Dental Implants:  You’ve heard that term being thrown around and other technical terms such as “abutments” and “implant crowns.”  So what are they REALLY to the average man/woman with no dental background?  This article will explain all of it, in pictures and simple explanations.

The first photo is the “before” photo of two teeth missing on the patients upper left area of the mouth.  She requested implants so that she could have individual teeth, just like the ones she used to have.  So, two 9mm length implants were placed in the area in a matter of an hour.  Yes, an hour.  In 2011 dentistry, new local anesthetics are more effective and so patients walk in and walk out after having implants placed.  No more are the days of major “surgery”, having to take off work for a week, and cutting open the gums just to have an implant placed.  In this case, two little holes were made with a “tissue punch” that is exactly 3.5 mm in circumference and the implants were put in.

Exactly 6 weeks later, these two “abutments” were screwed onto the implants.  Abutments are basically metal components that mimic the shape of a tooth that has been prepared/shaped for a cap (crown).  An impression/mold (the “goopy” stuff) was taken of this and sent off to a lab that makes porcelain implant crowns.

A few weeks later, voila!  Two teeth that were lost have been totally replaced!!  These crowns were cemented in place just like you would a normal crown to a real tooth.  Pretty cool, if you ask me.  To think that in a matter of 8-9 weeks, you could completely replace a lost tooth!  Tooth, root and you can still floss between the implants!  And even better, I think you would agree that these LOOK like natural teeth.

If you’re hesitant or afraid to have implants, don’t be.  In the right hands, this is a walk in the park.  Now certainly, if you have health issues or other factors such as not enough bone in the area you need an implant, or say your sinus is too big and therefore not enough bone, things could be a little more involved.  But on the whole, visit with your doctor.  He/she should be able to answer all your questions and spend a little time with you explaining the procedure and show you some before/after photos, etc.  If your gut tells you you’re not in the right office to have this work done, your gut’s probably right!  Go with someone you’re comfortable with.

If you would like to have a free implant consultation with us, we’d love to meet you and show you what your options are!  Call 817-292-5957 or visit our website for more information www.hulendental.com

In our fast-paced society, with the stresses of work, family, health issues, finances and the struggling economy, many people take out their stress on their teeth.  Some signs of nighttime teeth grinding can be: waking up with sore jaws, frequent headaches, generalized pain from one side of your face, tightness in the jaws, sensitivity of the majority of your teeth or your teeth just ache in general.

Some studies have shown that people can put up to 3-4 hundred pounds of pressure on teeth when grinding or clenching!  Imagine the long-term effects this could have on your teeth.  If you look in the mirror at your teeth and you see signs of wear (see photo above), it’s time to ask your dentist what options there are on having a mouth guard made. 

A mouth guard can help protect your teeth from the damaging forces of grinding and clenching.  A mold of your teeth are made at the first visit.  The molds are sent to a dental lab where a form-fit mouth guard is made. Then in approximately 2 weeks, your dental office will fit you for the guard and make necessary adjustments.

Time and time again, our patients will say after their first visit with us: “I’ve never had an exam like that before!  That was Great!”

Why?  All because at the end of their comprehensive exam, we give them a “tour of your mouth” with the intraoral camera.  You see what we see, except better: Try your teeth magnified 10 times on a television screen!  All doubts erased and everything face-value for what it is.

I’ve always said, I wish my mechanic had a camera to show me why he had to make a repair on my car.  Without a picture, I’m completely at his mercy and can only hope that he’s being honest with me.  At Stovall & Cheng, DDS, a picture says a thousand words.  You are literally in “partnership” with us in seeing why we give a particular recommendation. 

Isn’t technology great in 2010?  You deserve to be in an office that utilizes the latest technology to do great dentistry and to give you a comfortable, informed experience.  With a camera just a little larger than a ball point pen, see for yourself!

If you’d like to experience gentle dental care and unmatched patient-focused service, call us today!  817-292-5957 or visit www.hulendental.com

Decayed, damaged, or missing teeth can mar your smile, decreasing your confidence and compromising your overall health. As experienced dentists, Dr. Stovall and Dr. Cheng offer a variety of restorative therapies and natural looking replacement teeth to renew dental vitality.

Composite resin fillings restore a tooth damaged by decay while letting you keep your all-white smile. When decay becomes severe or a tooth is cracked, a porcelain crown restores structural integrity and preserves beauty. We can mill your crown in about an hour with revolutionary CEREC in-office milling.

To replace missing teeth, we offer bridges, dentures, partials, and dental implants. Crooked smiles benefit from Invisalign clear aligners, which straighten teeth discreetly and efficiently, often in less than a year. With full-mouth reconstruction, Dr. Stovall and Dr. Cheng return oral function and appearance to smiles needing comprehensive care.

After reviewing our restorative and replacement teeth options, call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Stovall or Dr. Cheng. Our convenient Fort Worth office serves residents of Crowley, Granbury, Weatherford, and surrounding areas.