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Investigate a variety of dental procedures! Get thorough information for the best dental health care, from regular checkups to specialty treatments.

The Skinny on Dental Implants

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Dental Implants Dentist Waupaca

Dental Implants Dentist Waupaca: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to reliable, long-term solutions for missing teeth, Crystal River Dental in Waupaca is a trusted provider. With advanced services for dental implants in Waupaca, this clinic offers patients a permanent, natural-looking option that can restore confidence and improve oral health. In this post, we’ll take a look at what dental implants are, how they’re placed, and why they might be the ideal choice for you or a loved one.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a type of artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Unlike traditional options like bridges or dentures, dental implants fuse directly with the bone, providing a secure foundation for a replacement tooth, typically a custom-made porcelain crown. The core component of a dental implant is a screw-like structure made from titanium, which integrates with the jawbone over time. This integration process, known as osseointegration, ensures that the implant is as stable as a natural tooth.

Each implant has three parts:

  1. The Implant: The titanium post inserted into the jawbone.
  2. The Abutment: A connector that supports and secures the dental crown.
  3. The Crown: The visible part that resembles a natural tooth.

At Crystal River Dental Waupaca, our experienced team ensures that each implant is customized to match the surrounding teeth in color, shape, and function.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

The dental implant process at Crystal River Dental starts with a comprehensive consultation. Our dental implants dentist Waupaca will review your oral health, take necessary X-rays or 3D images, and evaluate the implant site. This initial appointment is crucial to confirm you have sufficient bone density to support an implant.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Initial Consultation: A thorough examination, often under an hour, during which your dentist will assess the area and discuss treatment options.
  2. Implant Placement: At the next appointment, the titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, typically using local anesthesia. This procedure is generally quick, usually completed in about an hour.
  3. Healing and Integration: Over the next few months, the bone fuses with the titanium implant in a process called osseointegration. During this time, temporary teeth can be provided to maintain functionality and aesthetics.
  4. Abutment and Crown Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, a custom abutment is attached to the implant. Impressions are taken to create a crown that matches your other teeth perfectly, ensuring a seamless look and feel. The final crown placement requires just a brief appointment.

Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options?

Dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement due to several key benefits:

  • Durability and Longevity: Unlike bridges and dentures, which may need replacement after five to ten years, dental implants, with proper care, can last a lifetime. This makes them a cost-effective choice for long-term dental health.

  • Natural Look and Feel: Implants are custom-designed to blend with your natural teeth, ensuring a comfortable, stable fit that looks just like a real tooth. Dentures and bridges, on the other hand, may slip or cause discomfort over time.

  • Improved Functionality: Implants allow you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Unlike other devices, dental implants provide the stability needed to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.

  • Bone Health Benefits: One of the unique advantages of dental implants is that they stimulate bone growth. This prevents the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss, which can lead to a sunken facial appearance over time. By fusing with the bone, implants support a healthier, stronger jaw structure.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Adults of almost all ages can be candidates for dental implants. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or other reasons, Crystal River Dental in Waupaca offers consultations to determine if implants are suitable for you. Generally, anyone with a fully developed jawbone and healthy oral tissues can consider implants. However, children or individuals with significant bone loss may need alternative treatments.

Cosmetic Dentistry – A Beautiful Smile is a Powerful Thing

Unlocking Your Best Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry Waupaca dentist at Crystal River Dental

A beautiful smile isn’t just about appearance—it also impacts how well your mouth functions. Missing or misaligned teeth can make everyday activities like eating and speaking challenging, while also affecting confidence. At Crystal River Dental Waupaca, we understand the powerful connection between function and appearance, and our cosmetic dentistry Waupaca dentist is here to help you achieve both. Whether it’s teeth whitening or implants, cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments that can improve your life in unexpected ways.

Why Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is about more than aesthetics; it’s a blend of art and science that enhances the appearance, function, and health of your teeth and gums. Cosmetic treatments can boost confidence, restore functionality, and improve long-term dental health. While “cosmetic” might sound optional, these treatments often address essential issues that impact physical well-being and mental health.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Available at Crystal River Dental Waupaca

Our cosmetic dentistry Waupaca dentist offers a range of transformative treatments to give you a smile that feels as good as it looks:

  • Teeth Whitening: This popular procedure can brighten your smile and enhance confidence. Whitening removes stains and discoloration, giving you a radiant smile that looks healthy and natural.

  • Alignment Treatments: Straightening crooked teeth isn’t just cosmetic; it can reduce the risk of tartar buildup, bad breath, and jaw pain. Orthodontic treatments, including braces and clear aligners, improve both aesthetics and oral health by properly aligning teeth and jaws.

  • Bonding: Bonding repairs minor chips and gaps with a natural-looking resin material. This option is quick, cost-effective, and perfect for anyone who wants an immediate improvement in their smile.

  • Veneers: Thin but durable covers placed over the front of teeth, veneers enhance the appearance of stained, chipped, or uneven teeth. Veneers are a more permanent solution than bonding and can dramatically improve your smile.

  • Crowns: A crown replaces the top part of a tooth, covering it entirely to protect and restore its function. Crowns look natural and are perfect for teeth that are severely damaged or decayed.

  • Enamel Shaping: This minimally invasive procedure reshapes enamel to create a more uniform and appealing look, while also helping improve function by correcting small irregularities.

  • Dental Bridges: For individuals missing multiple teeth in a row, bridges can restore the appearance and functionality of a complete set of teeth, improving chewing and speaking abilities.

  • Dental Implants: Implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth that restore both function and stability. Our cosmetic dentistry Waupaca dentist can help you regain your smile with implants that feel and function just like natural teeth.

  • Gum Contouring: This procedure reshapes the gum line to create a more balanced smile, while also preparing the gums for other dental treatments when needed.

Who Benefits from Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for people looking to enhance their smile—it can be life-changing for anyone struggling with discomfort, pain, or social anxiety due to dental issues. Here are some situations where cosmetic dentistry might be the perfect solution:

  • Recent Milestones: If you’ve recently stopped smoking, teeth whitening is a great way to celebrate and reverse some of the staining effects of smoking.

  • Graduating Students: For those entering the workforce, a confident smile can make a strong first impression. Treatments like bonding or braces can give students the confidence to smile brightly in job interviews.

  • Chronic Jaw or Mouth Pain: Misalignment or other dental issues can cause discomfort, and cosmetic procedures can often help alleviate pain, improving overall comfort and quality of life.

Our Waupaca cosmetic dentistry dentist can help you find the right treatment to bring comfort, function, and beauty back to your smile.

Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

While many dentists offer cosmetic services, experience and expertise can make a significant difference in the quality of results. At Crystal River Dental Waupaca, our cosmetic dentist has the skill and knowledge to deliver high-quality results that look and feel natural. From the initial consultation to your final appointment, we prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction, creating custom treatment plans that suit individual needs.

A Transformational Smile Journey at Crystal River Dental Waupaca

From minor adjustments to complete smile makeovers, our cosmetic dentistry Waupaca dentist will guide you through each step of your cosmetic journey. With an eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, we use the latest techniques and materials to ensure that every patient leaves with a smile they’re proud to share.

Why Wait? Start Your Smile Transformation Today!

Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile? Reach out to Crystal River Dental Waupaca for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Whether you’re interested in veneers, implants, or simple teeth whitening, our team is here to help. Call us today and experience the life-changing benefits of working with a skilled cosmetic dentistry Waupaca dentist.

With the right cosmetic dentistry solutions, a brighter, more functional smile is within reach.

Breastfeeding & Dental Work

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Breastfeeding and dental guide Waupaca dentist

If you’re a new mom or about to be one, you’re likely already used to putting your needs second to the needs of this beautiful new little person in your life – but maintaining good oral hygiene is still important for keeping you and your baby in tip-top shape. If something happens and you need dental work, it shouldn’t prevent you from breastfeeding regularly, or from seeking the dental treatment you need. Dr. Lisa Piontek is our experienced dentist at Crystal River Dental and can explain how prioritizing your own health needs is safe and important during this stage of a woman’s life.

Dental Procedures Safe for Breastfeeding

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Dental Veneers: What You Need to Know

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Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers Waupaca Dentist

 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are permanently bonded to the front surface of teeth using dental cement to improve the appearance of one’s smile. These veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory using measurements and models provided to them by our dentist.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Veneers?

Many patients can benefit from dental veneers, including those who have chipped, stained, decayed, crooked, gapped, or otherwise blemished teeth. Sometimes, patients who elect other cosmetic or restorative procedures—such as Invisalign or full mouth rehabilitation—also opt for dental veneers to complete their smile transformations.

How Are Dental Veneers Applied?

The complete process for fitting dental veneers usually takes three or four visits to our office. The first appointment involves a consultation with our dentist, where the patient can explain his or her desires for the procedure, and our dentist will go over your medical and dental history, examine your teeth, and offer a full explanation of the procedure, including the benefits and drawbacks. The second appointment is where we take measurements and create models of the patient’s teeth that will be sent along to the dental lab that crafts the veneers. This visit will involve multiple X-rays, teeth impressions, and photographs of the teeth and smile. Temporary Veneers. Depending on several factors, the third appointment is usually to apply temporary veneers. After numbing the teeth, our dentist will remove a thin layer of the front of those teeth that will be receiving the veneers. Any transformation of the gums that needs to occur will likely be done at this visit. Once the temporary veneers are applied, tests will be done to ensure proper fit, bite, and comfort. At this point, additional impressions will likely be taken so that the permanent veneers are perfectly crafted. Normally, the temporary veneers are worn for about two weeks. During the final appointment, the temporary veneers are removed after the teeth have again been numbed. The patient’s natural teeth are then cleaned, dried, and prepared for the bonding of the permanent veneers. Once the permanent veneers are placed, they’ll be fitted, filed, and thoroughly tested for proper appearance and bite before the dentist permanently bonds them onto the natural teeth.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

According to the American Dental Association, porcelain dental veneers can be expected to last at least ten years. They often last much longer: 20 years is not uncommon. This, of course, is dependent on patients’ behavior and care for their teeth. Composite resin veneers have an expected life of about five to seven years, again depending on care.

Why Choose Dental Veneers?

There are many reasons why patients choose dental veneers over crowns, dentures, or other dental services. Once of the biggest benefits of veneers is that they leave more of a patient’s natural tooth structure intact. Unlike crowns that involve significant filing away of the natural tooth to accept the crown or extraction with denture/bridge replacement, dental veneers usually only involve filing away a small layer at the front of the tooth. Veneers have the potential to be more aesthetically pleasing after time than other tooth replacement options, since there is less likelihood of veneers showing a gum margin. Additionally, teeth with veneers are less likely to experience movement or shifting than those repaired or replaced by other means. Finally, some patients choose dental veneers because of the savings in cost over other cosmetic or restorative services.

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The total cost of having dental veneers applied to one’s teeth is dependent on several factors, including how much work needs to be done to prepare the receiving teeth and gum tissue. The veneer material is also a factor, as porcelain is more expensive than compositive resin. Very generally speaking, porcelain dental veneers can range in cost from about $900 to about $2,500 per tooth. Composite resin veneers can range from about $500 to $1,500 per tooth. Our dentist will provide patients with a clear estimate of total cost at the consultation appointment.

Where Can I Find More Information on Dental Veneers?

Here are some helpful resources on dental veneers to help you make the most informed decision possible. You can also call our office at any time to discuss this treatment option with a member of our administrative team.

http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Veneers.pdf

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers?_ga=2.92099802.1312205144.1570459716-1062438290.1565317005

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers#what-are-they

Restoring Your Smile to Health

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Full-Mouth Rehabilitation with Waupaca Dentist

There comes a time for many people when traditional tooth restoration methods are no longer viable. The impairment of the natural teeth has crossed a threshold where fillings are impossible or imprudent. In these cases, many people choose dentures, usually due to their comparatively low cost. For others, a welcome alternative to dentures is full-mouth rehabilitation (sometimes called for full-mouth reconstruction), which in the broadest sense is using multiple advanced restorative techniques to rebuild your natural, healthy smile. Crystal River Dental is proud to offer this service to Waupaca and our Waupaca-area communities.

Who Are Candidates for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?

Our office stands by its commitment to never try to “upsell” or strong-arm patients into treatments. We never want anyone to feel that they’re being railroaded when it comes to any procedure, especially one that involves a significant investment of time and money. That’s part of the reason why we created this blog article: We want our patients to be informed of every option and to have a clear understanding of the treatments we might recommend for them. Transparency and clear communication are central to how we do dentistry, and candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation can rest assured that from your first consultation to the very last appointment, you will know what’s going on with your treatment plan in terms of services provided and the costs they entail. In the end, whether our patients choose dentures or full-mouth rehabilitation (or some other treatment option), we will always provide them with the same personalized care and everything they need to make the best decision for themselves.

That said, there are several reasons why people seek out full-mouth rehabilitation. Here are the most common:

  • Decay of teeth – Many candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation have experienced extensive tooth decay, sometimes through poor dental hygiene habits and diet, but sometimes as a result of things like medications or genetic/hereditary factors.

          

  • Wearing down of teeth – Many of our full-mouth candidates have suffered from an erosion of their tooth enamel because of persistent grinding, acid reflux, or simply years of use.

         

  • Damage or trauma to the teeth – Accidents, sports injuries, or other impacts to the teeth will often bring about the need for an overhaul of the bite and smile.

          

  • Persistent problems with the jaw and/or tooth alignment – Often full-mouth rehabilitation is sought out when there’s a misalignment of the jaw and/or teeth, which can lead to tooth damage, ongoing headaches, and muscle pain.

          

While there are other reasons for seeking out full-mouth rehabilitation, candidates most commonly have one of these four issues.

What’s the Process for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?

No two patients will ever have exactly the same experience with full-mouth rehabilitation. At our office, a central guiding principle is providing personalized care, whatever the service being provided. We want to know you and your thoughts well before we begin on any treatment plan. But every patient who decides to embark on full-mouth rehabilitation can expect similar things from the overall experience.

  • Consultation with the dentist – You’ll start off by being scheduled for an appointment to meet with the providing doctor to discuss your situation, conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and oral health, answer any questions you might have, and begin the steps for a treatment plan going forward. There are situations where you might meet with the dentist only to discuss the full-mouth treatment and then return for the thorough examination at a second appointment.
  • X-rays and impressions of your teeth – To carry out any full-mouth rehabilitation treatment plan, you will need to have current X-rays, along with a 3D scan and/or impressions taken of your bite.
  • Initial photographs – We’ll also take photos of your teeth at this time — not only do we love to be able to show you the wonderful before-and-after imagery at the end of the treatment, the photos will help guide things like alignment of the teeth and coloring of any crowns.
  • Finalized treatment plan – Once our dentist has all the information needed on the condition of your teeth, the health of your gums and bone structure, the alignment of your jaw, and the appearance of your smile from an aesthetic standpoint, a step-by-step treatment plan will be created to guide the rest of the process. As alluded to above, no two treatment plans will ever be the same, and they will factor in your specific needs and desires for the final outcome. Costs and time commitments will be made clear, and any further questions will be answered.
  • Rehabilitative procedures – These procedures will obviously vary from patient to patient, depending on their specific needs. Some patients undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation might only need two or three from the following list, where others will require many or all of the services. All of these procedures will have been discussed with the patient ahead of time and integrated into the unique treatment plan.
    • Teeth cleaning/periodontal care – The first procedure most full-mouth patients will undergo ensures that natural teeth and gums are as healthy as possible before moving forward.
    • Crown lengthening – In order for crowns (or possibly bridges) to be placed on those teeth that need them, healthy tooth structure may have to be exposed.
    • Gum contouring – In addition to crown lengthening, patients’ gums may need to be shaped to present their most symmetrical and healthiest looking smile.
    • Orthodontics – Our dentist may recommend Invisalign® or other orthodontic treatments to help address bite issues and move the patient’s teeth into the optimal position for restoration.
    • Bone grafting – If patients opt for dental implants to replace damaged or missing teeth, bone grafts are sometimes required to provide enough stability and structure for the implant to be anchored properly.
    • Dental implant placement – Using 3D imagery of the patient’s mouth and jaw, our dentist will create a guide and anchor into the bone a titanium implant that will later receive a ceramic crown or potentially anchor a bridge restoration.
    • Crown preparation – In order for any crowns to be placed on a patient’s natural teeth, existing tooth structure will have to be reduced and shaped to receive the crowns.
    • Temporary crown placement – Once the natural teeth needing crowns have been prepared, temporary crowns will be placed to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. These temporary restorations will give the patient time to grow accustomed to their new teeth and will be worn until our lab finishes crafting the permanent ceramic crowns.
    • Placement of permanent crowns or other restorations – Once we have back from the lab the patient’s final crowns (or potentially their bridges, veneers, inlays, or overlays), the dentist will remove any temporaries and permanently cement the final restorations to the existing teeth.
  • Final photographs – Once patients have completed the entire full-mouth treatment plan, we take photos of the final result. We use these for our own documentation and education purposes, and we may also — with patients’ permission — share them publicly on our website. The before-and-after imagery (like the photos included in this blog) are an excellent way to educate and help prospective full-mouth patients make decisions about moving forward with the treatment.

How Long Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Take?

The duration of the entire process of full-mouth rehabilitation will vary a great deal from person to person based on dental needs, desired outcomes, and other factors like age and budget. There are some patients who complete the entire rehabilitation within two months. Other patients may choose to address different needs over the course of a year or more. Some of the procedures in the process require built-in waiting time. For example, if a bone graft is needed, the healing time can be up to four months before an implant can safely be placed. If orthodontic treatment is needed to move the teeth into proper position, the waiting time could be six months to a year. Whatever your particular dental needs, you can rest assured that you will know how long the process will take when you go over your individualized treatment plan with the dentist.

How Much Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Cost?

This question is at the front of most patients’ minds when they schedule their initial consultation. And, as you can guess from what you’ve already read, the answer is dependent upon each individual’s dental needs and desired outcomes. Cost is also determined by what types of treatment are chosen: A patient who chooses dental bridges to replace missing or damaged teeth will pay less than a patient who chooses dental implants for the same replacement. A patient may choose veneers or inlays/overlays over crowns. One thing is certain and consistent: At Crystal River Dental, you will never be surprised by costs. We will talk you through every step of the process in your treatment plan, alerting you to the various prices of different procedures, explaining how much of the treatment may be picked up by insurance, and helping you to make the best decision for your individual circumstances. Because of the variety factors and potential services involved, it’s difficult to give an average cost for full-mouth rehabilitation. On the lowest end, a patient is looking at a cost of about $15,000. For more extensive work, the cost can run in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. That is, without question, a great deal of money to spend on one’s teeth; but for those who have chosen to go through the process, having their natural smile restored to health is well worth the investment.

Where Can I Learn More About Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?

The best resource we can provide is our team, which has a great deal of experience working with patients on their full-mouth treatment plans. For more information on how the process works or questions related to your specific situation, please give our office a call at (715) 258-8200. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you on your way to a fully restored smile! Below are a few more before-and-after photos of full-mouth rehabilitation patients, along with additional web resources on this subject.

                   

Resources

https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/cced/2014/05/full-mouth-rehabilitation-a-staged-approach-to-treating-the-worn-dentition 

https://artofdentistryinstitute.com/blog/benefits-full-mouth-rehabilitation/ 

https://www.bostonprosthodontics.com/full-mouth-reconstruction 

https://cardinaldentalgroup.com/five-signs-you-need-full-mouth-rehabilitation.html 

https://www.gotoapro.org/full-mouth-reconstruction/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2994694/ 

https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/fmr/ 

Dentistry for Kids: What the Tooth Fairy Won’t Tell You

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Tooth Fairy Children’s Dentistry at Waupaca Dentist

Kids are constantly growing and changing, and their mouths are no exception! Throughout childhood, kids lose their baby teeth, gain adult teeth, and they begin to take ownership of their own oral health. From brushing to braces to practicing their smile, oral health is important for every kid at every stage.

We know you love to see your child smile! Crystal River Dental in Waupaca does too. Read our tips to learn how to help keep your kid smiling for life.

Caring for Kids Teeth

Your child’s first teeth, often called “baby teeth” make their momentous arrival and continue to serve many purposes until they fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. Baby teeth hold a place in the jaw and pave the way for the adult teeth to grow in properly.

Kids who develop cavities are more likely to develop them later as adults. Don’t dismiss the importance of oral health for kids, even though there’s so much transition in their mouth in these early days.

Basic oral health for kids includes brushing and flossing twice a day. Be sure your child is brushing long enough (and having some fun) by playing a favorite song that’s roughly two minutes long and brush the whole time.More

Dental Bridges 101

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Dental Bridges at Waupaca Dentist

A hole in your smile is never a good thing. It negatively affects your appearance, your eating, your speaking, and your overall sense of confidence and wellbeing. Let Crystal River Dental in Waupaca bridge the gap between where you are with your smile and where you want to be!

A missing tooth or teeth can also cause jaw pain and bite misalignment. Without a full set of teeth, your other teeth have a tendency to move into the empty space causing an unnatural alignment in your bite and jaw—which can be very uncomfortable and can lead to bigger headaches and TMJ/TMD problems.

Dr. Lisa Piontek shares how each tooth plays an important role in your health and every day life, and how dental bridges can restore your smile and the function of your teeth.

Types of Bridges

Depending on your needs, there are three common kinds of bridges that your dentist may recommend. The difference among these types is how they are installed and secured.

The core of every bridge is your false tooth or teeth that replace what’s missing. Today these are usually made of quality porcelain and can serve daily functions just as well as your natural teeth including eating, speaking and flashing a smile!More

Dental Implants – A Security System for Your Smile

Dental implants at Waupaca

Your mouth is an intelligent system made to work with every piece doing its part. When you’re missing a tooth, the empty spaces are more than unsightly—they can be dangerous. Your other teeth, your gums, and even the bones in your face rely on you having a full smile. Thanks to improved technology, you can replace a single tooth or a whole row of teeth quickly and effectively. Dental implants at Waupaca dentist can improve your overall oral health and are now considered the gold standard in tooth replacement technology.

Dental implants at Waupaca Dentist offer professional placement and restoration of dental implants, so let us tell you more about them and how they can help protect your greatest asset and secure your smile!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Teeth have even more going on under the surface of your gums than above. What you see when you look at your teeth is the hard, white crown. (See – you knew you must be royalty!) Then – like a plant – each tooth has a long root extending down into the jawbone. Nearly 98% of implant treatments are successful, and healthy implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Dental implants are highly successful because they closely imitate your natural tooth in every way. Implant teeth have a top crown and a permanent root fixed into your jawbone—unlike traditional dental restorations that only replace the visible crown.More

Fun Dental Facts…Did You Know?

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Waupaca Dental Fun Facts

Sure, dentistry is serious medicine, and daily dental hygiene is a top priority. But teeth can be pretty fun, too! And fascinating. For starters, have you ever seen the full sets of baby teeth and adult teeth present in a child’s head x-ray? Go ahead, look it up.

Crystal River Dental in Waupaca, Wisconsin, treats our patients professionally and joyfully because teeth are cool. Take Dr. Lisa Piontek’s word for it; there’s much to learn and admire about even the most average set of teeth.More

Teenage Teeth Difficulties: Navigating the Challenges of Adolescent Oral Health

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Teenage teeth Waupaca Dentist

The teenage years are a time of significant change and development, and this applies not only to a person’s physical and emotional growth but also to their oral health. Adolescence brings a unique set of challenges to maintaining a healthy smile. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various teenage tooth difficulties and offer tips on how to navigate them to ensure a lifetime of good oral health.

  1. Orthodontic Issues

Orthodontic concerns are prevalent during the teenage years. Many teenagers require braces to correct misaligned teeth or bite problems. The good news is that orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign have come a long way in terms of aesthetics and comfort. Encourage your teenager to embrace their orthodontic journey as a means to achieve a straight and confident smile.

  1. Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth typically make their appearance during the late teenage years or early twenties. For some teenagers, these third molars can cause discomfort, pain, or even become impacted, requiring surgical removal. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the development of wisdom teeth and address any issues as they arise.

  1. Diet and Nutrition

Teenager are notorious for their love of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can take a toll on their dental health. High sugar intake increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products while limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic items.

  1. Oral Hygiene

The teenage years are a critical time for developing good oral hygiene habits. Adolescents should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to keep their mouths healthy. Peer pressure, busy schedules, and newfound independence can make it challenging to stick to these routines, so consistent reminders are key.

  1. Sports Injuries

Teenagers are often active in sports, but many do not wear mouthguards to protect their teeth during physical activities. Encourage your teen to use a mouthguard to prevent dental injuries, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth.

  1. Tobacco and Alcohol

Teenagers may experiment with tobacco and alcohol, which can have severe consequences for oral health. Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to gum disease and oral cancer, while alcohol can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities.

  1. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during adolescence can affect gum health. Increased hormones can make gums more sensitive and prone to gingivitis. Adolescents should be encouraged to maintain regular dental check-ups and maintain good oral hygiene practices to combat these hormonal fluctuations.

  1. Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can sometimes lead teenagers to make poor choices, including neglecting oral health. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in educating their teens about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices and making wise dental decisions.

Conclusion

The teenage years come with a unique set of oral health challenges, from orthodontic concerns to dietary choices and hormonal fluctuations. To navigate these challenges successfully, teenagers should be educated about the importance of oral hygiene, encouraged to make healthy dietary choices, and provided with the necessary tools and knowledge to maintain a lifetime of good oral health. By addressing teenage tooth difficulties head-on, we can help our adolescents maintain confident smiles and overall well-being.

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