Category: Restorative Dentistry

Implants are the rave today in dentistry! If you break a tooth off or loose a tooth you can have an implant. Here are some facts you need to know for an informed decision:

In 2017 the implant studies showed a 15% failure of all dental implants for various reasons. It was 88% a few years before that and 95% 10 years before that.

That failure rate today (2020) is much high at around 25%. This is expected to rise to close to 30% or in next the 5 years.

So the question is why the increase in failures per year? First and foremost is that today there are over 4 million implants now being placed per year. There is going to be more failures just by the shear numbers being placed. That means a million are removed per year.

Before the implant failure studies were all smaller controlled studies with vastly less numbers of implants included thousands rather than millions in the studies. But as time went on there were more and more people added to the groups. Therefore, the old studies were not showing as broad spectrum of people.

The average cost of a implant and crown is $4,800-$9,000. The average start of failure is at seven to eight years post placement. But I have seen cases fail at a month to 25 years.

Currently, treating implantitis , a form of gum disease on implants has varying success. Early recognition is key every three months they should be evaluated and cleaned.

Dental schools in more cases and individuals have gone back to the bridges because it is a more predictable results which lasts longer in certain situations compared to implants. I agree with them from the shear number of implants I see failing on a yearly basis in Rapid City. This is not to say I am against implants, but we need to look at these other options for the long run versus the short haul. The rave can turn into a nightmare, and I’d like to avoid that if at all possible.

Some cases are easy to predict success or failure. Some are not. There are over twenty different reasons that can and do cause failure. There is a wide variety of reasons: the most common reason is poor oral hygiene.

Then of course going down the list there’s: autoimmune problems, rejection do to titanium oxides, foreign body reactions, periodontal disease of implants, autoimmune problems, rejection due to titanium oxides, foreign body reactions, missed three month checkups, screws loose, poor placement or nowhere to place them in good bone, poor bone quality osteoporosis or osteopenia, cement under the implants (rarer today),  poorly made abutment from manufacturers dentist or dental laboratories.

These are just part of the reasons why implants fail.

At Rushmore Dental we would be more then happy to discuss the options of implants and bridges and see which is best fit for you.

We know…just hearing the words “root canal therapy” is enough to make your hair stand on end, right?

It’s a procedure that’s taken on a reputation for being an uncomfortable and painful experience.

But that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.

Pain After Root Canal Therapy – What’s ‘Normal’?

What’s a ‘normal’ amount of pain to be in after having a root canal treatment in Rapid City?

That’s a good question to start with, and the answer (unfortunately) is a little tricky.

Everyone’s pain threshold is slightly different, and one person’s agony is another person’s discomfort. With that being said, it’s often difficult when patients ask us what’s normal and what’s not, since every case and every person is so different.

What you can be sure about though, is that root canal therapy doesn’t have to be agony. In fact, it’s usually surprisingly pain-free.

Techniques and technology are adapting and changing constantly, and with modern-day anesthetic a good dentist can do a lot to minimize pain and discomfort for a patient both during and after the treatment.

In the days after a successful root canal treatment, it’s normal to feel some mild sensitivity or extra tenderness around the treated area and this is usually due to inflammation in the gums following the treatment.

Inflammation is the body’s natural healing response, and it’s perfectly normal to expect some degree of swelling in the gums in the days after.

The good news is, that swelling should decrease reasonably quickly and leave you with an overall far healthier mouth that’s free of infection within a week.

Minimizing Root Canal Therapy Pain

Having root canal therapy is rarely more painful than the infection that caused you to need the therapy in the first place.

A lot of the pain we see patients associating with the treatment process is actually more due to the infection in the pulp of the tooth and soon eases once the root canal therapy is applied.

Here are some helpful tips that will help you minimize the pain as much as possible.

Find a good dentist

When it comes to minimizing pain during dental procedures – particularly complex ones like root canal therapy – choosing the right dentist can make all the difference.

Here at Rushmore Dental, our dentists are highly trained with years of experience and clinical expertise.

We’ve helped hundreds of patients over the years to save thousands of teeth by delivering effective root canal therapy in Rapid City.

Get it treated early

The most difficult thing we witness at our Rapid City dental surgery practice is people who have left themselves in unnecessary suffering for too long. Successful roots canal treatment  is much better with early treatment.

Seeking expert dental advice as early as possible can make a huge difference in the level of pain a patient has to go through.

Don’t make yourself suffer unnecessarily. Make an appointment to see our Rapid City dentist today and treat that toothache before it becomes a problem.

When an infection is left unchecked and untreated, it almost always will only get worse. That means more pain and more unnecessary suffering.

Reach out and say hello today, and we’ll make you an appointment to sit down with one of our expert dentists for a consultation. We’re here to help.

You can also find out more about our root canal therapy treatment options here.

July 30, 2019  Restorative Dentistry

By: Dr. Kelly

dental implants

Dental implants are a great way to restore both the appearance and function of missing teeth. While dentures need to be removed for regular cleaning, can limit the foods you can enjoy, and may slip around without proper adhesives, dental implants are permanent and feel just like natural teeth. At Pier Dental Centre, we get so many questions about dental implants that we’ve put together the following list of frequently asked questions.

How Is Recovery After Dental Implant Surgery?

To place a dental implant, we will need to surgically place a biocompatible titanium post in your jawbone. After a few months when the surgical site heals, we will be able to fit you with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown. During recovery after your surgery, it is important to closely follow our post-operative instructions. Instructions will vary depending on your unique needs, but in general, plan on eating soft foods, getting plenty of rest, drinking ample water, and avoiding straws!

Will I Need a Bone Graft for a Dental Implant?

Before undergoing dental implant surgery, we will determine whether your jawbone has sufficient density and strength for a successful dental implant. Without a tooth to support, portions of the jawbone can deteriorate to the point where it can no longer serve as a stable base for a dental implant. Some patients who have been missing a tooth for a long time will need a bone graft in order to support a dental implant.

Do Dental Implants Look Fake?

Each dental restoration that we place on a dental implant is custom-crafted to match the appearance of your natural teeth. Once the entire dental implant process is complete, the only person outside our smile team that will be able to tell that your dental implant is not a natural tooth is you!

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

While dental implants cannot get cavities, they still need the same daily cleaning that natural teeth require. Poor dental hygiene can cause gum infections and bone loss that will compromise the integrity of your dental implants. With dental implants, you should continue to brush your teeth twice daily, floss each day, and visit our dental office every six months for cleanings and exams. Proper oral care will ensure your gums and jawbone stay healthy and strong, which will allow your dental implants to last a lifetime!

How Expensive Are Dental Implants?

The cost of a dental implant depends on a variety of factors, including the scope of the procedure, your oral health, the strength of your jawbone, your insurance, and more. During your dental implant consultation, our team will provide all the details you need to decide whether dental implants are right for your smile goals.