Did you know that the number of dental implant cases is increasing by 500,000 each year? Millions of Americans are already living with and enjoying these permanent prosthetics that have a 95% initial placement success rate. But what about traditional crowns, bridges, and dentures? What are the facts behind dental implant success? What makes them so popular among individuals suffering from tooth loss? Here are three reasons you may not have considered.

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so you should do everything in your power to ensure that it always looks its best! One way of doing this is by taking full advantage of your dental insurance benefits. That said, this is often easier said than done; amidst all of the paperwork to fill out and appointments to schedule, it’s sometimes tricky to get the most value out of your plan. Here are some tips from your dentist to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits.

If you have arthritis, you might have a difficult time when it comes to things like brushing and flossing your pearly whites. And unfortunately, if your arthritis is affecting your oral hygiene habits, you’re at a much higher risk of developing a health issue that could lead to missing teeth. While missing teeth can be replaced with treatment options such as dental implants, your eligibility can actually be impacted by conditions such as arthritis. Keep reading to learn more about the link between rheumatoid arthritis and dental implants, along with some things you can do to prepare yourself for the surgery.

Invisalign is one of the hottest cosmetic treatment options available! These clear aligners have taken the world of dentistry by storm, and more patients than ever before are turning towards them to straighten their teeth, correct bite problems, and give them a smile that they feel proud to show off. However, the success of the aligners depends on a few things—including your willingness to practice good oral hygiene. And this means brushing and flossing! Here’s more from your dentist about the latter and why it’s extra-important during your Invisalign treatment, along with some tips to help you do it correctly.

If you’ve just begun Invisalign treatment to correct your crooked teeth, congratulations! A straighter and healthier smile is in your near future—as long as you’re diligent about wearing your aligners for 22 hours every day! However, this is often easier said than done; especially considering the challenges that some patients encounter whenever it’s time to remove their trays. Here are five helpful tips to ensure that you’re removing your aligners properly without compromising your treatment.

You walk into your dentist’s office in need of a general checkup and cleaning. It’s business as usual when you sit down in the chair and prepare to undergo a thorough examination and cleaning; however, something is different. Instead of immediately reclining, a member of your dental team begins taking your blood pressure. Isn’t this something that is usually done at the doctor’s office, not the dentist’s? If you’re suddenly asking, “Why does my dentist take my blood pressure,” read on to learn the reason for this practice and why it’s beneficial for your oral and overall health.

Your dentist informs you that you need a dental crown. Because of the damage to your tooth, it cannot function properly without some form of stability. After learning this bit of information, you may begin to wonder what life will be like with an artificial tooth. Will it hurt immediately following placement? How difficult will it be to eat, speak, or smile? A local dentist wants to help ease your mind by explaining what you can expect after receiving a dental crown and what you can do to manage any discomfort while working toward a healthier smile.

Knowing how to save your tooth after an accident or sports injury can be difficult if you haven’t already learned what to do, not to mention scary since you might be in a state of shock. Should you put the tooth back into its socket or call your dentist immediately? Fortunately, if you remain calm and act decisively, you can elevate your chances of saving your knocked-out tooth long enough for your emergency dentist in Brookfield to help.

You Don’t Have to Settle for Chronic Jaw Pain

Are you constantly having to take time out of your day to address chronic jaw pain? At Elmbrook Family Dental, we understand exactly how frustrating it can be to deal with something that feels entirely out of your control.

Here’s the good news: you can finally take control of your discomfort and improve your quality of life when you partner with experts who know the complex ins and outs of jaw joint disorders. If you experience any of the following, you’ll want to give Elmbrook Family Dental a call: 

✔ Headaches

✔ Jaw pain, soreness, tension, or pressure

✔ Mouth, facial, neck, shoulder, or upper back pain

✔ Feeling tired after waking up

✔ Clicking or popping in the jaw joints

✔ Lockjaw

It is possible to have problems with your TMJ even if you don’t notice any of these symptoms, which is just another reason why regular dental exams are so vital. While some dentists provide oral appliances to resolve TMJ problems or recommend invasive surgery, Dr. Brunner offers a third option.

His holistic approach focuses on the source of your pain, not simply applying a “band-aid” solution and hoping for the best. He asks the right questions to determine exactly what’s causing your problems in order to create a more accurate diagnosis to address your concerns. While our office will likely recommend an oral appliance to ensure you get relief, this is not the end-all-be-all for your treatment. It’s simply one aspect of your ongoing partnership with Dr. Brunner and the rest of his team.

We’ve served countless patients over the years who have struggled with problems related to their TMJ, so feel free to learn more about their stories before you call. We’d love to hear from you and provide care that is truly personalized, so don’t wait to get in touch!