For edentulous patients (those who have lost all natural teeth), dentures are still the go-to procedure for restoring the appearance of a healthy smile and the function delivered by strong teeth. However, modern dental techniques allow Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto to customize treatment to meet your expectations.
If you are in need of dentures to restore your smile, consider the following treatment options and how you can keep your smile healthy with your new teeth:
Traditional or Fixed Dentures?
Dental implants are touted as a revolutionary way to replace teeth, and they do provide significant benefits, but some patients are simply uninterested or do not wish to complete the surgical component of implant treatment. For many patients, removable traditional dentures serve them well, while others may struggle with their prosthetics. Take the following into consideration when choosing which teeth replacement option will provide best comfort and function:
Missing all Teeth in a Top Arch – Though traditional dentures are held in place with temporary adhesive only, denture patients often have more success with upper dentures. With these top prosthetics, there is a component that covers the palate and helps to keep replacement teeth stable through creating suction. Though some patients find this portion of the denture to restrict taste, it’s an important part of keeping teeth in place and providing for a higher success rate.
Bottom Dentures- Comprehensive tooth loss on the bottom jaw arch tends to be the most problematic. While removable dentures can be used here as well, patients often report more issues with these replacement teeth, as there is less suction to hold them in place. Because of this, and because bottom dentures are an important part of supporting chewing function, they often slip and slide out of place or become loose after consistent wear and use. For those patients, just a few dental implants can create the comfort and stability needed to ensure that their smile is functional and feels more natural.
Taking Care of your New Teeth
It’s important to remove your dentures each night and soak them while you sleep, so that they do not become dry and do not trap bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath. It’s also suggested that you brush your dentures with a soft bristled tooth brush before you soak them to keep them as clean as possible. Be careful not to use toothpaste when cleaning your dentures and not to damage them by using a brush with bristles that are too hard.
If your denture is removable, but held in place with implants, you can follow the same care steps as listed above. If you’ve selected to receive dentures that are permanently affixed and removable only at our dental office, you will need to be diligent about cleaning under your prosthetic with a device like a waterpik.
Undecided about which denture treatment best fits your needs? Contact our Torrance prosthodontist for more information about removable and fixed dentures.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
How Dentists Work with General Care Providers
At Steven K. Okamoto, DDS, Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto want patients to experience the most comprehensive care for their needs, which is why our team partners and cooperates with general care providers and specialists in the creation of your treatment plan, whenever needed. These partnerships are essential in improving systemic and dental health. The following are just some of the ways we work together with other professionals to care for our patients:
Oncologists for Pre-Cancer Dentistry
If you or a person you know is dealing with cancer, our dental office is able to work with your primary care physician and oncologist to assess your medical history and create an all-inclusive treatment plan. Drs. Michelle and Steve Okamoto provide beneficial care in protecting the health of your smile as you complete necessary therapies to combat the progression of your condition and ensure future wellness.
Steven K. Okamoto, DDS is dedicated to working with chemotherapy patients to maintain proper oral health during this time. Visit our dental office either before or during your chemotherapy treatment and we can establish contact with your medical team to maintain your dental health status under after your course of chemotherapy is complete.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Dental Appliances and Sleep Physicians
You may be looking to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. When providing OSA appliances, we consult your general care physician, determining whether such treatment is ideal for you, and collection information about current health standings that may inform how your treatment is completed at our office.
Part of this cooperation includes your participation in a sleep study. While our office provides at-home sleep tests for determining the cause and severity of sleep disordered breathing, findings that can affect your overall health can and should be shared with your primary care physician. In cases of sleep apnea, overall health concerns like maintaining an optimal weight for your height and monitoring your blood pressure are all components that your general practitioner can provide assistance with during sleep apnea treatment through our dental office.
Existing Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions are intricately linked with your dental health, and vice versa. When diagnosing and treating these problems, your general physician and our dentists work together to determine the best course of treatment for you. One such circumstance is the correlation between gum disease and systemic health. Chronic gum disease can lead to serious heart problems, as the plaque present in soft tissue infections can build up in arteries when allowed into the blood stream. Patients exhibiting serious gum disease problems are treated by our office and often advised to have their general health carefully monitored to ensure they are not at-risk for secondary problems.
Cooperative Dental Medicine
If you are looking for comprehensive dental treatment that works in concert with your general care physician, contact Steven K. Okamoto, DDS and Michelle Okamoto, DDS today. Our team is eager to provide full care for residents in and around the Torrance area.
Oncologists for Pre-Cancer Dentistry
If you or a person you know is dealing with cancer, our dental office is able to work with your primary care physician and oncologist to assess your medical history and create an all-inclusive treatment plan. Drs. Michelle and Steve Okamoto provide beneficial care in protecting the health of your smile as you complete necessary therapies to combat the progression of your condition and ensure future wellness.
Steven K. Okamoto, DDS is dedicated to working with chemotherapy patients to maintain proper oral health during this time. Visit our dental office either before or during your chemotherapy treatment and we can establish contact with your medical team to maintain your dental health status under after your course of chemotherapy is complete.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Dental Appliances and Sleep Physicians
You may be looking to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. When providing OSA appliances, we consult your general care physician, determining whether such treatment is ideal for you, and collection information about current health standings that may inform how your treatment is completed at our office.
Part of this cooperation includes your participation in a sleep study. While our office provides at-home sleep tests for determining the cause and severity of sleep disordered breathing, findings that can affect your overall health can and should be shared with your primary care physician. In cases of sleep apnea, overall health concerns like maintaining an optimal weight for your height and monitoring your blood pressure are all components that your general practitioner can provide assistance with during sleep apnea treatment through our dental office.
Existing Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions are intricately linked with your dental health, and vice versa. When diagnosing and treating these problems, your general physician and our dentists work together to determine the best course of treatment for you. One such circumstance is the correlation between gum disease and systemic health. Chronic gum disease can lead to serious heart problems, as the plaque present in soft tissue infections can build up in arteries when allowed into the blood stream. Patients exhibiting serious gum disease problems are treated by our office and often advised to have their general health carefully monitored to ensure they are not at-risk for secondary problems.
Cooperative Dental Medicine
If you are looking for comprehensive dental treatment that works in concert with your general care physician, contact Steven K. Okamoto, DDS and Michelle Okamoto, DDS today. Our team is eager to provide full care for residents in and around the Torrance area.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Oral Cancer Screening
Cancer of any type is frightening, but the more we learn about certain types of cancers and seek routine examinations to catch problems early, the better able we are to ensure health and wellness for our patients into the future. Oral cancer, for example, has been researched extensively; with that comes the knowledge that avoiding certain behaviors can decrease the likelihood of developing cancer. With this in mind, routine and preventive dental care is important in preventing and detecting cancer.
Who is at Risk?
While cancer can affect anyone, there are behaviors that increase risk. In particular, extensive tobacco use is a significant catalyst for oral cancer; an estimated 80% of oral cancer cases affect patients who smoke or chew tobacco. Both smoked tobacco and chewed tobacco affect different areas, with cigarettes causing the most harm for the mouth and throat and chewing tobacco affecting the cheeks, lips and gums.
Alcohol can also increase the risk of cancer. Studies indicate that men who drink more than two servings (pints or glasses) a day or women who drink more than one have a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancer than others. When compounded with smoking or chewing tobacco, the likelihood of developing oral cancer increases dramatically. If you are able to kick or curb tobacco and alcohol habits, your risk is minimized.
Several things beyond your control may also have increase chances of developing oral cancer. Genetics, radiation exposure, certain infections, gender, and age can all increase likelihood. Studies show that men are twice as likely to get it, and the vast majority of those who have it are over 55-years-old. People who spend the majority of their time outdoors also have higher risk for lip cancer.
Dental Hygienists: Catching Signs of Oral Cancer Early
Staying on top of biannual dental office visits is an essential part of diagnosing oral cancer early, with dental hygienists acting as the first lines of defense in spotting early warning signs Typically, oral cancer starts as a cluster of small white or red spots. Other warning signs include bleeding sores that do not heal or odd discoloration in certain areas. Some patients may develop lumps or unnatural toughening in spots throughout their mouth or on lips.
At Okamoto, DDS, our dental hygienists are trained to examine your smile for the presence of oral cancer each year. During this inspection, our dental hygienist will ensure that no lesions are present and will also visually examine tissues that include the floor of the mouth, palate, tongue, and tonsils. Our screenings also extend to the neck and thyroid to determine the presence of issues with the lymph nodes.
If any of these problems are detected, fast action by our dental hygienists allows patients to receive appropriate medical attention as quickly as possible, including biopsies, excision of affected tissue, and even chemotherapy. These life-saving examinations and early treatments make all the difference in ensuring that patients are informed about their oral health and can access the most proactive care for their needs.
Talk to our Hygiene Team about Oral Cancer Screenings
The next time you’re due for a teeth cleaning, please feel free to ask our dental hygiene team about when you’re due for an oral cancer screening or what occurs during a preventive examination. If you have noticed any of the symptoms above on your own smile, contact our office as soon as possible for a screening.
Who is at Risk?
While cancer can affect anyone, there are behaviors that increase risk. In particular, extensive tobacco use is a significant catalyst for oral cancer; an estimated 80% of oral cancer cases affect patients who smoke or chew tobacco. Both smoked tobacco and chewed tobacco affect different areas, with cigarettes causing the most harm for the mouth and throat and chewing tobacco affecting the cheeks, lips and gums.
Alcohol can also increase the risk of cancer. Studies indicate that men who drink more than two servings (pints or glasses) a day or women who drink more than one have a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancer than others. When compounded with smoking or chewing tobacco, the likelihood of developing oral cancer increases dramatically. If you are able to kick or curb tobacco and alcohol habits, your risk is minimized.
Several things beyond your control may also have increase chances of developing oral cancer. Genetics, radiation exposure, certain infections, gender, and age can all increase likelihood. Studies show that men are twice as likely to get it, and the vast majority of those who have it are over 55-years-old. People who spend the majority of their time outdoors also have higher risk for lip cancer.
Dental Hygienists: Catching Signs of Oral Cancer Early
Staying on top of biannual dental office visits is an essential part of diagnosing oral cancer early, with dental hygienists acting as the first lines of defense in spotting early warning signs Typically, oral cancer starts as a cluster of small white or red spots. Other warning signs include bleeding sores that do not heal or odd discoloration in certain areas. Some patients may develop lumps or unnatural toughening in spots throughout their mouth or on lips.
At Okamoto, DDS, our dental hygienists are trained to examine your smile for the presence of oral cancer each year. During this inspection, our dental hygienist will ensure that no lesions are present and will also visually examine tissues that include the floor of the mouth, palate, tongue, and tonsils. Our screenings also extend to the neck and thyroid to determine the presence of issues with the lymph nodes.
If any of these problems are detected, fast action by our dental hygienists allows patients to receive appropriate medical attention as quickly as possible, including biopsies, excision of affected tissue, and even chemotherapy. These life-saving examinations and early treatments make all the difference in ensuring that patients are informed about their oral health and can access the most proactive care for their needs.
Talk to our Hygiene Team about Oral Cancer Screenings
The next time you’re due for a teeth cleaning, please feel free to ask our dental hygiene team about when you’re due for an oral cancer screening or what occurs during a preventive examination. If you have noticed any of the symptoms above on your own smile, contact our office as soon as possible for a screening.
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