Best Dental Advice (Dentist Perspective) | Part 2

Matt Hannan, DDS
Updated: January 14, 2024

According to a recent study, Only 25.8% of children reported a high oral health knowledge.

Yet, we have many resources to learn about healthy dental habits, revolutionary dental products, and preferred dental treatments.

After years of clinical practice and fielding countless questions, we’ve compiled a list of the Best Dental Advice | Part 2 for individuals seeking to improve their oral health.

1. Visualize the Problem

The experience of going to the dentist may feel similar to taking your car in for service.
We’ve all been there, a mechanic evaluates your car, only to return and tell you something is wrong.

So now you’re forced to decide without having visual evidence of the problem.

It shouldn’t have to be that way for your teeth.

Between dental x-rays and intraoral photos, the dentist can explain most dental issues. It’s easier to move forward with treatment after visualizing problems rather than taking someone’s word.

For example, bone loss can be visualized on x-rays and confirmed with periodontal probings for periodontal disease. Trust but verify!

Related: Best MDA Recommended Products

2. Bone Graft Prevents Bone Loss

Tooth extractions affect millions of people every year. After tooth extractions, there’s a void left in the bone. Soon after, a blood clot forms, stimulating bone regeneration (bone formation).

Unfortunately, the bone level around adjacent teeth may decrease, leading to less bone support.

Common Reasons

• Bone loss
• Tooth decay
• Failing root canal
• Financial concerns
• Broken teeth
• Misaligned teeth

Bone graft prevents this and fills in the space after an extraction.

A bone graft is always necessary if an implant is treatment planned; however, consider having a bone graft placed even if you’re not replacing the tooth.

Benefits of Bone Graft

• Prevents bone loss
• Minimizes teeth shifting
• Prevents dry socket
• Aids in clot formation
• Prevents food impaction

Bone graft is a financial commitment; however, it comes with many benefits that you should seriously consider.

Related: Read more about Dental Extractions

3. Partial Dentures are Cost-Effective

Maintaining teeth should always be desired; however, dental issues become more prevalent as we age.

The more missing teeth, the more enticing partial dentures become. On the other hand, the bar is set low when discussing complete dentures to patients.

Countless patients return frustrated because of how challenging they can be, however with help and support from their dentist, patients will become more comfortable eating and speaking with dentures.

Removable partial dentures are cost-effective for replacing multiple teeth and more secure, hooking around adjacent teeth. A partial denture costs the same whether you’re replacing 2 or 20 teeth.

Conventional full dentures require full-mouth extractions and can be problematic when chewing and speaking. Consider implant-supported dentures instead for a more secure fit.

In practice, we set the bar low when explaining complete dentures to patients; however, countless patients return frustrated because of how challenging they can be. However, with practice, help, and support from their dentist, patients will become more comfortable eating and speaking with dentures.

4. Implants Are the Future

If the dentist can’t save teeth and full-mouth extractions are needed, consider implant-supported dentures rather than a complete denture.

Implant-supported dentures are essential when replacing lower teeth. Complete lower dentures without implants have little to no suction (unlike the upper denture), move around when talking, and are more prone to rock side-to-side.

Implant-supported dentures are a game-changer as the denture snaps onto four evenly spaced implants to prevent rocking and allow the tongue to move when talking without interference.

Although it’s a financial commitment, I’ve seen countless patients ecstatic upon treatment completion.

Unlike the lower complete denture, the full upper denture relies on suction for stability. This suction is adequate for most individuals; however, implant-supported dentures are best if you desire a more secure fit.

5. Nightguards Protect Teeth

Now more than ever, stress and anxiety have become more prevalent in our society.

Stress affects our mood, attitude, and actions. Teeth commonly take on the brunt of our focus and worry, as many people clench or grind their teeth day and night.

If clenching or grinding occurs during the night, damage can occur without any opportunity for intervention. Consider being fitted for a nightguard to protect your teeth and oral health.

Related: Learn more about Oral Appliances

My Experience & Expertise

Patient education and empowerment are beautiful things that every dentist strives to accomplish.

Dentists continually learn about new products and techniques to help their patients achieve exceptional care.

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!

Sources

• Darwish MSA. Oral health knowledge and sources of oral health information among school children in Qatar. J Dent Health Oral Disord Ther. 2015.
• American Dental Association (ADA)