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Dental Implants: Are You a Good Candidate?

Dental implantology is one of the most remarkable advancements in dentistry in the last couple of years. In fact, it has become the gold standard for tooth replacement—and for very good reasons. This procedure, which involves the surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone, provides a wealth of benefits like improved comfort, confidence and improved overall oral health.

In addition, because dental implants replace the root of the tooth in addition to the tooth itself, they are considered the most long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

The question is, what makes a person an ideal candidate for the procedure?

Almost Anyone is a Good Candidate

To put it simply, any person who has lost one or more teeth or even a part of the jawbone is a good candidate for dental implants. This includes patients who have congenitally missing teeth (those who have missing teeth since birth).

Nearly anyone, young or old, is a good candidate as well, as long as their jaw has finished developing and that they are in good health.

Thorough Examination of Patient’s Current Oral Condition

Perhaps the best way to determine if an individual is an ideal candidate for implants is through a mouth X-ray and possibly a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This will help dentists identify the areas of bone loss, as bone density is the most important criteria for getting a dental implant. Dentists must identify whether the patient has sufficient bone structure in the jaw to accommodate the implant.

During the patient’s initial consultation, the dentists will say whether a bone graft is necessary before undergoing the dental implant procedure.

Apart from the tests, implant dentists also need to do a thorough medical evaluation, as overall health and history also play a big role on how well the implant will fuse to the bone.

Patients with Lower Success Rates

Not all patients, however, have high success rates for a dental implant. Uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, cancer, alcoholism and poorly controlled gum disease are risk factors that can negatively affect the results.

Patients, fortunately, can still have a high success rate if they have only one of these diseases.

When you work with David Madruga, he will thoroughly assess your situation and work with you to know whether dental implants are a good option for your teeth. If not, there is no need to worry—because he also provides bridges to fill in the gaps.

Call today for an initial consultation, and watch your teeth—and life—change for the better.

What Happens When Gaps Stay in The Teeth?

Many dentists advise their patients right after tooth extraction to have something to fill the gap, and for good reason. Gaps in the teeth may cause serious consequences to overall wellbeing in the long run. If left untreated, it may affect a person’s health and appearance.

Long-term impacts of Teeth Gaps

When people have an incomplete set of teeth, they will have a hard time brushing or flossing between the gaps. This increases the likelihood of bacterial growth and infection among the remaining teeth. Poor oral health maintenance due to the gaps may cause dental caries, gum disease and other oral problems as a result.

By getting oral diseases again, patients put themselves at risk of experiencing sensitive, loose teeth, which will eventually lead to tooth loss. The cycle continues if patients cannot conduct proper oral hygiene due to the gaps.

The more teeth patients lose, the more likely they will develop premature aging as well. Facial bones and muscles need stimulation from the teeth to stay in shape. When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone deteriorates along with the external width, height, and volume of the bone. This causes the gum tissues as well as the surrounding bones and muscles to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse.

Prevention and Treatment

Teeth gaps may cause dire consequences if left untreated, which is why dentists highlight the importance of filling them as soon as possible. They highly recommend that patients undergo dental treatments quickly to avoid oral problems and other effects of teeth gaps.

Veneers and bonding help close small gaps and improve the teeth’s overall appearance at the same time. Dental implants, crowns and bridges replace missing teeth, which will help delay bone loss and premature aging.

Filling the Gaps Through Cosmetic Dentistry

Gap-toothed grins are not something people can ignore, not when it means a permanent blight on their appearance, confidence, lifestyle and opportunities in life. It is important for patients to fill the gaps right before these become a real problem.

David Madruga is the person to call when it comes to teeth gaps. He offers a range of dental treatments that will help improve the teeth’s health, appearance and function. He is committed to changing lives by transforming smiles.

Click here for more information on David Madruga.

Dentists Hate Coffee (For Their Patients, At Least)

A cup of coffee in the morning provides people with an energy boost. But, more than that, recent studies suggest that caffeine may have a number of health benefits such as decreasing the risks of liver disease and cancer, protecting against Parkinson’s disease and helping prevent diabetes.

The Leading Cause of Teeth Stain

teeth stain and anxiety In spite of these health benefits, dental practitioners cannot seem to look at this beverage in a positive manner. Nobody can blame dentists for disliking coffee, as it is one of the evident causes of teeth stains. A majority of patients who go to the dentists for whitening mentions that they drink at least a cup daily.

Caffeinated drinks can leave stains behind the teeth, causing them to turn yellow or unsightly brown. But, aside from staining, dentists also cite coffee as an instigator of enamel damage and teeth clenching. Studies relate that large consumptions of coffee degrade the enamel, which helps keep the teeth strong and healthy. Likewise, it induces the inability to sleep well – a main cause of teeth gritting.

Teeth discolouration is more common among heavy coffee drinkers. As it is difficult to persuade patients to stop drinking coffee altogether, dentists recommend avoiding or lessening the amount of creamer and sugar because these only speed up the growth of the bacteria that cause stains.

Instigator of Anxiety Attacks

Another reason every dentist has no love for coffee is the fact that it causes anxiety attacks. Not for them, of course, but for their patients. Some dental treatments take more time, as the practitioners have to wait for patients to settle down. There are also cases wherein people back out from an appointment because they cannot overcome their fear of the dentist, the equipment and the ambiance of the office.

Dental phobias are common for people who have had a traumatic experience in the past. This is very much understandable on the part of the practitioners. But, some patients get anxiety attacks not because of recollecting distressing occurrences, but because they consume too much coffee.

Dental anxiety is one of the principal factors that make treatments more difficult to carry out for many practitioners. To address this problem, David Madruga offers treatment under conscious sedation for nervous patients. This solution substantially lessens the possibility of stimulating fear during procedures, preventing the development of dental phobia. Contact us today for an outline of the available options.

Dental Bonding Aftercare: What to Do and What Not to Do

Dental bonding is an ideal solution for broken, chipped and stained teeth because it costs less, does not usually need to use anaesthesia and only needs a single visit that lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Many patients in London have visited my practice for this treatment alone, so I guess it is time to talk about what you should and should not do after having your teeth bonded.

Does Your Teeth Need Special Aftercare?

dental bonding Bonded teeth do not need special aftercare. The tooth-coloured composite bonds well with the teeth, although they are more fragile than natural teeth. All you have to do is maintain good oral hygiene—brush your teeth three times per day, floss at least once a day, rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash and visit the dentist for check-ups every three to six months. Drinking plenty of water after meals helps remove food particles and minimise the acidity levels in your mouth, as well.

How Can You Take Care of Your Bonded Teeth?

The bonding material used on your teeth can last up to 10 years, but this depends on how you promote a healthy oral hygiene. Do not bite your nails, use your teeth to open packaging or chew on anything hard, like ice, candy, beef jerky and crunchy food and snacks. These can put your teeth under stress, making them prone to fracture.

Cut down on food and beverages that can stain your teeth and wear down the bonding material. These include coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices, soft drinks, berries (blackberry, blueberry and cherries), soy sauce and curry. Stop (or at least cut down on) smoking because this can cause yellow and brown stains on the composite, affecting the appearance of your front teeth.

The dental practice of David Madruga aims to help patients achieve a beautiful-looking smile. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Love For Vino or Whiter Teeth?

There is nothing better than a glass of wine to cap off the day. You open the cabinet and see two options: red or white wine. Rather than settle for the red, you choose white because facing the morning with stained teeth is not an option.

whiter teeth But if you think you are doing your teeth a favour by drinking white, think again. A study from the New York University (NYU) reveals that your whiter option might simply be the lesser of two evils.

Why Not White? Study Reveals Reason

Researchers from NYU compared the staining effect of white and red wine by submerging cow teeth in both for an hour. This mimics the effect of sipping a couple glasses of wine over dinner or before the night ends. After an hour, they soaked the teeth in black tea.

With the help of a spectrophotometer (device used to measure colour intensity), researchers discovered that red wine left the deepest stains. However, a more interesting result revealed that white was no better. Teeth soaked in white wine displayed significant discolouration compared to tea stains.

Acidic Erosion: The Culprit behind the Stain

The study revealed that the acid found in wines, red or white, creates grooves in your teeth, which allows staining chemicals to penetrate the tooth. White wine is extremely acidic—it slowly erodes your tooth enamel, which worsens staining. Whenever you drink white wine, you leave your pearly whites vulnerable to stains caused by food, coffee and tea.

Love Your Wine, Love Your Teeth

Sometimes, it is hard to resist the temptation of wine. If you love your vino and wish to protect your teeth, there are ways to slow down the erosion and discolouration. For example, refrain from rolling wine over your tongue to prevent spreading the acids on teeth. Rinse your mouth with a glass of water to neutralise the mouth.

Also, hold off brushing your teeth. Your toothpaste’s abrasive speeds up the damaging process brought about by the wine’s acidic content. Wait at least 30 minutes or an hour before you brush your teeth after drinking wine.

For a whiter smile despite your love of wine, professional teeth whitening also helps. Dr David Madruga’s cosmetic dental procedures can restore your pearly whites for a winning smile. Book an appointment with us now and keep enjoying your favoured glass of wine.

Overall Health: The Mouth and Body Connection

Decades ago, physicians were unlikely to refer a patient to a dentist or gum specialist, if they are suffering from diabetes or heart disease. However, times changed and research revealed that dental health may indicate the state of the rest of your body.

The Link Between the Mouth and the Rest of Your Body

dental health The mouth-body connection is the idea that inflammatory chemicals or bacteria released by certain cells in the gums may enter the bloodstream and affect other organs or tissues. This is not exactly groundbreaking science; in 1900, William Hunter, a British doctor, proposed that focal infections in the gums and teeth caused a disease in another part the body.

Fast-forward to the 21^st century and more research linking dental health to ailments such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes are gaining traction. Inflammation may be the best explaining the connection between the two; chronic swelling is damaging to the cells and the DNA they hold.

The main cause of the inflammation is the formation of plaque on teeth and gums. The bacteria living in it create an acid that damages and erodes enamel and result in cavities. Other kinds of bacteria develop within plaque which may also trigger inflammation in some of the tissues surrounding your teeth.

The strongest connection of the mouth-body argument is between cardiovascular disease and gum health. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that deep cleaning gums and teeth resulted in healthier and more elastic arteries six months after.

More studies are underway to determine if there really is a direct link between dental health and other illnesses. However, you must not wait to have toothaches, decay or gum disease treated to avoid being the first person to prove the correlation.

David Madruga is Here to Help

Dr David Madruga Gonzales is a qualified and experienced dentist that provides multiple treatments for patients who have specific dental health problems. The dentist has worked in several practices in the UK for almost a decade. Dr Gonzales received an award from the Oxford Society of Oral Implantology with a Postgraduate Certificate in Comprehensive Oral Implantology and Prosthetics in 2008 along with other credentials since then.

Dental Implants or Dentures: Which Should You Choose?

The problem of missing teeth is not only unsightly; it can affect your quality of life. Whether it is due to an injury or a sign of aging, you have different options to choose from when replacing your missing teeth—dentures and dental implants. The ideal choice for your condition depends on many factors. Read the following comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Price Check and Lifespan

dental implants An implant for a single tooth may cost between 2,000£ and 2,500£ because you will need the expertise of a dental surgeon, not only a general dentist. What is beneficial about this is that it can last a lifetime with proper care. Dentures still win in terms of price, though. A complete set costs around 1,700£ for both the upper and lower jaws.

Chew Better, Eat Better

Dentures tend to slip, slide, and in worst-case scenario, jump out of your mouth when you are trying to eat or speak. This makes it difficult for you to do your daily tasks, but this will not happen if you choose to have an implant. Dental implants are titanium screws placed in your jawbone. They replace the root of your tooth, allowing it to support a single or a set of false teeth. As implants are steadier, they feel like natural teeth.

Aesthetic Appeal

Implants look more natural than dentures because they fit according to your existing teeth. In addition, they help prevent bone loss and the changes that may happen to your face due to missing teeth. The surrounding teeth move closer to fill in all the gaps over time, creating spaces that are difficult to clean and putting you at risk of oral diseases.

Here at Dr David Madruga Gonzalez’s dental practice, rest assured that you are working with a dental surgeon who can meet your needs. Contact us today to know more of our services and treatments.

The Real Reasons Dental Implants are Popular in the UK

This is the prevailing trend in the UK. Many people are now visiting dental practices instead of beauty salons and dermatologists. They are choosing dental implants and other cosmetic dental procedures to improve not only their oral health but appearance as well. Recent studies explain the Brits’ latest obsession with dental implants:

Affordable Dental Treatments

dental implants The falling prices of dental treatments are encouraging consumers with modest means to undergo implant installations. Dental Implant Advisory’s The Dental Implant Cost Survey 2012 revealed that the average price of a dental implant in the UK decreased to £1,868. Many dental practices even offer implants for as low as £995.

Researchers attribute this change in costs to competition. The number of dental practices that offer dental implants is increasing. It prompts dental practices to attract patients by lowering their rates. And since patients do not want the hassle and cost of travelling overseas for treatments, they go to these dental practices for implants instead.

Changing perceptions in appearances

People’s changing perceptions in appearances are another reason dental implants are popular nowadays. For them, a complete set of teeth is as important as having a pleasant face. Good oral health is tied to better appearance, self-esteem and even opportunities for love and career.

BUPA’s survey revealed that about 28% of Brits do not smile in ‘selfies’ and pictures to hide their teeth. In addition, 81% of them worry about their teeth’s appearance in photographs. Around 35% expressed embarrassment about the appearance of their teeth as well.

The negative perceptions about their teeth were offset by their desire for better teeth. About 42% of the respondents admitted that teeth were the first thing they would change about themselves. Approximately 53% also said they feel pressured to undergo dental treatments like implants because of the impeccable teeth that celebrities and other public figures have.

Changing Lives with Dental Implants

People get dental implants because it means having a better life. That, and the fact that such treatments are becoming more affordable, means people will have more reasons to try them. This is where Dr David Madruga Gonzalez comes in.

Through advanced implant and aesthetic dentistry, he helps transform people’s lives by improving their oral health and appearance. He is committed toward improving a person’s smile, function, comfort, confidence and overall quality of life.

Click here for more information about his dental treatments.

Nervous Patients

If you are afraid of visiting the dentist, you can rest assured you are not alone. Fear of the dentist is the number one reason patients in the UK give for putting off seeking treatment. This fear can range from a mild anxiety to full-blown dental phobia, and there are many causes of dental fear, from bad past experiences to worry about not being in control. For some people, they can identify specific triggers such as the sound of the drill, while for others the whole idea of visiting a dental practice can be terrifying.

Our team is sympathetic to these fears and anxieties, and will always take your concerns seriously. However, we do not think fear should be a barrier to essential and life-changing dental treatment, which is why we offer special care for nervous patients.

We find that many nervous patients benefit from treatment under conscious sedation. This is not like general anaesthetic as you remain awake and able to cooperate with your dentist, but are in a highly relaxed state and will not experience any pain or discomfort.

Dr Madruga leads a highly-experienced team in the field of conscious sedation. He has helped to set up many conscious sedation clinics across the UK, and accepts referrals from other dentists whose patients would benefit from this treatment.

Conscious sedation can either be delivered intravenously, using a needle, or orally, which is a great option if you are afraid of needles. You will quickly start to feel very relaxed and will be largely unaware of treatment, while still able to follow any instructions your dentist gives you. It is a very safe, well-tested procedure that has enabled many nervous patients to get the treatment they want or need.

If you have treatment under sedation you will need to bring a friend with you to drive you home and to stay with you for a few hours after treatment, as you may feel woozy for a while. Full pre- and after-care instructions will be given to you before treatment begins.

Anxiety Relief and Pain Management: Pillars of Patient Comfort

A dental procedure is something that may scare even the bravest of patients. After all, when a surgery is so near a person’s face and in a sensitive area, it is bound to raise anxiety. There is no area of medical or surgical practice is this truer than in dentistry. In fact, this is what terrifies people to regularly see their dentist.

dental fear This is why at the office of David Madruga, we dedicate a special effort to making patients comfortable. We know that the prospect of injections to the gums and tooth removal is scary. Furthermore, it is not just about calming them; they should also know that whatever anaesthetic the dentist use, they would be fine after the surgery.

Anxiety Alleviation

Do not underestimate how dangerous anxiety is during a dental procedure. You yourself could think that it will be fine, and then you go under the knife. We do not risk the success of the operation; before the surgery, we invite our patients for consultations. Dr Madruga will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and the surrounding structures.

If necessary, he will take photographs and radiographs to be exhaustive. We will ensure that your concern is accurate and give you peace of mind before the surgery to stay calm.

Pain Management

There are patients who are not as anxious as the others are. Yet, when it comes to pain, they are relentless in asking if they will feel anything. The promise of pain is enough to turn them around, putting more importance to pre-surgery procedure.

Unless your dentist is a magician, there should be a process as to how they assure patients. We follow the same steps we preach, you can be sure of that.