Jawbone loss isn’t something most people think much about. But jawbone loss is a serious condition. Therefore, you should learn a little about it so you can take measures to prevent it. Of course, regularly visiting your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a good start. But until then, let’s take a look at jawbone loss, what causes it, and how it can be corrected.

What Is Jawbone Loss?

Jawbone loss is when the bones in your jaws begin to break down and deteriorate. Jawbone loss can happen in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both at any stage of life.

What Causes Jawbone Loss?

Jawbone loss occurs when you lose teeth, your teeth become loose, you have receding gums, or a collapsing bite, for starters. Several factors contribute to jawbone loss. For example, periodontal disease, tooth loss, dental injuries, eating disorders, genetics, and taking certain medications.

The Signs of Jawbone Loss

If you notice any of the following signs, you might be experiencing jawbone loss.

• Dental issues like loose, shifting, or misaligned teeth.
• Facial changes.
• Jaw pain when you chew.
• Facial pain, headaches, or TMJ pain.
• Speech issues.
• Difficulty eating certain foods.
• Your dentures no longer fit properly.

How to Correct Jawbone Loss

If you have jawbone loss, you will probably need some type of oral surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to correct it.

Maxillofacial Surgery

Maxillofacial surgery is a specialty dentistry that focuses on correcting jawbone loss and more. It’s used to treat conditions of the face, neck, and jaw. Maxillofacial surgeries include cleft lip, palate, jaw surgery, facial reconstruction surgery, sleep apnea surgery, and other conditions.

Dental Bone Graft

A dental bone graft is a surgical dentistry procedure that places bone material into the jawbone to increase bone density and volume. Bone grafts are frequently performed to provide a stable foundation for dental implants.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

If you think you might have jawbone loss, are experiencing oral pain, or have other dental issues, please Contact Florida Smiles Dental today. We have comfortable and inviting offices and use state-of-the-art equipment and the most advanced technologies to ensure you receive the best dental care possible.

Have you heard of two-phase orthodontic treatments in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and wondered if your child needs it? The answer is…it depends. So, let’s talk about that for a moment.

What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatments are performed to avoid more invasive orthodontic treatments later in your child’s life. You should take your child to a dentist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, by the time they reach seven years of age.

This will help catch any orthodontic issues early on. Doing so will make your child’s orthodontic issues easier and less expensive to correct because, at this point, your child’s mouth and teeth are still in the developmental stage.

How a Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Works

Two-phase orthodontic treatments are done in two stages.

The first stage is done between the ages of 6 and 10 while the baby teeth are still in place. The purpose of this phase is to make room in your child’s mouth for their permanent teeth or to help correct other issues.

The first stage of treatment could include the use of special retainers, palatal expanders, space maintainers, or even headgear. Once this stage has been completed, the dentist will wait until your child’s permanent teeth come in to complete the next stage.

The second stage of the process is straightening your child’s teeth with traditional orthodontic treatments such as metal braces, Invisalign, etc. The second stage is also when overbites and underbites, etc., are corrected.

Does Your Child Need Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

If your child has protruding teeth, bite issues, chewing issues, the early loss of baby teeth, or if they are still sucking their thumb after the age of five, your dentist will probably recommend two-phase orthodontic treatment.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL?

If you want to talk with a dentist about two-phase orthodontic treatments for your child, please Contact Florida Smiles Dental today. We have a state-of-the-art dental facility and a team of highly trained dentists who would love to talk with you about your child’s orthodontic treatments.

Visiting the dentist is one of the most important things you can do to maintain clean, healthy teeth. Most people need to see the dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL every six months.

Twice a year can seem like a lot! In this article, we’ll discuss important reasons to keep seeing the dentist every six months.

Seeing the Dentist Keeps Your Teeth Clean

Every time you visit the dentist for a checkup, you can expect a qualified dental professional to clean your teeth. During the cleaning, the dental professional will remove plaque and tartar. They’ll clean and polish your tooth enamel, which makes it easier to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. This helps keep your breath fresh.

Dental Professionals Recommend Exams Every Six Months

Another good reason to see the dentist twice yearly is that dental professionals recommend it. Seeing the dentist every six months is important because it’s good for your teeth.

During the checkup, the dentist will look for problems that need to be corrected. The dentist will also answer your questions about preventive maintenance. When the checkup is over, you’ll have cleaner teeth and more information about how to care for your dental health.

Preventive Maintenance Helps You Avoid Cavities and Infections

Preventive maintenance like checkups helps you avoid cavities and infections that can cause bad breath, pain, and even tooth loss. Going for regular dentist appointments in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point FL is good for you and can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums long into your adult years.

To make your next dental appointment, contact the professionals at Florida Smiles Dental today.