Are dental implants safe?

Yes, dental implants are completely safe! In fact, implants are a great way of improving your oral health and protecting the beauty of your smile. The dental implant procedure has a success rate of 98 percent and few complications ever arise. Implants are also the only tooth replacement solution that keeps your jawbone strong. When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to weaken and threaten other teeth as well as change your facial appearance. An implant can keep your oral health in pristine condition and your smile glowing.

How do you care for dental implants?

Taking care of your implants is simple — all you have to do is brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Also, make sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings once every six months at Dixon Family Dental. Although implants are resistant to decay, the gum tissues around them can become inflamed or infected without proper oral hygiene. If you take good care of your implants, they can last you a lifetime.

How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of missing teeth with dental implants. We don’t even need to use one dental implant for every single missing tooth. For example, as few as four implants can be used to support a denture and provide a full, permanent arch of upper or lower teeth.

Mouthguards in Southfield, MI

Avoid Damage From Sports Injuries and Bruxism at Dixon Family Dental

Playing sports can leave you vulnerable to serious dental injuries while grinding your teeth at night can wear down your enamel over time. At Dixon Family Dental in Southfield, MI, Dr. Darlene Dixon and our skilled team understand the importance of protecting your smile. That’s why we offer custom mouthguards designed to shield your teeth from the impact of sports-related collisions and the damaging effects of teeth grinding.

Get started with a consultation at Dixon Family Dental by calling our Southfield dentist at (248) 552-0223. We look forward to becoming your partners in smile protection!

What Are Mouthguards?

Mouthguards, also known as sportsguards or nightguards, are protective devices that cover your teeth and gums, providing a cushion against impact during sports activities or preventing grinding and clenching of teeth (bruxism) during sleep. They’re typically made from durable materials like silicone and are custom-fitted to your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Benefits of Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards provide superior protection against bruxism and sports injuries over store-bought generic solutions, including:

Protection: Mouthguards act as a barrier, absorbing and dispersing the force of the impact, reducing the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
Bruxism Prevention: For patients who grind or clench their teeth, wearing a mouthguard at night can help alleviate jaw pain and headaches and protect tooth enamel from wear.
Comfort: Custom mouthguards are molded to fit your unique dental structure, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit that won’t interfere with breathing or speaking.

Candidates for Mouthguards

Anyone participating in contact sports such as football, basketball, soccer, or activities with a risk of falls or collisions can benefit from wearing a mouthguard. Additionally, those experiencing symptoms of bruxism, such as jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or worn-down enamel, should consider a mouthguard to protect their teeth and oral health.

The Custom Mouthguard Process at Dixon Family Dental

At Dixon Family Dental, we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the custom mouthguard process:

Consultation: During your initial visit, Dr. Dixon will assess your dental health, discuss your specific needs and concerns, and determine the best type of mouthguard for you.
Impressions: We’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit mouthguard that contours perfectly to your mouth.
Fitting: Once your mouthguard is ready, we’ll ensure it fits comfortably and provide instructions on how to wear and care for it properly.
Follow-Up: We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to check the fit of your mouthguard and make any necessary adjustments for optimal performance.

Caring For Your Mouthguard

Proper care and maintenance are essential to prolonging the lifespan and effectiveness of your custom mouthguard:

Cleaning: Rinse your mouthguard with cold water before and after each use, and gently brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner to remove debris and bacteria.
Storage: Store your mouthguard in a ventilated container to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot temperatures.
Regular Check-ups: Bring your mouthguard to your dental checkups for inspection and cleaning. Replace your mouthguard as recommended by our Southfield dentist to ensure optimal protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most mouthguards last three to five years depending on how often it’s used. You can extend the lifespan of your mouthguard with proper care. Your dentist will let you know when yours needs replacing.

Yes, children involved in sports should wear mouthguards. They help protect growing teeth and jaws. Many general dentists can create custom mouthguards for kids.

No, custom mouthguards are designed to let you breathe and speak normally. They cover just your top teeth, leaving space for breathing and speaking.

Any sport with a risk of mouth injury needs a mouthguard. These include contact sports like football, roller derby, wrestling, and hockey. Non-contact sports like basketball, skateboarding, and soccer also have some mouth injury risks.