Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions

Products And Services

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  Mini Dental Implants

  The issue of tooth loss affects people of all ages. However, losing permanent teeth is a problem that worsens as we get older. Among Floridians aged 60 and older with at least one remaining tooth, almost half report using upper dentures, and nearly 40% use lower dentures. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, we're proud to offer the best options for tooth replacement, namely the efficient, versatile, and affordable solution of mini dental implants. These small but powerful implants are adaptable enough to solve just about any problem caused by missing teeth. Whether you need to replace one tooth or an entire arch, mini implants are the superior choice over traditional options thanks to their unparalleled stability, minimal invasiveness, and natural functionality. What Are Dental Implants? Traditional dental implants and mini dental implants serve the same function. They replace missing tooth roots to provide a sturdy foundation for dental crowns, bridges, or implant dentures. This means both options are more stable than traditional dentures, which rely solely on the gums for support. Although they may serve the same function, mini and traditional implants do so differently. The differences lie in the size and design of the implants. Traditional implants use a larger screw that averages about 5 millimeters in diameter, which connects to a separate piece called an abutment. The actual process of placing a standard implant occurs over a series of visits. Before the implant placement can begin, we need to make sure you have enough space in your jawbone. Because of their large size, patients with weak or narrow jawbones likely need to undergo a bone grafting procedure before the jaw can support a traditional implant. After fully allowing the bone to heal—which can take months—the screws are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Patients again have to wait several months as the implant fuses with the jaw. Once the implant is firmly anchored, the abutment and prosthetic can be connected to the implant. This prolonged procedure adds inconvenience, cost, and a risk of complication. Many patients who need to replace teeth are looking for quick and effective solutions because they have trouble with daily tasks like eating and speaking. That's why we offer innovative mini dental implants. They solve the problems associated with traditional implants and offer additional benefits. Understanding Mini Dental Implants As their name implies, mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They have a streamlined design that features a single-piece titanium rod with a screw on one end and an O-ball connector on the other. The replacement teeth connect to the O-ball with a rubber ring. Mini implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter, which is about the width of a toothpick. This makes them an excellent option for patients with less jawbone density, typically eliminating the need for a bone graft. While mini implants are smaller, that doesn't mean they're weaker. The titanium construction is strong enough to support every type of dental restoration, from a single tooth to a full arch of upper or lower teeth. In the unlikely event of their failure, the minimally invasive procedure used will make replacement much easier.

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  Dental Implants

  We can lose our teeth for a variety of different reasons. Whether it's because of decay, trauma, or simply aging, missing teeth affect us physically, emotionally, and socially. Gaps in your smile make it harder to chew tough foods and speak clearly while also increasing your risk of gum disease. But that's not all—tooth loss can also lead to a loss of self-confidence and a reluctance to smile, which has a detrimental effect on our mental health. If you're struggling with issues stemming from tooth loss, you're not alone. Worldwide, almost 7% of adults ages 20 years and older are toothless, but that number rises to 23% for those 60 and older. The good news is that no matter how many teeth you've lost, from one to 32, dental implants offer a solution to restore your bite's function and smile's appearance. Understanding Dental Implants An important part of the restorative dentistry toolbox is dental implants. They are artificial tooth roots that offer a secure base for various restorations, from crowns and bridges to dentures. Compared to tooth-supported bridges or traditional dentures, implant solutions offer enhanced stability and comfort. Traditional dental implants have two separate pieces that are placed at different times. A screw made of titanium about 5 millimeters wide is placed in the jaw, and a separate connector piece called an abutment is attached once the implant has had time to heal. Proper healing between these stages takes three months or longer. If the patient does not have adequate jawbone density or volume, a bone grafting procedure will likely be needed before traditional implants can be placed, prolonging the process. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, the restoration is attached, and your new teeth can be put to use. Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth The physical challenges that accompany tooth loss, such as difficulty eating and speaking, are immediate problems. However, missing teeth can also cause long-term issues with oral health and physical appearance. Replacing lost teeth provides immediate relief from these problems and establishes a sustainable foundation for healthy living. Improve biting and chewing power: Missing teeth can cause you to shy away from certain foods, limiting your diet. A full set of healthy teeth allows you to eat a more varied and nutritious selection of food. It also means you never have to pass on your favorite dishes. Restore speaking clarity: Gaps in your teeth can lead to frustrating and unwanted lisps and articulation issues. Those issues are a thing of the past once your missing teeth are replaced. Maintain jawbone health: Tooth roots don't just hold your teeth in place; they stimulate the jawbone to encourage bone and tissue strength. When those roots are missing, it can negatively affect your jawbone density and eventually lead to facial sagging. Prevent shifting teeth and misalignment: When there are spaces in your smile, your remaining teeth will shift to fill that empty space. If left unaddressed, this can lead to an uneven smile and bite misalignment.

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  All-on-6 Dental Implants

  All-on-6 dental implants, also known as Fix-on-Six®, represent an innovative and transformative approach to restorative dentistry. This alternative to traditional dentures leverages the power of mini dental implant technology to replace missing teeth. The All-on-6 procedure provides a stable foundation for a dental prosthesis with approximately six mini dental implants strategically placed in the jawbone. This advanced dental solution offers patients a more efficient and minimally invasive alternative to traditional dental implant techniques. An All-on-4 Alternative All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants are used in place of traditional dentures, providing sturdy and long-lasting solutions for individuals experiencing significant tooth loss. These full-arch dental implant systems offer more stability and durability than traditional dentures. For the 36 million Americans who are completely edentulous (or have no remaining teeth), reliable tooth replacement can profoundly improve overall well-being. The All-on-4 system was designed to restore function to those needing full-arch teeth replacement. In this technique, four conventional dental implants are strategically placed in the jawbone to support a complete set of upper or lower teeth. Despite its widespread use, the system has some drawbacks because it uses large traditional implants. Because of their size, traditional implants must fully integrate with the jawbone before a final dental restoration is attached. This osseointegration is characterized by the fusion of the implant's surface and the bone tissue. Without osseointegration, the implants will not be stable enough to support a restoration (in this case, a denture) and will fail. Unfortunately, this process takes three to six months. This means that individuals who pursue the All-on-4 option must use a temporary denture for months before the permanent denture can be attached. The All-on-6 approach, which uses mini dental implants, is a superior alternative that drastically reduces the treatment timeline. This method utilizes six to ten mini dental implants, offering enhanced stability and functionality for full-arch tooth replacement. All-on-6 Dental Implants Features The focal point of the All-on-6 dental implants system is the mini dental implants. These implants are about half the size of traditional dental implants, measuring less than 3 mm in diameter (or about the size of a toothpick). They are considered immediate-loading implants, meaning Dr. Cabrera can attach a restoration as soon as the implants are placed. Thanks to their small size and innovative design, mini implants do not need to fully integrate with the jawbone before the dentures are secured. Instead, they are immediately stable. Our All-on-6 system supports a full roundhouse bridge—an alternative to a traditional denture. Crafted from zirconia, these full-arch bridges offer a much more natural look while ensuring long-lasting performance. In fact, zirconia is the strongest ceramic material used in dentistry today. Unlike traditional acrylic dentures, zirconia bridges can easily withstand daily chewing forces. The full roundhouse design provides comprehensive coverage, replacing an entire arch of teeth seamlessly. Zirconia's biocompatibility and resistance to wear make these bridges a dependable choice, delivering both functional and aesthetic benefits for those seeking a strong and aesthetically pleasing dental restoration.

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  Implant Dentures

  Florida adults aged 60 or older are missing more than half of their natural teeth on average, and almost 20% are missing all of them. For years, the tried-and-true solution was traditional dentures. But old-fashioned dentures come with their own set of issues. They can look and feel artificial, their fit needs to be constantly adjusted, and their ease of removability also means they're constantly at risk of slipping or falling out at the most inconvenient times. Implant dentures provide a solution that offers better stability, durability, and a more natural look and feel than traditional options. Understanding Implant Dentures Implant dentures are a solution for tooth loss that affects the entire upper or lower jaw, or both. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, Dr. Cabrera uses mini dental implants to anchor denture prosthetics. Enhanced denture stability impacts many areas of your life. With implant-retained dentures, you can confidently chew and speak without needing messy adhesives while also enjoying the peace of mind that your artificial teeth are securely in place. There are plenty of benefits from an oral health perspective as well. Implant dentures eliminate the worry of gum irritation caused by ill-fitting dentures, and the implants themselves replace your missing tooth roots, helping to stop bone and tissue loss in the jaw. Essentially, implant dentures provide a more seamless and secure fit, better functionality, and the confidence that your teeth will stay exactly where they're supposed to be. In some cases, Dr. Cabrera can convert your existing dentures into implant dentures, providing all these added benefits while saving on costs. All of this is possible using mini dental implant technology. What Are Mini Dental Implants? Mini dental implants are a slim and streamlined version of traditional dental implants. They consist of a single-piece titanium rod with a screw on one end and a ball connector on the other. These rods are screwed directly into the jawbone, creating a stable base for attaching implant dentures. Over time, mini implants fuse with the jaw and stimulate bone growth, performing the function of tooth roots and providing a strong foundation for dentures. Traditional dental implants have a width of 5 millimeters on average. Mini implants live up to their name, measuring less than 3 millimeters wide. Due to their slim size, we can use mini implants in tight spaces. For those with bone loss or narrow jawbones, mini implants provide options for advanced denture solutions that were previously not possible with traditional implants. The thin profile of mini implants also allows for a quicker and less invasive placement procedure; the entire process can often be done in one day. The procedure itself requires only local anesthesia, and any discomfort post-procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Like the procedure itself, recovery is equally swift. Most patients feel comfortable returning to their normal routines in about 24-48 hours.

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  Full-Arch Dental Implants

  According to Colgate, some common problems with wearing traditional dentures are difficulty eating, trouble speaking, slippage, and cleaning issues. If you are exploring options for replacing a full arch of teeth, you are likely troubled by the limitations of dentures. While they are widely used, they are not an ideal tooth replacement approach. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implants, Dr. Cabrera offers full arch dental implants as a superior alternative to traditional dentures. Full arch dental implants use about 6-10 mini dental implants to secure a dental restoration like a snap-on denture or zirconia roundhouse bridge. These implants are secured in the jawbone to firmly anchor the appliance. Unlike single-tooth replacement approaches, full arch implants provide a stable foundation for an entire set of teeth, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution for severe tooth loss. When Are Full Arch Dental Implants Used? Full arch mini dental implants are a comprehensive solution for replacing all the teeth in an upper or lower arch. You may benefit from this solution if: You are missing all your teeth in the upper or lower arch or both You need to have all the teeth in the arch extracted due to gum disease, decay, or another factor You have some teeth remaining, but they are damaged and cannot be saved You have traditional full dentures and want a more stable tooth replacement solution This approach is an alternative to both traditional dentures and implant-retained dentures that rely on conventional dental implants. Why Does Dr. Cabrera Use Mini Dental Implants? Mini dental implants have many advantages over traditional dental implants, making them Dr. Cabrera's preferred choice for her patients seeking high-quality tooth replacement. Benefits include: Less invasive: Traditional implants require multi-step surgical placement due to their size and design. This prolongs the treatment timeline as the treatment area must heal between each step. On the other hand, mini dental implants can be placed in the jawbone in a single minimally invasive procedure, significantly reducing discomfort, recovery time, and treatment duration. Cost-effective: Mini dental implants dramatically reduce costs, often cutting expenses in half. This cost reduction gives patients a more affordable option for replacing missing teeth. Quick result: The mini implant procedure is remarkably efficient. In just minutes, Dr. Cabrera can screw the implants into your jawbone. Owing to Dr. Cabrera's expertise, placing full arch dental implants often takes just one visit. Plus, mini implants are immediately stable, allowing Dr. Cabrera to connect a restoration immediately. Easy maintenance: Mini dental implants are easy to care for and maintain. Their smaller size and less invasive placement result in a quicker healing process, reducing the likelihood of complications. Routine oral hygiene practices are essential for all implants. However, the streamlined design of mini dental implants contributes to simpler maintenance. For traditional multi-piece implants, bacteria can accumulate between the components. Because mini implants are just a single post, there is a lower risk of bacterial issues. This makes mini implants convenient for those seeking efficient tooth replacement with easier ongoing care.

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  Full-Mouth Reconstruction

  If a significant portion of your teeth are missing or damaged beyond repair, it drastically affects your quality of life. This is the reality for almost 20% of Floridians over age 60 who don't have any remaining teeth. Whether you've lost your teeth through dental trauma, decay, or aging, full-mouth reconstruction can provide a complete solution. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, we offer full-mouth reconstructions that will improve your overall oral health, bite and chewing function, and smile aesthetics. This is a transformative procedure that rebuilds the structure of your mouth by replacing or restoring your teeth. Understanding Full-Mouth Reconstruction Full-mouth reconstruction is sometimes known as full-mouth restoration or full-mouth rehabilitation. It's a comprehensive dental treatment that replaces or repairs all the teeth in both your upper and lower arches. This process is usually recommended to individuals who have suffered extensive dental damage, significant tooth loss, or other severe oral health issues affecting multiple teeth. The procedure often combines treatments such as dental crowns, fillings, dental bridges, gum treatments, root canals, and dental implants to restore and enhance the appearance and function of your teeth. It's a customized approach; the specific combination of treatments will depend on your unique condition and oral health needs. With her comprehensive vision, Dr. Cabrera strategically combines restorative procedures to restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth, recreating the smile you remember. Who Needs Full-Mouth Reconstruction? Restorative dentistry covers a wide range of problems and solutions, so how can you tell if you need a full-mouth reconstruction rather than one of the many single services available? The best action to take is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cabrera, who can provide her expert opinion on the best path forward. A candidate for full-mouth reconstruction will have multiple dental concerns that need to be addressed, including: A significant number of missing teeth Multiple broken, cracked, or chipped teeth Severe tooth decay Advanced gum disease Severely worn down teeth due to grinding (bruxism) or erosion Previous restorations that are loose, worn, or broken

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  Dental Bridges

  Missing teeth are a more widespread problem than you might think. Did you know that around 120 million people in America are missing at least one tooth, and 36 million are missing all their teeth? If those missing teeth, even one, are not replaced, it can lead to oral health complications down the road. Jawbone loss, tooth misalignment, and changing facial structure are all long-term issues that stem from missing teeth, and that's not even mentioning the added short-term difficulty of chewing and speaking. Luckily, dental bridges can provide a solution to many of these issues and are a versatile option to replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire upper or lower arch. What Are Dental Bridges? Dental bridges are appliances that offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits—they make you look and feel better. The easiest way to describe dental bridges is that they "bridge" the gap between two healthy teeth where one or more are missing. Bridges can help restore lost functionality after you lose a tooth. Not replacing a missing tooth can affect: Biting and chewing ability Speech clarity Alignment of remaining teeth Facial aesthetics Jawbone health Self-esteem Types of Dental Bridges The most commonly used type of bridge is a traditional bridge. This process uses two dental crowns as anchors to support an artificial tooth known as a "pontic." The crowns sit atop the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, and the pontic fits into the empty space between. Traditional bridges have worked for a long time, but they're not perfect for every situation, and dental technology has come a long way since their invention. Other types of bridges offer different solutions: Cantilever bridge: This variation uses only one crown instead of two to stabilize the pontic. Think of it like a balcony rather than a bridge, connected to its base only on one side. Maryland bridge: These bridges don't attach with crowns but with tiny metal wings bonded to the back side of the surrounding teeth. They are only used to replace front teeth, as they're not strong enough to handle the chewing force needed by the back teeth. Implant-supported bridges: These are similar to traditional bridges but connect using dental implants rather than crowns. This gives them many different advantages over other bridges. They are the most stable and secure option and have an incredibly high success rate. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, our specialty is using mini dental implants to support dental bridges. Whether you're missing a single tooth or all 32, implant-supported bridges are the way to go.

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  Dental Crowns

  When an area of the body is affected by sickness or injury, our natural healing ability goes to work. The brain sends signals to produce antibodies to fight a virus or begin to regrow damaged cells. Unfortunately, with your teeth, that's not the case. Tooth enamel does not grow back, so for damaged teeth, there is no regeneration. Luckily, dental crowns provide a solution to protect and restore damaged or missing teeth. Dental crowns are the most common restorative procedure in America. Every year, approximately 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are made, and it's easy to see why they're so popular. From restoring our ability to eat and speak to giving us a bright new smile, dental crowns can revitalize your teeth quickly and effectively. Dental Crowns Explained A dental crown is a protective covering that fits over and around a tooth, restoring its appearance and shielding it from harm. It's a custom-made cap that fits snugly and blends in seamlessly with your remaining teeth, matching their shape, size, and appearance. In order to give the crown a perfect fit, some enamel will need to be removed from the affected tooth, but a local anesthetic ensures this will be a painless process. Crowns are made from different materials, including porcelain, metal alloys, or composite material, but are most commonly made of ceramic. The material that is right for you depends on the cost and your preferences, as well as the location of the tooth and the extent of the damage. Who Should Get a Dental Crown? Dentists can use crowns to cover various tooth imperfections like chips or discolorations. They also use them to provide an additional layer of protection following specific dental procedures. Finally, missing teeth can be replaced by affixing a crown to a dental implant or utilizing a dental bridge to fill the gap. Dental crowns can help with: Restoring a cracked or chipped tooth Supporting a weak tooth Protecting a tooth after a root canal Replacing a tooth in combination with a dental implant Covering a stained tooth Holding a dental bridge in place Benefits of Dental Crowns Dental crowns are more than just a cosmetic fix; they offer serious oral health benefits to go along with a restored smile. The biggest benefit is protection and durability. By protecting damaged teeth or those that have undergone other procedures such as root canals, crowns ensure no further harm or damage comes to these vulnerable teeth. They're built to last, so there's no need to worry about frequent adjustments or replacements. Crowns will also improve your tooth's functionality. Damaged or missing teeth can make it difficult to chew, speak, and smile without hesitation. Crowns will allow your teeth to perform how they used to, bringing back the quality of life you're accustomed to. Finally, the aesthetics of crowns are exact. Each crown is custom-made to match the surrounding teeth precisely. This gives you a seamless and uniform smile that conceals any discoloration or damage underneath the crown itself. All of these benefits combine to allow you to get back to the lifestyle you love.

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  Restorative Dentistry

  The purpose of restorative dentistry is to repair the function and health of your teeth and mouth. Just like you'd want to repair a problem with your car before it causes further damage, restorative dentistry fixes dental issues before they can become something worse, requiring a more drastic procedure and costing you more money. Restorative dentistry can describe replacing missing teeth, dealing with dental pain, or re-establishing the functionality to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. No matter the reason for it, restorative dentistry is important for your overall well-being and quality of life. When Is Restorative Dentistry Necessary? If there is an issue with your teeth that goes unaddressed, you could experience soreness, pain, or even tooth loss. If you're not sure whether you need a restorative procedure, it's best to call and schedule a consultation. The old phrase, "Better to be safe than sorry," certainly applies when it comes to your dental health. There are many signs that you might need a restorative treatment, such as: Decay and cavities: Tooth decay and cavities can affect the integrity of your teeth if not taken care of. Dr. Cabrera can fix these issues with treatments like crowns and fillings to prevent further decay and restore functionality. Infection: Just as with other areas of the body, a tooth infection can lead to growing discomfort and further health risks if not addressed. Procedures such as root canals can remove infected pulp, preventing the spread of bacteria and saving the original tooth. Chipped, cracked, or worn down teeth: Teeth that are broken or significantly worn down can not only be painful but can affect your everyday oral functionality. Solutions like dental crowns can restore and strengthen damaged teeth to their original appearance and functionality. Tooth loss: If a tooth requires an extraction or is already missing, restorative dentistry offers various solutions. Dental implants, bridges, and implant dentures are all ways to replace anything from a single tooth to a full upper or lower arch. Procedures of Restorative Dentistry The umbrella of restorative dentistry encompasses many different procedures, from quick and simple fixes to more comprehensive restorations. Whether you simply need to address a small issue or tackle multiple large problems, restorative dentistry has the solution you're looking for. Fillings A cavity occurs when a part of the hard surface of your teeth becomes permanently damaged, opening a hole in the surface. A dental filling will fill this hole, preserving the structural integrity of the tooth and preventing the hole from becoming larger. The composite filling is colored to match your teeth and blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.

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  Smile Makeover

  Do you cover your mouth when you laugh or feel reluctant to show your teeth in photos? Does meeting new people make you self-conscious about your smile? A hesitation to smile can impact our self-esteem and relationships with others. After all, smiles are the gateway to social bonds. A smile conveys friendliness, confidence, and a willingness to connect. If you aren't fully satisfied with your smile, Dr. Cabrera can design a tailored solution. A smile makeover can transform your smile, boosting your confidence and leaving a lasting impression in social and professional interactions. What Is a Smile Makeover? A smile makeover is a set of procedures used together to enhance your smile's appearance. It incorporates cosmetic dentistry techniques to improve the overall aesthetics and function of the teeth and gums. The goal is to create a more attractive and confident smile that aligns with your preferences and facial features. Smile makeovers can address many issues, including tooth loss, discoloration, chips, cracks, and gaps. While full-mouth reconstruction also uses a series of treatments to correct widespread issues throughout the mouth, its purpose is different. Full-mouth reconstruction is a restorative treatment that primarily aims to address functional problems. On the other hand, the fundamental purpose of a smile makeover is to provide cosmetic enhancement. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Cabrera has developed the skills and techniques to transform your smile. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, you can look forward to newfound confidence following your procedure. Personalized Solutions The smile makeover treatment plan is tailored to address your unique smile needs. Dr. Cabrera will personalize the experience using whatever treatments are necessary to restore your beautiful smile or give you the smile you have always wanted. Key considerations in smile design include: Aesthetic harmony: Ensuring the smile complements your facial features and overall appearance. Facial symmetry: Considering the symmetry of the face and adjusting elements of the smile accordingly. Tooth color and shade: Addressing tooth discoloration through teeth whitening or other treatments to achieve a natural and bright smile. Tooth proportions: Maintaining proper tooth size and shape to create a balanced smile. Alignment and spacing: Correcting misalignments and addressing gaps between teeth through orthodontic treatments or veneers. Gum health: Ensuring healthy gums and adjusting their contour to enhance the overall aesthetics of the smile. Missing teeth replacement: Providing solutions for missing teeth, such as mini dental implants, bridges, or dentures, to restore a complete and functional smile. In planning your treatment, Dr. Cabrera will ensure that the smile achieved will be visually pleasing and function effectively.

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  Dentures

  Millions of Americans are missing all of their teeth. In Florida, 19.2% of older adults are struggling with complete edentulism, or total tooth loss. According to the CDC, severe tooth loss is 50% more likely in people with poor overall health or chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and emphysema. If you are missing all of your teeth or need to have your remaining teeth extracted to preserve your health, dentures can help improve your quality of life. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implants, Dr. Luz Cabrera specializes in implant dentures. These options use mini dental implants to stabilize a full arch of prosthetic teeth. These advanced tooth loss solutions repair your bite, complete your smile, and restore your well-being. Traditional Dentures Traditional full dentures are a complete set of teeth on a pink base that mimics the appearance of gums. These removable prosthetics are supported by the lower gum ridge or roof of the mouth (palate) for support. Upper dentures have additional acrylic covering the palate to help them stay in place. Whereas full dentures restore an entire arch of missing teeth, partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth within the mouth. They consist of a base made of acrylic or metal that supports artificial teeth. Partial dentures are customized to fit around the existing natural teeth. While full and partial dentures are custom-fitted to the patient's oral anatomy, they do not maintain their original fit for long. This leads to challenges related to stability and comfort. Some patients pursue traditional dentures as a seemingly economical option, but the frequent adjustments and maintenance needed add unexpected costs and inconvenience. The Drawbacks of Traditional Options Traditional dentures have been used to restore smiles for many years. However, this old technology has significant drawbacks. Slipping or Falling Out One of the most common problems with traditional dentures is their tendency to move in the mouth or even fall out. This slippage, or the sense that the teeth are "floating," can lead to embarrassment and frustration, especially if they pop out while eating, speaking, laughing, or yawning. Lower dentures, in particular, are much less secure than upper dentures. For some people, the movement of loose dentures triggers gagging. While adhesives can help temporarily, they are not a reliable solution. Not only is the shifting inconvenient, but it can also be uncomfortable. The friction can cause irritation and mouth sores. Denture Stomatitis This oral yeast infection commonly affects denture wearers. It is characterized by redness and swelling, irritation and soreness, patches of red or white spots, or cracking in the corners of the mouth. Denture stomatitis is a result of using improperly fitting dentures, wearing them during sleep, or maintaining inadequate oral hygiene. Mild stomatitis can be managed with diligent oral hygiene practices, but more advanced infections may require anti-fungal treatment. Eating Difficulties Wearing traditional dentures reduces your bite force dramatically, which hinders chewing efficiency. As a result, many people tend to eat soft foods that are easier to chew and won't cause pain or damage to the prosthetic. However, these foods might lack nutritional value, leading to negative health outcomes. Additionally, for the 47% of Florida's older adults who wear upper dentures, tasting food can be challenging. Upper dentures have a base plate that covers the taste buds on the roof of the mouth. This impact on taste can have unexpected consequences on overall well-being.

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  Root Canal Treatment

  When people think of root canal treatments, they typically picture the cartoonish portrayal of a painful, torturous procedure we too often see in old movies and on TV. In reality, the technique and technology used today for root canal treatment make it a relatively simple, straightforward process that doesn't resemble its outdated stereotype. The goal of a root canal is to preserve a damaged tooth and stop the spread of infection before it becomes more serious. When candidates for a root canal complain of pain, it's typically due to an infection affecting the pulp containing the nerves. A root canal treatment is designed to relieve this pain rather than cause it. If you are experiencing pain and inflammation that you think might stem from an infected tooth, schedule an appointment with us at Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions. Dr. Cabrera can evaluate the problem and, if needed, skillfully perform a root canal treatment. The Need for Root Canal Treatment When the inner parts of a tooth are exposed to bacteria due to a deep cavity or dental trauma, it can become infected. If this infection isn't treated, it spreads to the layer beneath the enamel and dentin, known as the pulp. The pulp chamber houses blood vessels and nerve endings, and this chamber extends through canals that reach the tooth's root—hence the term "root canal." Once an infection has spread this far, we need to remove the pulp in order to preserve the tooth and restore its function. Root canal treatment, more commonly known as a root canal, eliminates the bacterial infection from the canals inside the pulp. The goal of a root canal is to save the tooth from extraction and prevent the spread of further infection. However, if left untreated for too long, the infected tooth can become so damaged that it cannot be saved. In these cases, we can extract the tooth and replace it with a mini dental implant and artificial crown that covers the implant permanently. Symptoms of Root Canal Infection Several symptoms may indicate you need root canal treatment, including: Constant tooth pain that may spread to the jaw Swollen or inflamed gums Increased sensitivity to heat and cold Discolored teeth, especially a dark grey color Cracked or chipped teeth A pus-filled abscess that looks like a pimple on the gums Tender, swollen, or red gums Loose teeth due to bone softening If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions to schedule an appointment. Dr. Cabrera will evaluate your teeth and surrounding tissues to determine if a root canal is needed. Remember that regular dental visits help us monitor your oral health and prevent issues from developing. Appointments every six months allow us to remove plaque and tartar, assess the condition of your teeth and gums, and address any potential concerns in their early stages.

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  Dental Extractions

  A dental extraction is a solution to several oral health issues that are not solvable by less invasive measures. Whether you're suffering from severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or an impacted tooth, if a dental extraction is recommended, it typically suggests that other options are not feasible. Fortunately, dental extractions are an effective treatment that addresses various issues, from overcrowding and impaction to trauma, infection, and more. If you need a tooth extraction, Dr. Cabrera and the caring, experienced team at Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions are here to help you take the first step. Understanding Dental Extractions What is a dental extraction? It simply means removing or "pulling" a tooth from its socket. When it comes to repairing damaged teeth, procedures like fillings or dental crowns that save the original tooth are the first choice. But for teeth that are badly damaged, infected, or impacted, dental extractions may be the only option. Some signs that may suggest the need for a potential tooth extraction include: Unrelenting tooth pain Pain when chewing Swollen and tender gums Pain or stiffness in the jaw Extraction can immediately relieve pain for a severely decayed or infected tooth. An extraction can also slow or stop the spread of bacteria to surrounding areas, helping to prevent issues in the future. Despite the negative stereotype associated with tooth extraction in popular culture, the procedure is virtually painless, thanks to local anesthetics and Dr. Cabrera's precise approach. You may feel some pressure, but Dr. Cabrera and her team combine their expertise with care and empathy, ensuring your comfort is prioritized from beginning to end. When Do You Need a Tooth Extraction? Dental extraction might be the best solution if you suffer from: Advanced tooth decay A tooth that cannot break through the gums (called an impacted tooth) Dental trauma Overcrowded teeth A fracture in a dental crown that can't be restored Untreated advanced gum disease To prepare the jaw for implant dentures or an implant-supported dental bridge Wisdom teeth that are currently or will soon be causing issues

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