Whether you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, you want a dental solution that will restore your smile as close to your natural teeth as possible. With dental implants, patients can replace missing teeth with permanent implants that look, feel and perform just like natural teeth. No one but you and your dentist will have to know that you received implants, but you'll reap the benefits of a beautiful, natural smile. It's easy to see why implants are becoming the number one option for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. The procedure is a multi-step process that involves placing metal anchors into the bone of the jaw, allowing the anchor and bone to fuse, placing an extension in the anchor, and fixing a prosthetic tooth or crown on the extension.

Benefits of Dental Implants from Nicole Chenet, DDS:

If you, like millions of adults, have lost one or more teeth, then you understand the unpleasant consequences that accompany tooth loss. Missing teeth result in an older appearance, difficulty eating and speaking, and other health problems like tooth decay and bone deterioration.

Not long ago, dentures were the only restorative dental treatment available for replacing natural teeth, but unlike dental implants, offered no stability or permanence. Since implants are securely attached, you gain confidence to eat what you like, the ability to speak clearly and freedom from embarrassment. Other benefits include:

• Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel just like your own teeth
• Improved Comfort: Implants are securely anchored, so there is no slipping as there is with dentures. This eliminates some of the key inconveniences of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain.
• Improved Health: Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape.
• Durability: Implants are strong and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Convenience: Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent, eliminating the inconvenience of removing your dentures. With implants, you can brush and care for your teeth just as you would your natural teeth.

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants may be a viable solution for restoring your natural smile. Patients must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. The patient must also be committed to good oral hygiene, including exceptional brushing, flossing and regular visits to our Pittsburgh office.

Whether your tooth loss is caused by decay, years of wear and tear or serious trauma, dental implants can help you get your smile back. No other restorative procedure replaces the entire missing tooth and preserves bone like dental implants. If you're missing teeth, don't compromise your health and quality of life any longer. Visit Nicole Chenet, DDS and find out if dental implants are a good fit for you.

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You already know that in order to avoid serious dental problems you need to practice good oral hygiene. However, many of us too often neglect these basic habits, and as a result we have to face the negative consequences, including cavities, bad breath, tooth loss and gum disease.

With that being said, it may be time to "brush up" on your oral hygiene. Daily dental care, including brushing and flossing will help combat the buildup of plaque and fight tooth decay, gum disease and other serious health problems.

Dental Health Tips from Nicole Chenet, DDS

Brushing: Get in the habit of brushing your teeth morning and night, spending at least two minutes brushing all areas of your teeth to remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the teeth and combat decay, and brush after consuming sugary foods and drinks when possible. Remember to replace your toothbrush every few months or when it begins to show wear.

Flossing: Only flossing can remove food particles and debris from between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. It's important to floss once a day, gently maneuvering the floss between each of your teeth until you reach the gum line. Doing so can help prevent dangerous plaque and tartar from accumulating which can lead to gum disease.

Diet: Sugary snacks taste great, but they aren't so great for your teeth. Foods high in sugars and starches contribute to the production of plaque acids that attack tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, forming a cavity. If you must eat foods high in sugar or starch, eat them during meals rather than between meals, and avoid any foods that stick to your teeth as these can produce more plaque. To avoid stains, be mindful of tea, coffee, soda and other dark foods and beverages that can discolor your teeth.

Checkups and Cleanings: Visiting Nicole Chenet, DDS regularly at our Pittsburgh office for routine checkups and cleanings is the most important step you can take to maintaining a healthy smile. During these important visits we can detect and treat a number of oral health conditions including tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancers.

Next time you visit Nicole Chenet, DDS, ask us for tips for caring for your teeth and gums. We can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention and care during brushing and flossing. Diligent dental care at home combined with regular visits to our Pittsburgh office are the best ways to keep your teeth looking and feeling their very best.

Also known as teeth reshaping, dental contouring is a quick, easy and conservative solution for improving the appearance of a problematic tooth. Because of the ease in which contouring can be performed by Nicole Chenet DDS, many patients prefer dental contouring to other, more invasive procedures.

The procedure involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel in order to alter its shape, length or surface. Dental instruments and abrasives allow dentists to remove the enamel, and then sculpt and polish the tooth to its desired appearance. Many patients prefer this conservative treatment because their smile is improved without looking drastically different.

Teeth Reshaping is a great option for minor dental imperfections, such as:

• Pitted or grooved tooth enamel
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Overlapping or crowded teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Crooked, pointy teeth

Healthy teeth and gums are necessary for dental contouring. Patients with deep cracks, decay or extensive chipping may not be good candidates.

Advantages of Dental Contouring From Nicole Chenet DDS

• Conservative Approach: Dental contouring is one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments for achieving a more radiant smile. If you're looking for subtle improvements rather than dramatic changes, this procedure may be right for you.
• Improved Health: Repairing minor overlaps and other dental damage where plaque can accumulate reduces your risk of decay and gum disease.
• Ease of Procedure: Reshaping your teeth is generally quick and painless since only surface enamel is removed from the tooth.

Even though the reshaping process involves removing only a few millimeters, dental contouring goes to show that even little changes can make a big difference in the appearance of your smile. Keep in mind that teeth reshaping is best for patients who want only subtle adjustments or repairs. For a more noticeable smile makeover, consider veneers. Visit Nicole Chenet DDS and find out if dental contouring is a good option for you.