Why Implants?

Why would I have dental implant treatment instead of simply getting a bridge or denture?

It is true that in most cases a bridge or denture will bring back much of the form and function of your missing teeth.  However, natural teeth do much more than help you chew food and provide a nice smile.  They play an important role under the gumline where you can't see them.

Natural teeth need the support of the bone in your jaw to survive.  When you lose a tooth the bone has no more use and it begins to shrink and weaken.  The teeth adjacent to the site of the missing tooth can begin to tilt and drift, affecting the way your teeth meet together.

For some people, the amount of bone lost with missing teeth is not too serious and there is still enough bone to provide a solid foundation for a full or partial denture.  Unfortunately for some patients, shrinking bone can be the trigger for a number of problems.  It can cause dentures to fit more loosely, making it hard to bite, chew and eat right.  Underlying gum becomes sore and painful, and dentures rub.  Speech may be impaired and along with it, self image.

Implants assimilate with bone just like natural teeth.

Dental implants are the closest to natural teeth and are utilized to replace single or multiple missing teeth.  They are permanent false teeth anchored right into your jawbone just like your other teeth. 

Implants require no preparation of adjacent teeth when used instead of placing a bridge and are much more stable than traditional dentures.  You will be able to eat with ease and comfort.  Many patients find implants give them a more positive self-image and confidence.

Dental implant treatment does require a greater investment of time and money, but in the long run, it can be well worth it!

If you are considering the replacement of missing teeth, give us a call today at (250) 338-9085 to discuss your treatment options and whether dental implants are the best choice for you.

Snoring - It Can Kill You!

Sure – snoring is annoying.  But can it actually be deadly?

No – this does not mean being strangled in the middle of the night by a severely annoyed spouse or partner - as tempting as that may be!  The fact is, snoring is often related to sleep apnea, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen during a night of heavy zzzzz’s.

One obvious problem this causes is being tired during the day, contributing to automobile and workplace accidents.  But even worse, sleep apnea, which is experienced by over 30 million North Americans, has been scientifically linked to obesity, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks and diabetes.  So if that low rumbling sound that keeps the entire neighbourhood awake isn’t enough, now there is much more reason for concern.

But wait – it actually gets worse.  A study performed at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine has just shown a significant link between sleep apnea and cancer, showing this condition increases the risk of cancer by almost a factor of five!

“This is really big news,” said Dr. Joseph Golish, a professor of sleep medicine with the Metro Health System in Cleveland.  “It is the first time this has been shown and it looks like a very solid association.”

There is no doubt that snoring can be much more serious than just a nighttime disturbance.  So what can you do if you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea?

Fortunately, there are many ways to have this condition treated.  Solutions range from simple dental appliances, to surgery, to wearing nighttime contraptions that make you look (and sound) like Darth Vader!  Your dentist and physician can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

At Acreview Dental Clinic, we would be glad to review and discuss your snoring issues or any other dental questions you may have.

Just give us a call at 250-338-9085 and we will get you in right away!