Pinsky Folbe & Associates

Dental Implants vs. Fixed Bridges for Dealing with Missing Teeth

If you suffer from missing teeth, then know that you aren’t alone. Around 69% of middle-aged adults have at least one missing tooth due to an accident, gum disease, or tooth decay. Among the many solutions to tooth loss are dental implants and fixed bridges.

Dental Implants

Many people who suffer from missing teeth choose dental implants. Unlike removable dentures that rest on the gum line, dental implants are permanent tooth loss solutions. Dental implants are composed of metal that your cosmetic dentist or surgeon fuses to your jawbone. These implants don’t slip or make noises like dentures, and can be used and cleaned just like natural teeth.

A typical dental implant is made up of three parts: the titanium anchor inserted into the jawbone, the abutment that is visible above the gum line, and the crown, which gives the implant a realistic appearance. Dental implants are an ideal solution for patients whose jaws are fully grown. Even if you suffer from bone loss, dental implants can still benefit you after you have undergone bone restoration treatments. 

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges are another popular tooth loss solution. A dental bridge consists of two crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. These abutments, placed by your dentist, anchor the false tooth between them.

The benefits of fixed bridges include preventing the rest of your teeth from shifting, restoring your smile, and preserving your ability to properly speak and chew. The three main types of fixed bridges commonly used by dentists are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges. A traditional bridge involves two crowns on either side of the missing tooth and is made of porcelain or ceramics. Cantilever bridges are used when there are only teeth on one side of the absent tooth, while a Maryland bonded bridge is supported by metal framework and consists of plastic teeth.

For more information on dental implants and fixed bridges, consult the professional dentists at Pinsky Folbe & Associates. Call us today at (586) 486-3112 to schedule your consultation appointment.

What to Expect During A Dental Visit

Would you like to know more about the topics addressed in our recent posts? Take a look at the following to learn more about what to expect during a dental visit and how to keep your teeth as white and healthy as possible.

Planning your child’s first visit to the dentist? Find out exactly what exams will be performed in this post from WhattoExpect.com.

• For background information on the X-rays commonly taken during a dental appointment, see this overview from the American Dental Association.
• If you’d like advice on how to keep your teeth as white as possible for as long as possible, then check out the eight home remedies for whiter teeth listed on the Discovery Fit & Health website.
• To learn more about the effects of smoking on your oral health and the appearance of your teeth, see this WebMD.com article.
• Learn what to consider when searching for a new dentist with the 1Dental.com blog.

If you have further questions about these or other related topics, then contact Pinsky Folbe & Associates at (586) 486-3112.

What To Expect On Your First Visit To A New Dentist

Have you recently decided to switch dentists? If you’ve been seeing the same dental specialist for a number of years, you may be wondering what you can expect at a new practice. Get an overview of what a first visit with a new dentist usually entails below, and find out what you can do to make the most of your appointment.

What Happens

Your first appointment with a new dentist will typically include an oral examination performed by a general dentist, followed by a full-mouth series of dental X-rays that will show any underlying problems like cavities, bite problems, or potential tooth crowding. At a first appointment your dentist or a dental hygienist may also perform a thorough teeth cleaning. Finally, your dentist will discuss any problems detected and recommend treatment options.

What to Ask

As your appointment progresses, be sure to incorporate the following questions into your talk with your dentist:

• What kind of anesthetics do you use?
• Will emergency services be made available to me?
• Do you offer financing options for major dental procedures?
• What is your professional background?
• What can I do to improve the health of my teeth?

What You Should Bring

To make the signing-in process a bit easier on the dental staff and to ensure you see your dentist as quickly as possible, be sure to bring:

• A list of any medications you are currently taking
• Knowledge of your medical history
• Your dental insurance information, if applicable

You will also need to notify the dentist’s office of any medical conditions or allergies you have that could put you at risk during a dental procedure.

If you have further questions about what to expect from an initial visit with a new dentist, call Pinsky Folbe & Associates at (586) 486-3112. Located in Warren and Auburn Hills Michigan, our practice is available to address all of your dental needs!

About Dental Implants: Picking A Dentist For Dental Implants

Are you in need of dental implants, but are having trouble sifting through the number of dentists offering implant services? 

In this video, you’ll find out how to choose the best dentist in your vicinity for your dental implant procedure. More specifically, you’ll learn what questions to ask, who to talk to, and how to assess the information you’ve collected.

For more helpful tips on selecting a dentist, contact the offices of Pinsky Folbe & Associates. Talk to our staff over the phone at (586) 486-3112, and if you live in the Warren area, then schedule an interview with one of our dentists to discuss their experience performing this and other dental procedures.

Stains... What You Can't Undo With Brushing

Are you wishing your pearly whites were a little whiter? There’s a good chance you can improve the appearance of your smile by simply adjusting your day-to-day habits. Read through the following to learn about the daily activities and proclivities most commonly cited by dentists as damaging to tooth color and integrity, and consider how you can adjust your routine accordingly.

Eating and Drinking Foods that Stain Teeth

In addition to causing several health conditions, drinking and eating certain products to excess can have a cosmetic impact on your teeth. While red wines, teas and coffees, sodas, and sports drinks can both wear away tooth enamel and cause discoloration, foods like berries, various sauces, and candies can also cause stains and tooth decay.

Forgetting to Brush, Floss, and Rinse

When you do find yourself eating the above or other items, it is critical that you remember to brush, floss, and rinse away any debris that has collected on and in-between your teeth. Failing to do so allows residual food and drink to rest on, stain, and erode your dental enamel, all while encouraging the development of general dental decay.

Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Did you know that smoking is as bad for your teeth as it is for your heart and lungs? Not only does tobacco use increase your chances of developing gum disease, but it also causes brown stains to spread across your smile. Once present, these stains can be hard to remove without the help of a general dentist, and they tend to gain further longevity as long as the smoking or chewing habit persists.

Do you have more questions about how your daily activities affect the brightness of your smile? Contact the Warren and Auburn Hills offices of Pinsky Folbe & Associates for more insight and to learn what you can do to ensure that your teeth remain as white as possible. Interested in a professional teeth whitening treatment? Schedule an appointment with one of our dental specialists today at (586) 486-3112!