San Ramon Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S.

San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Dublin, CA

Sunday, December 20, 2009

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A smile with missing teeth can cause problems both functional and aesthetic. Missing teeth can lead to an awkward, uneven smile, making social situations uncomfortable. They can also make simple functions like chewing, biting, and speaking difficult to impossible.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are permanently placed into the jaw and covered with a dental crown. Dental implants are precisely placed in the exact area where the tooth is missing creating a seamless, fully functional smile. Unlike dentures, implants are permanent so they will not slip, or fall out at inopportune times, nor do they require expensive, inconvenient adhesives to affix them into place.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are placed into the jaw using a small, precision drill. Once a hole large enough to support the implant is created, the implant is screwed into place. During this process, Dr. Anderson takes special care to ensure no damage is done to surrounding bone and tissue. Once the implant is in place, a healing period is required before it can be fitted with a crown.

Dental Crown Placement and Aftercare

After your initial healing period, Dr. Anderson will fit your implant with a dental crown that has been molded and colored to match your adjacent teeth. Your dental crown will be ready for immediate functional use, and will erase any evidence of the original missing tooth. Once your crown is in place, you will need to tend to it as you do your natural teeth. A proper oral hygiene routine and regular checkups and cleanings will help ensure your new crown will last for a long, long time.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and are bothered by the diminished functionality and cosmetic appearance of missing teeth, or would like to find out more about dental implants, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson to discuss you options, and get on your way to a healthier, happier smile.

posted by Tiffany at 10:08 AM

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry: What’s the Difference?

For many people, a visit to the dentist’s office comes with fear, and anxiety. This fear can cause people to avoid undergoing common cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening and porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, it also keeps some people away from the dentist all together, leading to an increased risk for cavities, decay, and periodontal disease, all of which can be prevented or treated with regular trips to the dentist.

Fortunately, in both instances, Dr. Anderson offers sedation dentistry, a simple, safe way to help ease the anxiety you may feel when visiting a dentist – allowing you to comfortably receive both general and cosmetic dental services.

Sedation Instead of Sleep Dentistry

Oral sedation is the newest, most effective form of sedation dentistry. With oral sedation, you will feel as if you are sleeping, have no awareness of the procedure taking place, but still retain a level of consciousness. By contrast, sleep dentistry uses IV sedation or general anesthesia – both of which come with serious potential side effects, and dissolves any level of consciousness. Sedation dentistry uses sedatives that are less likely to cause adverse reactions, producing a safer, yet equally effective result.

For sedation, Dr. Anderson prescribes a sleeping pill to be taken one hour before your appointment. When you arrive, if you are still feeling nervous, an additional sleeping pill may be taken. Once you are comfortable enough, your procedure will begin and, before you know it, you'll be walking out with a healthy smile. It is important to remember that you should not drive to or from a sedation dentistry appointment.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and the fear and anxiety you associate with dental visits has kept you from routine checkups or cosmetic procedures you have wanted, please contact sedation dentist Dr. Sean Anderson for a free consultation to discuss your sedation options.

posted by Tiffany at 10:05 AM

925.269.2700

Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S
Neuromuscular & Aesthetic Cosmetic Dentistry

1501 Bollinger Canyon Road Suite G
San Ramon, CA 94583

Disclaimer: San Ramon, CA cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson's website only provides information on cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, and family dentistry in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton , Walnut Creek
and the San Ramon area south of San Francisco. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.
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