Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions at Doctors In My Area about our services, Appointment Scheduling, and how we connect you with trusted dental professionals. If you need more information, feel free to reach out to our dental appointment schedulers!
How does this work?
We work with Dentists and Physicians on your behalf to improve your overall health. Ask us to schedule your Free Dental Implant Appointment. We connect you with a Dentist who accepts the payment type that works for you. We can also connect you with Dentists who accept Medical PPO insurances as another form of payment.
We do the work, so you can focus on your health.
Can you still help me? I have a dental/medical service not listed.
Yes, absolutely. Submit the form (click here), then select "Other Service Not Listed" and state your service request. We will look within our trusted dentists and physicians to connect you.
What is the difference between Traditional Removable Dentures vs AllOn4 Implants?
The main difference between Traditional Removable Dentures and All-On-4 Implants lies in their design, functionality, comfort, and longevity. Here's a detailed comparison:
1. Attachment to the Jaw
- Traditional Removable Dentures: These rest on the gums and are not anchored to the jawbone. They rely on suction, adhesives, or clasps to stay in place.
- All-On-4 Implants: These are permanently fixed to the jaw using four strategically placed dental implants. They do not rest on the gums but are securely anchored to the jawbone.
2. Stability and Comfort
- Traditional Removable Dentures:
- Can shift or move during speaking or eating, leading to discomfort.
- May require adhesives for better stability.
- Can cause gum irritation due to movement.
- All-On-4 Implants:
- Provide superior stability because they are fixed to the jawbone.
- Feel more like natural teeth, eliminating discomfort associated with movement.
- No need for adhesives.
3. Chewing Efficiency
- Traditional Removable Dentures:
- Limit biting and chewing efficiency due to lack of anchorage.
- Require careful food choices, avoiding hard or sticky foods.
- All-On-4 Implants:
- Function like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat a wider variety of foods.
- Provide significantly better chewing efficiency and strength.
4. Bone Health
- Traditional Removable Dentures:
- Do not stimulate the jawbone, leading to bone loss over time (jawbone resorption).
- Bone loss can cause changes in facial structure and require frequent adjustments to the dentures.
- All-On-4 Implants:
- Stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
- Help maintain facial structure and prevent the "sunken" appearance common with long-term denture use.
5. Longevity and Maintenance
- Traditional Removable Dentures:
- Typically last 5–8 years before needing replacement or significant adjustment.
- Require daily removal and cleaning.
- All-On-4 Implants:
- Designed to be a long-term or lifetime solution with proper care.
- Require regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, similar to natural teeth.
6. Aesthetic Appearance
- Traditional Removable Dentures:
- Can look natural, but over time, poor fit or bone loss may affect appearance.
- All-On-4 Implants:
- Provide a more natural and permanent aesthetic, closely resembling natural teeth.
7. Cost
- Traditional Removable Dentures:
- Typically less expensive upfront but may incur additional costs for adjustments, relines, or replacements over time.
- All-On-4 Implants:
- Higher initial cost due to surgery and implant placement, but considered a cost-effective solution in the long term because of durability and fewer replacements.
8. Procedure and Recovery
- Traditional Removable Dentures:
- Non-invasive and quicker to fabricate.
- No surgery required.
- All-On-4 Implants:
- Require surgical placement of implants.
- Recovery time varies, but many patients leave with a fixed provisional denture on the same day of surgery.
Ideal Candidates:
- Traditional Removable Dentures: Suitable for patients who prefer a non-surgical option or have severe bone loss that can't support implants without additional procedures.
- All-On-4 Implants: Ideal for patients seeking a permanent, stable solution and who have sufficient bone density (or are willing to undergo preparatory procedures, such as bone grafting).
Conclusion:
- Traditional dentures are a more affordable, non-surgical option but come with compromises in stability, bone health, and long-term convenience.
- All-On-4 implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that improves functionality, comfort, and jawbone health, making them a superior choice for many patients despite the higher initial cost.
What organs does the oral health impact?
Organs and Systems Impacted by Oral Health
1. Heart (Cardiovascular System)
- Link: Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of plaques in arteries.
2. Brain (Neurological System)
- Link: Poor oral health may contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation from gum disease is believed to play a role in cognitive decline.
3. Lungs (Respiratory System)
- Link: Inhalation of oral bacteria can lead to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. This is especially significant in older adults or immunocompromised individuals.
4. Kidneys (Renal System)
- Link: Poor oral health can exacerbate chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inflammation and infection from gum disease can worsen kidney function.
5. Diabetes (Endocrine System)
- Link: There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Diabetes can worsen gum health, and gum disease can make blood sugar levels harder to control.
6. Reproductive Organs
- Link: Poor oral health has been linked to complications in pregnancy, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. This connection is thought to be due to systemic inflammation.
7. Immune System
- Link: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive disorders can manifest oral complications, including increased susceptibility to infections.
Key Oral Health Practices for Overall Wellness
- Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Visit a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients for strong teeth and bones.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can exacerbate oral and systemic health issues.
Oral health is not just about having a healthy smile—it plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the entire body.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush? What can I do about it?
Causes of Bleeding Gums
1. Gingivitis (Early Stage of Gum Disease)
- What Happens: Plaque buildup along the gumline irritates the gums, causing inflammation, redness, and bleeding.
- Why It Matters: If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.
2. Improper Brushing or Flossing Technique
- Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush can irritate the gums and cause bleeding.
- Flossing irregularly can also lead to bleeding when you start again, as gums may be sensitive.
3. Plaque and Tartar Buildup
- Accumulated plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and makes them prone to bleeding.
4. Vitamin Deficiencies
- Lack of vitamin C (scurvy) or vitamin K can make gums more prone to bleeding.
5. Medications
- Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) and certain other medications can increase the likelihood of bleeding.
6. Hormonal Changes
- Pregnancy, menstruation, or hormonal therapies can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding.
7. Underlying Medical Conditions
- Conditions like diabetes, leukemia, or immune disorders can contribute to bleeding gums.
What You Can Do
1. Improve Oral Hygiene
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in gentle, circular motions for 2 minutes, twice daily.
- Floss Daily: Properly floss to remove plaque between teeth, even if your gums bleed initially—this often improves over time.
2. Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash
- Rinse with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
- Increase your intake of vitamin C (citrus fruits, leafy greens) and vitamin K (spinach, broccoli, kale) to support gum health.
4. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water to encourage saliva production, which helps keep your mouth clean.
5. Quit Smoking
- Smoking worsens gum health and reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections.
6. Manage Stress
- High stress levels can affect your immune system and worsen gum health. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or exercise.
7. Visit a Dentist
- Schedule a Checkup: Regular dental visits allow for professional cleanings and early detection of gum disease or other issues.
- Deep Cleaning: If you have significant tartar buildup, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline.
8. Address Medical Conditions
- If you suspect a systemic issue (e.g., diabetes, vitamin deficiency), consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
When to See a Dentist
- Bleeding persists despite good oral hygiene.
- Gums are swollen, red, or painful.
- Teeth feel loose or you notice receding gums.
- You have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
By addressing the cause and maintaining proper oral hygiene, you can usually stop gum bleeding and improve your overall oral health.