Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing permanent teeth: they're attractive, low-maintenance and long-lasting. Dr. Ralph Mazzuca, your dentist in Washington, DC, goes into more details about the benefits of dental implants in this post.

Artificial but attractive

Someone you know might have dental implants, but you wouldn't necessarily realize it just by looking at them. That's because dental implants, like the kind used by your Washington, DC, dentist, are made to look just like natural teeth. Their hardware is hidden beneath your gum line, only visible on an X-ray, in the same place where a natural tooth's roots would be; all that can be seen is a porcelain crown that is carefully matched to the rest of your teeth's size and color.

Easy to maintain

Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred way to replace missing teeth for both dentists and patients, and one of the main reasons is because they don't require special care. Unlike dentures and partials, they never need to be taken out for cleaning; they can simply be brushed and flossed in order to keep them clean and the gum tissue around them healthy. You also won't need to make appointments with your Washington, DC, dentist for periodic adjustments. In fact, they can last as long as several decades, even a lifetime.

Practical and permanent

The design of dental implants makes them as close to "the real thing" as possible. This means that the post of your implant mimics the function of a natural tooth's root. It not only keeps the tooth from shifting; it also keeps your jawbone healthy by providing minuscule movements every time your chew (again, like the root of natural teeth). As long as you maintain good dental hygiene and stay current with checkups at your Washington, DC, dentist's office, you can count on your dental implants to be a permanent restoration.

To learn more about how dental implants can help you, contact the dental office of Dr. Ralph Mazzuca in Washington, DC, for a consultation.

Which Dentures Type Is Right for You?

Losing your teeth? You don't have to go through life without teeth. Dentures are removable appliances constructed to replace missing teeth. Today's dentures are attractive and more comfortable than ever. Dentures have made a difference in the lives of millions of people. Dr. Ralph Mazzuca offers state-of-the-art dentures to his patients. Read on to learn about the different types of dentures that are available today.

1. Partial Denture

Partial dentures are an alternative to dental bridges. A partial denture is used when one or more teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A partial denture closes the gaps created by missing teeth. Some partial dentures are worn permanently, while others are removable. This denture consists of replacement teeth, a gum-colored plastic base, a metal framework, and clasps that connect to the teeth. A partial denture will improve your appearance and help to restore comfort when eating and speaking.

2. Complete Denture

A complete denture, also called full denture, is used when all the teeth are missing. A complete denture is a removable dental appliance that consists of fabricated teeth attached to a gum-colored base that fits over your gums. This denture is created and placed in your mouth after your existing teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed, which may take several months. A beautiful, natural-looking complete denture will help you feel like you again and boost your confidence at work and in social situations.

3. Overdenture

An overdenture is a removable dental appliance that rests on teeth, the roots of teeth, or dental implants. The most important benefit of implant overdentures is the prevention of jawbone loss. Overdentures should align jaws accurately and restore about 90 percent of chewing power to the patients. Better oral hygiene and a lower risk of periodontal (gum) disease are two additional benefits of using overdentures.

4. Immediate Denture

Immediate dentures, also called temporary dentures, are made before the remaining teeth have been extracted. This is an option for patients who do not want to go without teeth. A temporary denture will protect your gums while you heal and make the transition to a permanent denture easier. Immediate dentures should be considered temporary dentures. After healing from having the teeth removed, a new denture can be made.

Want a better life? Say yes to dentures! Call Dr. Ralph Mazzuca at 202-537-1088 today to schedule a dental consultation in Washington, DC. A denture will give you the freedom to enjoy life again. We want you to have a wonderful life!

TMJ is a common disorder that affects the alignment of the jaw and the cushioned disc that rests between it. It can be caused by a head injury, arthritis, or genetics. TMJ is short for "temporomandibular joint," which is the area that is affected by misalignment. Dr. Ralph Mazzuca, your dentist in Washington DC, diagnoses and treats many patients with TMJ; read below to learn of the common symptoms and give Dr. Mazzuca a call if you are at all concerned!

Pain

An aching jaw that is tender to the touch is a common sign of TMJ. The pain, typically caused by inflammation, doesn't necessarily have to come directly from your jaw—it may radiate to your head, neck, shoulders, or ears. Although TMJ pain can often be relieved temporarily with analgesic medication, your Washington DC dentist's goal is to help you manage your TMJ diagnosis long-term.

Noises and Pops

It can be disconcerting to feel and hear your jaw align itself back into place. For TMJ sufferers, this is a common occurrence when they chew, talk, or yawn. Our Washington DC patients describe the feeling as creaking, shifting, or grinding; sometimes a popping or clicking sound accompanies it. Any noise or sensation in your jaw joint that persists over a few days warrants a visit to Dr. Mazzuca for an examination.

Stiffness

Along with the pain and uncomfortable sensations associated with TMJ, your jaw may also not work as efficiently as it should. Chewing and talking can be a challenge, and opening your mouth all the way to yawn, brush your teeth, or take a bite of food may be impossible. For some unlucky TMJ sufferers, their condition may be so severe that the jaw gets stuck in an open or closed position.

Call Today!

Think you might be dealing with TMJ? It's time to contact Dr. Ralph Mazzuca, your dentist in Washington DC to schedule an evaluation: (202) 537-1088.

Dentures are an excellent tooth replacement option, but they offer many additional benefits as well. Different types of dentures are available. The right type of dentures for you will depend on whether you need to replace some or all of your natural teeth. A dentist can fit you with the right type of dentures for your needs. Dr. Ralph Mazzuca is your Washington, DC, dentist for dentures.

Types of Dentures

There are two primary types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete or full dentures are needed when all of the natural teeth along an arch need to be replaced. Partial dentures are appropriate when some natural teeth still remain. Partial dentures allow a patient to retain those natural teeth while still filling in the gaps from missing teeth.

There are different types of complete and partial dentures, including conventional or immediate full dentures, overdentures, and removable partial dentures. Immediate full dentures are worn immediately after any remaining natural teeth are removed. This the of denture is usually replaced with conventional full dentures several weeks later. Overdentures fit over any remaining natural teeth while filling in the gaps where teeth are missing. Removable partial dentures fill in gaps without covering the remaining natural teeth.

Benefits of Dentures

There are numerous benefits associated with the different types of dentures. Your Washington, DC, dentist can help you decide if dentures are the right tooth replacement choice for you. Some of the benefits of dentures include:

• Giving you back a full smile
• Boosting self-confidence
• Filling in the gaps from missing teeth
• Restoring normal biting and chewing functions
• Improving speech by correcting tongue placement when speaking
• Restoring the natural shape of your face by supporting droopy or sagging facial muscles

Dentures offer several benefits beyond the restoration of your smile. Dentures also improve speech, restore normal tooth functioning, and support sagging facial muscles. To find out which type of dentures are best for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mazzuca, your Washington, DC, dentist, by calling his dental practice at (202) 537-1088.

What your dentist in Washington, DC wants you to know

Did you know you can remake your smile? It’s true, thanks to cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry combines art and science to give you a smile you can be proud of. If nature didn’t provide you with a great smile, or if your smile is damaged by wear-and-tear, cosmetic dentistry can help. Dr. Ralph Mazzuca in Washington, DC wants to introduce you to some popular cosmetic dentistry procedures to remake your smile.

If your teeth are yellowed from age, stained from tobacco or coffee, or just dull and dingy, you should consider professional teeth whitening. You can whiten your teeth up to 8 shades, and the results can last up to 5 years, far better and longer than over-the-counter whitening treatments.

For more information about whitening, please view the Teeth Whitening section on the website at https://www.mazzucadds.com/teeth-whitening.html

If your teeth have small chips, cracks, or damage, dental bonding can restore and revitalize your teeth. Bonding uses composite, a unique liquid resin that can be matched to the color and shape of your teeth. The composite is then hardened with a dental light. The result is tooth repair that is virtually invisible in your smile.

Dental bonding is often completed with contouring and reshaping, to provide a more harmonious, even smile.

If you want to achieve a dramatically beautiful smile, porcelain veneers are the perfect solution for you. They are thin laminates of dazzling porcelain which are cemented on to the front surfaces of your teeth. They can hide both major and minor imperfections, cracks, breaks, fracture lines and other aesthetic issues. They can even mask tooth overlap and spaces between your teeth.

These are just a few of the many cosmetic dentistry services available from Dr. Mazzuca. For a complete listing of cosmetic dentistry services, please visit the Cosmetic Dentistry section on the website at https://www.mazzucadds.com/cosmetic-dentistry-services.html

You might also consider a complete smile makeover, combining several of these procedures to give you a fantastic new smile. The best way to begin your new smile is by scheduling a consultation appointment to discuss how you want your new smile to look. Just call Dr. Ralph Mazzuca in Washington, DC today!