How Can Poor Oral Health Affect the Rest of the Body?

September 28, 2020 by Admin

Oral health is extremely important for many reasons. If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body.

Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can keep your body healthy, and can also help avoid serious issues in the future. At Brighter Image Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We also promote overall health and wellness. Our team cares about each patient, and keeping up with your oral health not only can keep your teeth and mouth feeling great, but your body feeling great also.

What Problems Can Occur From Poor Oral Health?

Respiratory Infections

If you have infected or inflamed gums that bacteria can transfer into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or even bronchitis.

Dementia

Inflamed gums can release substances that are harmful to our brain cells. This can lead to memory loss that is a result of bacteria spreading to the nerves.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have poor oral health you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria from the infected gums enters the bloodstream, and can cause the arteries to build up plaque. This can put you at risk for a heart attack.

Prostate Problems

If men suffer from periodontal disease they may have prostatitis. This condition causes irritation and other prostate related problems.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more likely to have infected gums over those that do not have diabetes. This can make diabetes difficult to control due to unregulated blood sugar levels. Gum disease can lead to higher blood sugar levels and this can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.

Infertility

Poor oral health and infertility in women are linked. If a woman suffers from gum disease this can lead to issues with infertility, and may make it difficult for a woman to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.

Cancer

Poor oral health can put patients at risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, or blood cancer. In addition if patients smoke or use tobacco products this can lead to oral or throat cancers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People who have gum disease are more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The bacteria in our mouths can increase inflammation in the body, and this increases the risk for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a health problem that affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease. Patients with gum disease typically have weaker immune systems, and this can make them susceptible to infection. Many patients that have poor oral health also have kidney disease, and this can lead to kidney failure if not treated.

How Can I Prevent These Health Issues?

In order to prevent serious health issues caused by bad oral health habits you must take care of your oral health. Scheduling regular dental exams in our office can help keep your teeth and gums clean, and get in front of any issues before they arise. Dr. Stephen Chapple’s friendly Rancho Cucamonga dental team always put our patients first, and complete a thorough exam of your teeth and mouth to ensure everything is looking and feeling great. If we do have concerns, we will discuss those with you and develop a customized treatment plan to take care of any issues right away.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth daily
Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products
Use mouthwash that contains fluoride
Try and stay away from food and drinks that contain lots of sugar
Eat a well-balanced diet
Exercise and take care of your overall health

If you take care of your oral health, you take care of your body. Good oral hygiene can help prevent problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, as well as prevent more serious health issues in your body.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near You?

At Brighter Image Dental, we provide the highest level of dental care for patients of all ages. We welcome all new patients, and use state of the art technology to ensure our patients have an exceptional experience when visiting our office.

If you are looking for a dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, contact Brighter Image Dental to schedule your next dental exam and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Is it Better to Get A Dental Implant or a Bridge?

August 27, 2020 by Admin

When deciding on a restorative solution it is important to look at all of your options to help you decide on the best option that works for you. A common question patients face is if they should choose a dental bridge or dental implants when they are looking for a tooth replacement solution. Both are restorative solutions for missing teeth, and it is helpful to understand the differences. At Brighter Image Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we provide our patients with a thorough consultation to examine their teeth & mouth and will discuss the differences between all of the restorative options available. Our staff works closely with our patients to help choose the best solution.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored to one or more neighboring teeth also known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by dental implants. The false teeth are in-between and are called pontics.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

During your first appointment at our dental office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA we prepare the neighboring teeth. The preparation for a bridge involves removing part of the enamel to allow room for the crown. The crowns are placed over the neighboring teeth. Impressions of your teeth are taken to make the bridge in the lab, and temporary bridges are used while you wait for your permanent bridge.

Patients return to the office, and we remove the temporary bridge to prepare for the permanent bridge. The new bridge is installed, and we check to make sure the bridge is comfortable, and the perfect fit. Patients may have to return to our office again to ensure the bridge is working well with your bite. Once we know the bridge fits properly we will cement the bridge in place.

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges last around 10-15 years. Bridges do involve using some of your natural teeth, and this can cause your bridge to fail over time. The teeth around the bridge are still vulnerable to decay and disease which can attribute to the life of the bridge. Patients must practice good oral hygiene habits at home to keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. Dr. Stephen A. Chapple, our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, recommends brushing twice a day and flossing to ensure you carefully clean around both the false and natural teeth. Visiting our office regularly can help to keep your teeth clean, and your bridge looking and feeling great.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Surgery is not required
Dental bridges tend to be less costly compared to implants
Jawbone density is not an issue with bridges
Overall the bridge procedure is less invasive compared to dental implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution for patients that have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They are durable, and act similar to a screw that is placed into the jawbone. The screw acts like an artificial tooth root, and provides a strong base for one or more artificial teeth. Implants require a healing period to give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process allows the implant to function just like a natural tooth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants require multiple appointments in our dental clinic in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and the process takes a few months. The first step involves placing the implant into the patient’s jawbone. Once this is done there is a healing period where we must give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration.

Part of our implant evaluation process is to determine if the patient has adequate bone in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to give patients the bone required to provide the necessary support. Once the healing process is complete the patient returns to our office, and an abutment or connector is placed on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured to the implant. Custom crowns are made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be used while patients wait for the permanent crowns to be installed.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are durable and last upwards of 25 years, or a lifetime if they are cared for properly. Implants are built out of titanium, and provide patients with a permanent solution for missing teeth. Caring for dental implants is like caring for natural teeth, and Dr. Chapple recommends practicing good oral hygiene habits at home to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are long lasting, and are a permanent restorative solution
Easy to care for
Implants function like natural teeth
Chewing power is restored with dental implants
Speech and overall appearance are improved
Patients can eat all the foods they normally would with implants
Dental Implants tend to cost more, but are a good investment because they are built to last

Looking for a Dentist to Provide Dental Implants or Dental Bridges Near You?

Choosing the best restorative option is a big decision, and our team is here to help. Our consultation process will answer all of your questions, and we will discuss what option may work best for you. We want our patients to be proud of their smile, and our team works to give patients the highest level of care. At Brighter Image Dental, we welcome our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment using state of the art technology. Creating beautiful smiles is what we do, and we take pride in giving patients a smile they can be proud of.
If you are interested in finding out more about your restorative options such as dental implants or dental bridges, please contact Dr. Stephen A. Chapple today to schedule your consultation.

What is “Burnt” During a Root Canal?

August 27, 2020August 24, 2020 by Admin

Root canals are required when the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth is inflamed or infected. In most cases root canals are from bacteria, or an injury to the tooth. This causes an infection, and in order to save a tooth a root canal must be done. Root canals must be treated promptly to avoid more serious issues or further infection.

Patients may experience symptoms that indicate they need a root canal, but in some cases patients have no symptoms. Issues that lead to root canals are sometimes found during our regular dental exams. At Brighter Image Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we recommend patients attend their regular visits to our office, and contact us immediately if patients experience any symptoms of needing a root canal.

What are Symptoms Indicating You May Need a Root Canal?

Tooth discoloration
Tooth injury
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling around the gums or teeth
Prolonged pain around the tooth
Pain while eating or chewing

How Does the Root Canal Process Work?

The first step is to take an x-ray which helps Dr. Stephen A. Chapple’s team check for infection and allows our team to view the shape of the root canal. Local anesthesia is used to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed. Root canal therapy usually requires multiple appointments, and this depends on the severity of the infection.

A rubber sheet or dental dam is then placed around the tooth to keep bacteria out and to protect the patient. The infected pulp is removed, and the area is cleaned and sealed. The area is cleaned with a special antimicrobial solution, and is handled carefully to ensure the solution does not leak or leave the area. The sealant is a rubber-like material that is heated up and compressed into the root canal. Once this is done the ends of the sealant are melted off using a tool with a heated tip. If a crown is required we provide temporary crowns until your permanent crown is ready.

How is the Recovery After a Root Canal?

Recovery after a root canal procedure is minimal. Patients may experience some pain or sensitivity around the area, but this should subside after a few days. Patients can return to normal activity shortly after their root canal procedure. If patients have prolonged pain or sensitivity that does not go away, we recommend that you contact our dental office in Rancho Cucamonga to be seen immediately.

Root canals are very common, and are safe and effective. The success rate for root canals is 95%, and they can fail occasionally. This is typically due to a fracture in the tooth, loose crown, or further decay. Root canals stop the spread of infection and preserve both your tooth and jawbone.

Looking for Root Canal Treatments Near You?

If you are looking for an root canal treatments near you, Dr. Stephen Chapple’s friendly team is here to help! We provide patients with many dental services to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. With convenient scheduling and high end technology, we provide our patients with exceptional service. Our dental office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA welcomes patients with many amenities, and is comfortable and family-friendly.

Contact Brighter Image Dental today to schedule a consultation, and learn more about how you can benefit from root canal therapy!

When Should a Person Switch Dentists?

July 30, 2020July 27, 2020 by Admin

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the Rancho Cucamonga area.

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At Brighter Image Dental, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients!

What Are Some Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices?

Your dentist has retired or moved
You have decided to move away from the area
Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
Getting to your dentist is difficult, and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a better fit
You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
Your dental insurance has changed
You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available.

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice.

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

Looking for a quality Dentist in Rancho Cucamonga for your next Dental Exam?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, contact Dr. Steven A. Chapple DDS
for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Steven A. Chapple DDS, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

How Often do Dental Implants Need to Be Replaced?

June 7, 2020June 5, 2020 by Admin

If you have been recommended for dental implants, you may wonder if they will ever have to be replaced. Implants are a permanent restorative solution for patients seeking that perfect smile. Dental implants look and feel natural in the mouth, and last upwards of 25 years if they are cared for properly.

At Brighter Image Dental, dental implants are one of the most common restorative options done in our dental office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Many patients are leaning towards this permanent option to give them a durable smile that will last for years. Dental implants can last your entire life, and they are one of the most reliable tooth restoration options available to patients.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel on our teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Implants have a 95% success rate, and we encourage patients to use good oral hygiene habits to keep the implants clean and free of plaque. This helps the implants to last, and prevents infection which can make them unstable in the mouth. Implants moving or needing replacement is rare. If an implant shifts out of place this could indicate the bone tissue is not providing enough support, and you should contact our dental office in Rancho Cucamonga immediately.

Tips to Ensure your Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

Here are some helpful tips that you can start using to get the most out of your dental implants:

Floss daily using an implant specific floss or wax free floss to help keep the area clean and free of plaque. A Waterpik Water Flosser can be used to assist in removing plaque around the implants.
Use a low abrasive tooth brush such as a soft type brush on your implants.
Avoid any products, foods, or drinks containing any ingredients that may stain your teeth.
Anti-microbial rinses can be used to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Avoid products that contain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. These ingredients can make the implants prone to corrosion.

Contact Brighter Image Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Dr. Chapple ‘s friendly team is here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answer questions and help you every step of the way.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants in Rancho Cucamonga, California and how they may benefit you, contact Brighter Image Dental to schedule your consultation with Dr. Chapple!

What is the Difference Between Dental Implants & Veneers

June 7, 2020June 3, 2020 by Admin

Dental Veneers and Dental Implants both can give patients a beautiful white smile. Deciding what restorative or cosmetic option works best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. Our staff at Brighter Image Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA provides cosmetic and restorative consultations to all our patients to take a detailed look at your mouth and determine a customized treatment plan that works for you. We listen to your goals and look at all options to give you the opportunity to choose the best one.

So, what is the difference between the two? Typically, Dental Veneers and Dental Implants are used for different reasons. This all depends on how much damage a patient has to their teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are the leading restorative solution for many patients and one of the most common procedures done today. Implants are permanent and reliable giving patients the feeling that they have natural teeth. Implants are used for patients that have lost a tooth or teeth, have suffered from periodontal disease, or an injury. Dental implants take multiple appointments across a few months to complete.

Implants last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if taken care for properly. They provide many benefits to patients, and are comfortable in the mouth. Implants allow patients to speak, eat, and function just like they would with natural teeth.

As part of our evaluation process, Dr. Steven Chapple will determine if the patient has enough bone present in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to provide the additional support. During the implant procedure metal posts are placed in the jaw, and these act similar to artificial tooth roots. These posts provide the required support needed for the implants. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is secured on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured on top of the implant.

Crowns are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth. Temporary crowns are used while the patient waits for the permanent crown to be placed. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office regularly will help to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

Looking for a Quality Dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA?

Choosing the best option is important, and our team at Brighter Image Dental is here to help give you all of the options available to achieve that bright white smile. We welcome all patients, and strive to always provide quality service our patients can count on.

If you are interested in finding out more about Dental Veneers or are looking to get dental implants in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, please contact Dr. Steven Chapple to schedule your consultation.