Dental Implant Archives - Allyson K Hurley, DDS

January 15, 2017 by

I started wearing dentures when I was 32 years old. My teeth were so badly decayed that the dentist I had at the time just pulled them and gave me dentures. They have been good in the sense that I can eat and smile without being embarrassed. Now that I am 62 I want a better looking smile and I want to do something about the way my smile looks. I’m wondering if after 30 years of wearing dentures if it’s too late to get dental implants for my dentures. If I can’t get the implants what are my other options? Thanks Jody

Jody – Even if you receive implant-supported dentures, you will need a skilled cosmetic dentist to provide you with dentures that look completely natural. When dentures look fake and bulky, it’s due to the materials used and lack of artistic talent from the dentist. Many dentists only provide low-quality, economy dentures.

If you’ve been wearing dentures for 30 years, you probably have significant jawbone loss. Bone is resorbed by your body when all of your teeth are missing. Lack of jawbone structure to support your facial muscles can drastically change your appearance and your smile. Bone loss can make your face appear shriveled or sunken.

You might be a candidate for dental implants, but an examination and diagnostic studies are required to determine if you are a candidate. Bone grafting will likely be needed to provide support for the implants. After a healing period, the implants are surgically placed. Time is allowed for the bone to fuse with the dental implants, after which dentures can be secured to them. We recommend that you find a few cosmetic dentists who provide dental implants. Schedule a consultation with each of them to learn what each dentist does to ensure you receive beautiful cosmetic dentures and high-quality dental implants to support them.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

February 11, 2013 by

I have 3 missing teeth and I also need braces. I haven’t made any appointments with dentist yet about it. I just want to know if there is a certain order that I need to do it. Braces or implants first? Thanks – Gloria

Gloria – There are some instances where teeth next to the missing ones won’t be moved with braces, in which case, the dental implants can be placed first.

But dental implants won’t move after they have been placed. If there are teeth near your missing teeth that need to be repositioned, your treatment with braces should be completed before you get the implants.

Speak with your orthodontist about which teeth will be affected by your braces and when the implants should be placed to get the best results.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

November 13, 2012 by

I moved here from Connecticut in July, so I haven’t had time to thoroughly search out a dentist like I want. I’ve had lower jaw and tooth back on the back left side of my mouth for two weeks. The pain comes and goes. I went to a nearby dentist who did an x-ray. She said that a molar that already has a filling in it has a large cavity. She recommends pulling the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant.

Does this sound right? I had no indication that all of this was happening with the tooth because the pain just started two weeks ago and it comes and goes. Thanks. – Victoria

Victoria – If the pain in your tooth just started, the tooth has only recently become infected. If the tooth cannot be saved, it would be more likely that you would have felt pain months ago. And an x-ray would not be required to see the damage to the tooth. It would be clearly visible, and normally, you would have lost the filling in the tooth long ago.

It is best to seek a second opinion without telling the second dentist about the diagnosis from the first dentist. Your independent second opinion will help you make a decision about the correct treatment for your tooth.

This blog post is sponsored by New Jersey dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

May 1, 2011 by

I received two dental implants last yearago. One of them kept getting food trapped in it and required constant care, now it has cracked. Am I past any warranty that comes with implants?

Brent from Arkansas

Dear Brent,

Most dentists do not have a warranty with their dental implants. The reason for this are all the variables involved. Some people do not follow the recommended maintenance. That being said, a dentist with integrity will stand behind his or her work. If there was some faulty material used that caused it to crack, most dentists would re-do the work at no charge.

It is highly unusual for the crown of a dental implant to crack after one year. They are designed to last many years. They also should not be getting food trapped in them. Ethically, your dentist should replace it, though he is under no legal obligation to do so.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Allyson Hurley.

April 23, 2011 by

Hi. I’ve got a tooth that is badly decayed. How do you know when to remove it and get an implant, or just do a root canal and a crown. My dentist wants to do an implant, but I would rather keep my tooth.

Thanks, John

John,

I’m sorry about your tooth. My feeling is it would depend on how decayed the tooth is. If the tooth can be saved, that is almost always the best option, and yes, you could do a root canal/crown. If, however, it is very badly decayed, then saving it isn’t an option, and an implant or a dental bridge would be good options. For that to be the case the decay would have to go all the way through the tooth to the underside. Other than that, I think your tooth could be saved. Perhaps it would be a good idea to get a second opinion.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Allyson Hurley.

April 14, 2011 by

I have missing lateral incisors. I had read that doing orthodontics and dental implants is the best option to replace the missing teeth, but my dentist says he can make canines look like lateral incisors with Lumineers. Will that look normal? I know it’s cheaper, but I don’t want to end up looking weird.

Thanks-Cathey R.

Dear Cathey,

I would be very hesitant to agree with a Lumineers course of treatment. What your dentist is suggesting is extremely difficult to accomplish and it look beautiful. While it is possible if you went to the top cosmetic dentist in the country they could probably do it, I’m guessing they would suggest you use dental implants. They are the closest thing you can get to a natural tooth. Although they are an advanced dental procedure, it is much easier to get gorgeous results. You can learn more about dental implants by visiting our website.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Allyson Hurley.

February 3, 2011 by

Why didn’t my dentist tell me about the Maryland Bridge? I discovered this myself while searching on the Internet.

Ken in Grand Forks, MN

Dear Ken,

In most cases a Maryland Bridge won’t work for a missing tooth. Further, some dentists really don’t know how to do them, and there can be technical problems, because they are not as strong or reliable compared to a conventional dental bridge.

In my opinion, the dentist should provide you with all of the options for a missing tooth: either a conventional dental bridge or a dental implant is the way to go. And in some cases, a removable partial denture may be another option. In some unique situations, an Encore Bridge or Maryland Bridge would be an option.

Learn more about procedures used for missing teeth here.