Going to the dentist can be a stressful experience for many people, but for some, it can be downright terrifying. Dental anxiety affects millions of people worldwide and can prevent them from seeking the dental care they need to maintain good oral health. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a solution to this problem, allowing patients to relax and overcome their fear and anxiety associated with dental procedures.

At Champaign Dental Group in Urbana, Ohio, we understand the importance of patient comfort and care, and we offer sedation dentistry services to help you overcome dental anxiety and improve your dental experience. In this article, we’ll cover the many benefits of sedation dentistry, the different types of sedation available, and which option may be right for you.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry,” is a technique used to help patients relax and remain calm during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry uses various medications, including nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and intravenous sedation, to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

There are many benefits to using sedation dentistry for dental procedures, including:

1. Reduced anxiety: Sedation dentistry can help to reduce anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures, allowing patients to relax and feel more comfortable during their appointment.
2. Increased comfort: Sedation dentistry can help to reduce discomfort during dental procedures, making the experience more comfortable for the patient.
3. Better quality of care: Sedation dentistry can help patients to remain still during procedures, allowing the dentist to work more efficiently and provide better quality of care.
4. Faster recovery: Sedation dentistry can help patients to recover more quickly from dental procedures, as they are more relaxed and less likely to experience post-operative pain.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are several different types of sedation dentistry available, including:

1. Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative that is inhaled through a mask. Nitrous oxide helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during dental procedures.
2. Oral sedatives: Oral sedatives are taken in pill form and help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Oral sedatives are typically taken before the dental procedure, allowing the medication to take effect before the appointment.
3. Intravenous sedation: Intravenous sedation, also known as “IV sedation,” is a type of sedation that is administered through a vein. IV sedation helps to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety during dental procedures.

Which Type of Sedation is Right for You?

The type of sedation that is right for you will depend on several factors, including the type of procedure you are undergoing, your level of anxiety, and your overall health. At Champaign Dental Group, we will work with you to determine the best type of sedation for your individual needs and ensure that you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your appointment.

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective technique for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation during dental procedures. At Champaign Dental Group, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of comfort and care, and we offer sedation dentistry services to help you overcome dental anxiety and improve your dental experience.

If you struggle with dental anxiety, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry and which type of sedation may be right for you. With our help, you can overcome your fear and anxiety and achieve the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve.

Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience, but thanks to advances in dental technology, there are now many options available for tooth replacement. One of the most popular options is dental implants, which provide a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.

At Champaign Dental Group, we offer comprehensive dental implant services to help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dental implants, including the benefits of replacing missing teeth with implants, the different types of implants available, and the risks associated with the procedure.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. The implants are made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that fuse with the bone over time to provide a stable and long-lasting foundation for the replacement tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many advantages to replacing missing teeth with dental implants, including:

1. Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, improving the appearance of your smile.
2. Improved speech: Missing teeth can affect your speech, but dental implants can help to restore your ability to speak clearly.
3. Improved comfort: Dental implants are more comfortable than traditional dentures, which can be bulky and uncomfortable.
4. Improved oral health: Dental implants help to prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to further tooth loss and other oral health problems.
5. Improved function: Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods and enjoy your life without worrying about your teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are several different types of dental implants available, including:

1. Endosteal implants: These are the most common type of dental implant, and are implanted directly into the jawbone.
2. Subperiosteal implants: These are implanted under the gum tissue but above the jawbone, and are used for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone to support traditional implants.
3. All-on-4 implants: These are a type of implant-supported denture that use just four implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth.

Risks Associated with Dental Implants

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with dental implants. These include:

1. Infection at the implant site: This can occur if the implant does not heal properly, and may require antibiotics or removal of the implant.
2. Damage to surrounding teeth: The implant procedure can cause damage to nearby teeth or nerves, which can lead to pain or discomfort.
3. Implant failure: In rare cases, the implant may not fuse properly with the bone, leading to implant failure and the need for additional procedures.

Dental implants are a popular and effective option for replacing missing teeth and achieving a healthy and beautiful smile. At Champaign Dental Group, we offer comprehensive dental implant services to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your oral health.

If you’re considering dental implants, it’s essential to work with an experienced and qualified dental professional who can help you understand the benefits and risks of the procedure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how dental implants can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Your smile is often the first thing that people notice about you. It can make a great first impression, but if your dental hygiene is lacking, it can also make a lasting negative impression. Good dental hygiene is crucial to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, and it all starts with brushing and flossing.

At Champaign Dental Group in Urbana, Ohio, we understand the importance of dental hygiene, and we want to help you keep your smile looking its best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the most effective techniques for brushing and flossing, as well as how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental Hygiene and Oral Health

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential to maintaining good oral health. Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to a variety of dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. According to the American Dental Association, “Tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease are the two most common oral diseases in the U.S. and worldwide.”

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat to create acid. Over time, this acid can eat away at the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities.

To prevent tooth decay, it’s essential to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline, where toothbrushes can’t reach.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone that support the teeth. It is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, which can irritate and inflame the gums, leading to bleeding, swelling, and eventually tooth loss.

To prevent gum disease, it’s crucial to brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups can help to identify and treat gum disease early, before it causes irreversible damage.

Brushing Techniques

Brushing your teeth is an essential part of good dental hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth, as well as massage your gums to improve blood flow and promote healthy gum tissue.

When brushing, it’s important to use the correct technique to ensure that you are effectively cleaning your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends the following brushing technique:

• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
• Gently move the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes.
• Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of all teeth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

Be sure to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles become frayed.

Flossing Techniques

Flossing is another essential part of good dental hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline, where toothbrushes can’t reach. When flossing, it’s important to use the correct technique to ensure that you are effectively removing plaque and food particles. The American Dental Association recommends the following flossing technique:

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.
• Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand.
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and guide it between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion.
• When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with an up-and-down motion.
• Repeat this process on the rest of your teeth, using a clean section of floss for each tooth.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, and it’s essential to use the correct technique to prevent injury to the gums.

Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

In addition to brushing and flossing, there are other steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. These include:

• Limiting sugary and starchy foods and drinks, which can contribute to the formation of plaque and acid.
• Drinking plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria.
• Using mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential to maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. By following the most effective techniques for brushing and flossing, as well as taking other steps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.

At Champaign Dental Group in Urbana, Ohio, we are committed to helping you maintain good dental hygiene and oral health. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning and checkup, or to learn more about our dental services. With our help, you can achieve the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve.

Most oral health issues are preventable, but over 3.5 billion people are still affected by them worldwide. This problem is common in even developed countries. People have high access to sugar and tobacco products but comparatively lower comprehensive dental coverage.

The best way to save time and money on dental health is to stop cavities before they even begin. What causes cavities? How can you prevent them from forming?

This article goes over the answers to these questions and more. Read on to learn about the links between plaque, tooth decay, and cavities.

What Is Plaque Bacteria?

Plaque bacteria is a soft and sticky film that develops on your teeth. It can also accumulate around or under your gums.

This film may be transparent or yellowish and difficult to spot with your eyes. A tell-tale sign of plaque is running your tongue over teeth and feeling the “fuzzy” film.

Plaque develops when mouth bacteria break down sugars and carbohydrates. This process also produces acids.

Your teeth are very strong, but these acids are even stronger. Once plaque starts forming into tartar, your teeth will need professional dental care. 

What Is Tartar?

Tartar is plaque that has been left on your teeth for too long. If it isn’t removed by brushing or dental cleaning, the plaque film hardens and darkens into a layer of tartar. 

This layer is more difficult to remove than regular plaque. You can usually see it more clearly than plaque. It will look like a white, yellow, or brown buildup along your gum line and teeth that doesn’t go away when you brush them.  

Plaque and tartar bacteria can cause bad breath, inflammation, and bleeding gums. The acids they produce can also cause tooth decay.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is damage to your tooth’s enamel. Your teeth may seem like a solid chunk of bone, but it’s actually made up of tissue layers and nerves.

Tooth enamel is the very hard but thin layer that protects these soft and sensitive tissues. Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot grow back.

Tooth decay causes your enamel to become soft and worn down. It’s not always visible to your eyes, especially if it forms between your teeth.

It’s critical for your oral health to guard against tooth decay. Tooth decay causes painful teeth sensitivity issues. Untreated tooth decay will eventually develop into cavities.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities are permanent openings in your tooth enamel that expose the layers underneath. These holes can be very small or very large. They do not heal on their own and will grow bigger if left untreated.

Symptoms of cavities include:

• Persistent toothaches
• Sharp tooth pain
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Persistent bad breath

Cavities expose your soft inner tooth to harmful bacteria that become painful as it penetrates deeper. The pain becomes very severe when it exposes your tooth’s nerve endings and roots.

It can also cause a tooth abscess. This is a pus pocket formed around an infected cavity. Large and infected cavities must be treated with root canal surgeries. 

Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• Intense tooth pain 
• Headaches and fever
• Pain spreading into your jaw, ear, and neck
• Redness and swelling in gums
• Redness and swelling in the face

Before more advanced medical and dental care, tooth infections were actually a leading cause of death. An untreated abscess creates a prime opportunity for infections to work their way into your bloodstream and cause sepsis.

Even though the risk of tooth-related sepsis is relatively low nowadays, preventing cavities still helps you avoid severe pain, inflammation, and infection. It also costs much less money to prevent cavities than to end up with a costly and invasive surgery to fix them.

The best way to prevent cavities is by lowering their chances to gnaw away at your enamel. This means preventing the common causes of cavities. 

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are ultimately caused by plaque bacteria. Plaque leads to tartar buildup and/or tooth decay, which becomes cavities once it destroys the tooth enamel.

Preventing cavities is as simple as managing plaque bacteria. There are two main ways to prevent plaque bacteria from taking hold of your teeth:

• Food and drink habits
• Oral hygiene habits

Your dental health depends on both these factors. They’re also important to related health issues and your total body health.

What Food Causes Cavities?

You can help fight plaque bacteria by avoiding the foods that give them a boost. You can also add nutrients to your diet that strengthen your teeth.

Food and drinks that are bad for your teeth include:

• Soft drinks
• High-sugar drinks (can include juice, sports drinks, sweetened tea, etc.)
• Desserts like cakes and cookies
• Candy, especially sticky and chewy candy
• Starchy chips and bread

Foods good for your teeth include calcium-rich foods, like low-sugar dairy products and leafy vegetables. These foods re-deposit healthy minerals back onto your teeth and strengthen your enamel.

Alcohol and tobacco products are also bad for your teeth. Alcohol is acidic and helps ear tooth enamel down. Tobacco products weaken your teeth and can cause:

• Bad breath
• Inflammation
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Oral cancer

Eating right and avoiding sugar, carbs, and alcohol/tobacco will not just help out your teeth. It will also lower your risk of other health-related issues such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Oral Hygiene: Best Habits

It’s not enough to have a proper tooth-healthy diet. You also need good oral hygiene and regular dental care. This includes regular:

• Teeth brushing
• Flossing
• Added fluoride
• Dental checkups
• Dental cleanings
• X-rays (as needed)

It’s not enough to just swipe at your teeth with some toothpaste. It’s important to brush and floss properly as well.

You may be tempted to scrub plaque off your teeth, but this damages your tooth enamel too. Use soft toothbrushes and your dentist-recommended toothpaste.

No matter how well you brush and floss, you still need professional dental care too. Dental checkups and cleanings find the hard-to-spot and hard-to-reach places where sneaky bacteria like to hide. 

The Bright and Dazzling Smile You Deserve At Prices You Can Afford

Plaque bacteria is what causes cavities to form on your teeth. Healthy eating and habits and good oral hygiene can stop this plaque from damaging your tooth enamel, preventing cavities before they can form. 

Are you looking for top-notch dental care that’s gentle and effective? Your comfort is our highest priority!  Contact us to learn more about our services.

Did you know that more than one-third of people in the United States are unhappy with their teeth? People may be unhappy with their teeth for many reasons such as malocclusion (crooked teeth), yellow teeth, and misshapen teeth. When it comes to these different dental problems, discolored teeth are certainly the easiest to fix. 

But how does teeth whitening work exactly and how can you be sure that it’s the right treatment option for your teeth? Keep reading and learn more about what teeth whitening treatment is really like.

Why Is Teeth Whitening Necessary?

These days, white teeth are all the rage. Cosmetic dentistry is filled with procedures that make teeth whiter than ever before. But how do your teeth get so discolored in the first place?

It has a lot to do with what you eat as well as your dental hygiene practices. Brushing your teeth is very important when it comes to keeping your teeth white and healthy. The bristles on your toothbrush have the ability to remove the little particles of food that are stuck to your teeth and that might otherwise stain your tooth enamel. 

There are certain substances that are more likely to stain your teeth than others. For example, coffee is one of the most common substances that results in yellow teeth. Coffee, especially black coffee, may seem smooth but it still contains little particles of coffee grains. 

These grains are able to stick to the surface of your teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth soon after drinking coffee, the coffee grains will soon impart their dark pigment onto your teeth. If you drink coffee every day, all day, you’ll inevitably end up with discolored teeth. 

This also goes for other substances that contain strong pigments such as black tea, red wine, and even certain fruit juices.

What You Need to Know

Once your teeth become stained, it can be hard to undo those stains. Many people tend to try DIY teeth whitening methods such as brushing with baking soda, but these methods can be quite harmful to your teeth. 

For example, brushing your teeth with baking soda may help to remove the stains on the surface of your teeth, but it can also remove much more than that. In particular, because baking soda is made up of such abrasive particles, it also has the ability to remove your tooth enamel. If you brush your teeth with baking soda quite often, you will find that your teeth will start to become quite sensitive and weak, especially when exposed to hot or cold substances.

This is because your tooth enamel will no longer be thick or strong enough to protect the sensitive tissues inside your teeth. Fortunately, you don’t have to damage your teeth in order to make them white again as long as you go to a professional. But what should you expect from the professional teeth whitening process?

How Does Teeth Whitening Work Exactly?

The first thing you should know about professional teeth whitening is that it is much more effective than any of the types of teeth whitening methods you might try at home. To start, you will need to go to your local dental office for this procedure. Dentists tend to use hydrogen peroxide for this process, but you should keep in mind that the kind they use isn’t any old type of hydrogen peroxide.

Instead, the hydrogen peroxide that dentists use for teeth whitening is very strong. Many types of whitening toothpaste contain hydrogen peroxide but in much smaller concentrations. While whitening toothpaste can only do so much for the appearance of your teeth, the highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide at the dentist’s office will make quite a noticeable difference.

To start, your dentist will clean your teeth so that nothing will get in the way of the whitening process. Then, the dentist will apply a gel made out of concentrated hydrogen peroxide to your teeth using a syringe. To keep the gel from harming your gums, your dentist will use a barrier.

Once the dentist applies the gel, the gel will need to sit on your teeth for a certain amount of time. Usually, this will only last around 15 to 20 minutes. This process should not hurt.

The Details

To speed along the whitening process, your dentist may use a special light such as a UV light on the hydrogen peroxide gel. In some cases, your teeth may need an additional coat of gel to achieve the desired effect. After enough time has passed, your dentist will rinse off the gel. 

To make sure that your teeth aren’t too sensitive after the procedure, your dentist will make sure to use fluoride on your teeth to strengthen the enamel. After that, you will be able to admire the finished results of the teeth whitening treatment. 

At that point, you can discuss with your dentist if you like the shade of your teeth or if you want to try going whiter. Your dentist will also give you some advice on how to keep your teeth clean. For example, you should avoid food and drinks that contain strong pigments. 

What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

How does teeth whitening work, you might ask? The process is quite simple and it has everything to do with hydrogen peroxide. Your dentist will apply hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth where it will sit for a certain amount of time. 

After that, your teeth will be several shades whiter. You can keep them white by avoiding certain foods. To learn more, request an appointment today.

Sleeping people can clench their teeth with up to 250 pounds of force. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding or clenching affects millions of people and can lead to serious damage to your teeth.

One way that you can prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching are by using nightguards while you sleep.

Do you want to learn more about the benefits of using a nightguard for your oral health? Keep reading these reasons why you should start sleeping with a nightguard.

Lessens Damage to Teeth

The primary benefit of using a nightguard while you sleep is that it prevents a lot of damage to your teeth. As you grind your teeth at night, the constant pressure will slowly wear down your teeth.

In more serious cases, chronic teeth grinding can lead to fractured, loose, or lost teeth.

Tooth damage is one of the long-term side effects of clenching or grinding your teeth that may require serious oral health treatments to repair.

By simply wearing a nightguard while you sleep, you can lessen the wear and tear that happens to your teeth while you sleep. Your nightguard will act as a barrier to prevent your teeth from getting chipped or worn down over time.

Prevent Headaches

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding can also lead to chronic headaches. When you clench your jaw muscles, it tightens the muscles that lead from your cheeks and under your chin.

The more you clench, the tighter these muscles become. This means that tension from your clenched jaw can spread up through your head and neck, resulting in tight muscles and tension headaches.

If you have chronic headaches and have been unable to identify the source, it may be due to bruxism or jaw clenching. By wearing nightguards, you lessen the pressure on your teeth and you may see improvements in your chronic headaches.

Treats Jaw Disorders and Tooth Pain

Not only does a nightguard help prevent damage to your teeth, but it can also treat jaw disorders and tooth pain.

When you clench your teeth in your sleep, the pressure may be why you wake up with tooth pain. Simply by wearing a nightguard while you sleep, you can reduce this pain.

Using a nightguard is also a simple solution to treat jaw disorders like TMJ. TMJ can be caused by jaw clenching and severe teeth grinding, which can lead to jaw pain and can make it difficult to open your mouth.

A nightguard can treat this problem and prevent your teeth clenching or grinding from worsening your jaw disorder and your tooth pain.

Eases Oral Discomfort

Another huge benefit of using nightguards for your oral health is that they will reduce your oral discomfort. As was mentioned before, constant teeth clenching can lead to chronic soreness in your teeth and jaw.

If you wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or any other type of facial discomfort, a nightguard can ease this discomfort.

Because grinding wears down your teeth, it leads to exposed nerves and teeth that are more sensitive to hot or cold foods. By wearing a nightguard, you will not have as much pressure on your teeth and you can avoid these types of oral discomfort.

Nightguards Are a Custom Fit

Next, when you get your nightguard from your dentist, it will be a custom fit for your mouth. This means that it will be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, like when you are asleep.

To get a perfect fit for your nightguard, your dentist will start by taking impressions of your teeth which will then be used to make a perfectly fitting nightguard that is customized for each patient.

While you can buy nightguards at most grocery stores, they are typically bulky alternatives that are uncomfortable to wear. To find a nightguard that fits perfectly, you can visit your dental office to get impressions taken of your teeth.

With these impressions of your teeth, your dentist will create a perfect-fitting nightguard that will be comfortable to wear.

Prevents Tooth Decay & Sensitivities

Lastly, wearing a nightguard can improve your oral health by preventing unnecessary tooth decay and other tooth sensitivities.

As was mentioned before, grinding your teeth will quickly wear down the surface of your teeth and can damage your enamel. Tooth enamel is a hard barrier that protects your teeth from damage.

In fact, your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body. Without enamel, your teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay. If you do not take proper care of your teeth, teeth grinding can eventually lead to tooth loss.

When you wear your nightguard while you sleep, you can prevent your tooth enamel from getting worn down. This will save you a lot of money in the long run by protecting your teeth from decay, sensitivities, and more.

Improve Your Oral Health with Custom Nightguards Today

Bruxism or teeth clenching is a serious problem that can lead to oral health problems in the future.

Your local dentist can help you get a custom-fit nightguard to help treat your bruxism. This will lessen damage to your teeth and will prevent headaches and other tooth pain.

If you are looking for a nightguard in Urbana, OH, Champaign Dental Group can help! We provide gentle, pain-free dental care and can help you improve your oral health.

Contact our team today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment!

Tooth loss is far from uncommon in the United States. Around 36 million Americans are missing all of their teeth, and a further 120 million adults are missing at least one tooth. The loss of an entire arch of teeth requires a full denture to restore speech and chewing function.

Removable dentures are often wobbly and uncomfortable. Many of our patients at Champaign Dental Group have questions about dental implant options, which offer a more stable platform for replacing lost teeth. In this article, we’ll explain how dental implants can permanently replace teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

In short, dental implants are advanced replacements for lost tooth roots. While the technology may seem new, modern dental implants have been safely placed for a few decades. Implants have a long track record of being safe and effective.

Sometimes called subperiosteal implants, the medical implants loosely resemble a metal post or screw. Once put in the jaw, the implants fuse with surrounding bone tissue through a process known as osseointegration. The implant can then support an artificial tooth or an implant-retained denture.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

The process of surgically placing dental implants is gentle and pain-free. Our office offers two forms of sedation dentistry: oral sedation and nitrous oxide.

Both forms of sedation help patients relax throughout the straightforward surgical placement of one or more dental implants. Under the effects of sedation, patients feel like they are in a dream-like state. Time seems to go by quickly, and any symptoms of anxiety melt away.

One of our doctors will use local anesthesia to completely numb the surgical site. Once you are completely comfortable, one of our doctors will make a small incision in your gums. Once our doctor has reached the underlying bone, he or she will place an implant in the bone.

Your doctor will then use sutures to close the incision. Dental implant placement is a straightforward outpatient procedure. Soon after the procedure is over, one of our team members will release you to return home to rest and recover.

Over the course of the next months, your jaw will heal. After you have recovered, you can be fitted with a custom prosthetic that replaces your missing teeth.

What Are My Dental Implant Options?

Endosteal implants can support three basic types of prosthetics: dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. The doctors of Champaign Dental Group can provide you with any of these tooth loss solutions.

Dental Crowns

If you have lost one tooth, you may be a great candidate for an implant-supported crown. A crown is a false tooth that matches the shape, color, and luster of your natural teeth. Once your implant has healed, one of our doctors will attach a custom crown to your implant.

Bridges

An implant-retained bridge can replace two, three, or several adjacent teeth. Our office offers Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic technology. This allows our patients to cut down on wait-time for prosthetics.

To have an implant-retained bridge, you will likely need to have multiple dental implants placed. Our implant-supported bridges can drastically improve your ability to speak and chew with ease.

Dentures

If you have lost every tooth along one arch, you may require a full denture. Patients who have a few natural teeth remaining may be candidates for a partial denture. Both options can be supported by dental implants.

If you are tired of dealing with poorly fitting removable dentures, ask one of our dentists if you are a candidate for implant-supported dentures.

Custom Solutions for Tooth Loss

Dental implants allow our doctors to customize restorative treatment plans. Depending on your needs, you can be fitted with any combination of dental implant-supported prosthetics. Some patients may require implanted-supported crowns for one arch and a full denture for the other, for example.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Before the advent of dental implant technology, an artificial tooth had to attach to a nearby structure. Some dentures rely on suction to stay in place.

Dental implants work differently. Any artificial tooth that is supported by a dental implant attaches directly to the jawbone — just like a natural tooth!

Supports Jawbone Health

Did you know that dental implants keep your jawbone tissue healthy? Following tooth loss, the bone that supported the tooth begins to be slowly reabsorbed. Over time, this can lead to the appearance of “sunken-in” cheeks.

To avoid this unpleasant oral health problem, patients should have one or more dental implants placed soon after tooth loss. In some cases, a dental implant can even be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. Since jawbone tissue will not typically regrow once lost, it is best to protect and preserve your natural bone tissue.

Lasts for a Lifetime

Dental implants are designed to last for a lifetime. Once the implant fuses with your jaw, it functionally becomes part of your body.

You may need to replace the supported prosthetic, but your implant will likely never need to be replaced.

Comfortable Surgical Placement

With sedation dentistry and local anesthesia, you won’t have to worry about discomfort. Our doctors take great care to ensure that all of our procedures are pain-free.

Restore Natural Oral Function Using Implants

With so many dental implant options, there is a custom treatment option that can address your oral health needs. Tooth loss can impede your ability to eat and speak with comfort and confidence. Only dental implants can restore natural oral function following the loss of one or more teeth.

Since 1997, the team of Champaign Dental Group has served our community with friendly, comfortable care. We welcome the opportunity to help you enjoy the many benefits of dental implants. Please contact our office today.