult if you develop a condition like arthritis. To ensure that your teeth are still getting properly cleaned, consider switching to an electric toothbrush. You’ll be able to more easily grip the brush without sacrificing the quality of brushing. Plus, if you have one that signals when you should move to the next section of your mouth or when your recommended two minutes of brushing time are up, it’ll be easy to remember exactly how long you’ve been brushing.

Want more tips for keeping your smile healthy? Contact the Paris Mountain Dental team! We also provide restorative dentistry in case you need some extra help getting your teeth back to a healthy condition.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Posted May 20, 2019 by Paris Mountain Dental

If your smile leaves something to be desired, it’s time to fix that. Veneers can be a great option if you’re looking to improve the look and feel of your smile.

Veneers 101

Veneers are tooth-shaped shells custom made out of porcelain to fit over the teeth. They are used to fix up the smile, solving a variety of common issues including yellow or crooked teeth. When installing veneers, your dentist will remove some enamel, making room and creating a rough surface for the veneers to adhere to. Veneers are attached to the existing teeth using a dental resin. The result will be an incredibly natural smile—a durable set of teeth that won’t stain.

Are They Forever?

Veneers are built to last. Porcelain is strong and durable, much like enamel. But again, like tooth enamel, porcelain can crack. Barring any sort of accidental break, veneers will typically last somewhere in the range of 10 to 15 years. Once that time frame has come and gone, your veneers will either need repair or replacement, depending on the shape they’re in.

It’s All About Care

With great care, you can ensure that your veneers will last as long as possible. Since the veneers are simply covering the natural teeth, oral care should remain a top priority. That means brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist twice a year, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle habits. In addition to care, if you’re careful you can minimize the risk of wear and damage. Do not bite your nails, never use your teeth to open packaging or rip off a tag, and if you have a teeth clenching or grinding habit, address it before, or soon after, getting veneers.

Top Quality Care At Paris Mountain Dental

Whether you want veneers, already have veneers, or are fine without them, you have the power to control the look and feel of your smile by paying attention to your oral health, and we’re here to help. Feel free to call our office with questions about your care, or to set up an upcoming visit!

To ask our team any questions about veneers or to schedule your visit to our office, contact us today!

Save Your Existing Teeth with Our Root Canal Services

Posted October 12, 2018 by Paris Mountain Dental

Let us take a guess: When you hear the phrase “root canal,” your first thoughts are probably something to do with pain, right? At least, that seems to be the case for many people. The problem is, that doesn’t actually reflect root canal treatment! A common belief is that a root canal is the worst thing you could possibly get done at the dentist when in reality it’s a routine, effective way to save you from tooth pain—and from losing the tooth itself.

Root Canal Treatment vs. the Alternative

When you avoid necessary root canal treatment, you’re only setting yourself up for more pain and hassle in the future. A root canal is necessary when the inside of your tooth known as the pulp becomes infected. If you don’t get that infection cleaned out, it can spread further and further down your tooth and into your jaw. That means your likelihood of experiencing an abscess, swelling, pain, and sensitivity all increase. All of which we don’t think you want to deal with!

If you wait too long to address the infection, then there comes a point where your tooth can’t be saved anymore, which means you need to have it removed. Keeping your natural tooth is always a preferable choice since you won’t have to deal with a gap in your smile or pursue further (and more costly) dental work to get a replacement tooth. Don’t let your tooth deteriorate past the point of repair when you can save your beautiful, natural smile!

Stress-Free Sedation Options

You may be convinced that root canal treatment is right for you but still remain a little worried about how it’ll feel. Let us ease your concern! Modern root canal services involve using local anesthesia and dental sedation options so that patients don’t have to experience discomfort during the treatment.

Paris Mountain Dental, for example, has nitrous oxide available to help nervous and anxious patients feel completely calm during their procedure. We also have topical anesthesia and DentalVibe^®, which significantly minimizes pain during injections.

If you need a root canal, or need help deciding if one is necessary for you, we welcome you at our Travelers Rest dental office. We perform gentle root canal therapy to help you get back on track with your oral health. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Do you need root canal therapy or have questions about how much a dental procedure will cost?

How Much Will a Root Canal Cost Me?

Posted July 30, 2018 by Paris Mountain Dental

If you need root canal therapy, you might be wondering how much it’s going to cost you. Here, we explain when a root canal is necessary, what the procedure is like, and the typical cost.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that repairs and saves a tooth that is badly damaged, decayed, or infected. If you’ve been experiencing tooth sensitivity or extreme pain in an isolated area in your mouth, you may need root canal therapy and should call us immediately so we can determine the next steps to take. This pain could be caused by an infection of the pulp inside your tooth as a result of an injury or an untreated cavity. Without treatment, your tooth infection can lead to an abscess, or a pus-filled pocket inside your gums. Root canal therapy cleans out the infection and spares you from having to get the infected tooth extracted.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

1. We’ll numb the area around the tooth so you’ll only feel light pressure during the procedure.

2. Next, we’ll gently drill into the tooth to get to the infected pulp.

3. Then we’ll remove the infected tooth pulp, clean out the canals, and use antibiotics to kill any remaining infection.

4. After removing the pulp, we’ll seal your tooth’s root canals to protect against future infection.

5. Finally, we’ll affix a natural-looking dental crown to restore function and give your tooth extra strength and a normal appearance.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The truth is that the cost for root canal therapy varies depending on the severity of your condition. While we understand that the cost of a root canal can be daunting for some, the treatment is vital for those with damaged or infected tooth pulps in order to preserve your oral health. To help ease the financial burden, we do our best to provide financial options for every budget. Paris Mountain Dental offers an in-house dental savers plan for uninsured patients that can keep root canal costs manageable. Our office is also very insurance-friendly. We file and track claims for you so you get the maximum benefits out of your plan. Get in touch with us to discuss the best payment option for your unique situation! Our team will work with you to keep the cost for root canal therapy affordable.

Do you need root canal therapy or have questions about how much a dental procedure will cost?

What Is a Zirconia Bridge?

Posted November 22, 2017 by Paris Mountain Dental

Our patients come to us for a variety of reasons. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services for the whole family. Dr. Ghimire works hard to provide personalized care to each individual patient, ensuring that the treatment you receive fits your goals and your lifestyle.

For example, many of our patients come to us with missing teeth and want to know what their options are. Our office offers a range of dental implant services that can help restore a natural look, feel, and function to your mouth. One such option, the zirconia bridge, provides a practical, natural-looking alternative to dentures.

What Is a Bridge?

For patients missing several teeth, Dr. Ghimire often recommends a dental bridge as the most effective treatment. A bridge is a structure containing a false tooth (or teeth) flanked by two crowns, all attached to a metal base. The crowns fit over your natural teeth, while the false teeth bridge the gap and replace your missing teeth. There are multiple bridge options available to patients, including metal ceramic bridges and zirconia bridges.

How Is the Zirconia Bridge Different?

Zirconia bridges are made from zirconium oxide, a strong, safe dental ceramic. It has a translucent appearance and matches with your other teeth. The body does not negatively react to or reject the zirconia bridge, so you do not need to worry about the bridge irritating your mouth.

Advantages of Zirconia Bridge

While metal ceramic bridges have a dark metal base that appears as a black line at the edge of your gums, the zirconia bridge does not. This allows it to have a much more natural appearance. Additionally, this type of bridge requires less preparation and minimal tooth reduction to fit into place. The end result is a strong, stable, and inconspicuous bridge that blends in with your natural teeth.

If you are missing teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ghimire to determine the best treatment option. Dr. Ghimire will carefully examine your oral health to come up with the best treatment plan. Afterwards, she may decide that a zirconia bridge is right for you.

Schedule an appointment or consultation today!

Call Today

Can I Whiten My Crowns

Posted September 22, 2017 by Paris Mountain Dental

Crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They can also whiten teeth that are discolored due to that damage or decay. But can you whiten crowns down the road? Here’s a closer look at what crowns are and whether you can whiten them.

What Are Crowns?

A crown is a tooth-shaped cover that fits snugly over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns are also known as caps. They can be made of many different materials including ceramic, porcelain, zirconia, and metal. They are meant to last at least seven years, but they usually last much longer than that.

Why Are Crowns Used?

Crowns are necessary in situations where a tooth is so badly damaged that it cannot be fixed with a filling. They serve to hold together parts of a cracked tooth, hold a bridge in place, and cover misshapen and even discolored teeth.

What’s the Procedure for Placing Crowns?

If you’ve come in for an appointment and we’ve determined crowns are the best course of treatment for you, we’ll first assess the damage or decay of the tooth. If you are getting a crown placed because of decay, we’ll need to remove the affected tooth structure. Depending on how severe the dental issue is, we might have to perform a root canal procedure. If there isn’t much of the tooth is remaining, we may need to build up a foundation to support the crown.

Once the tooth is free of the decaying material and is structurally sound, we’ll file down the tooth slightly so that the crown can fit over it. We’ll then take an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab to make the replacement. This may take a couple of weeks, so we’ll provide you with a temporary crown in the meantime. When your permanent crown is ready, we’ll call you back in to see us. We’ll remove your temporary crown and fit the permanent one over your tooth to make sure it’s the right fit. We can make any adjustments that you need during this appointment. Finally, we’ll bond the crown in place and make sure the look and fit are natural.

Can I Whiten My Crowns?

Now that you know what crowns are made of and how we place them, let’s talk about teeth whitening and your crowns. You cannot whiten crowns because the materials used to make them do not whiten like natural teeth. However, the crown itself can be made into any shade that you’d like when the lab makes it. If you think your crowns need to be brighter, make an appointment with us and we can discuss creating new crowns that are as white as you desire.

At Paris Mountain Dental, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the smile you want. Call us today to make an appointment!

We can give you a beautiful, healthy smile!

Schedule a Consultation