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A lot happens to our smile when we lose natural teeth. Obviously, there are problems with consuming solid foods. Even clear speech could be a problem. However, the major problem is the loss of mass and density in the jaw. This weakens the jaw, and could even cause patients to look older. More importantly, this leaves the smile too weak for implants. Additional treatments could be necessary to strengthen the jaw in order to prepare the gum for dental implants! Fortunately, Doctors Network could link you to a good Sterling oral surgeon who is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and provides ridge augmentation. In addition, we could also discuss our membership plan to make care affordable!

Bone grafting is also referred to as ridge augmentation. Essentially this enables the dentist to rebuild jawbone structure in your mandible. Your dentist could employ new tissue from multiple sources. Tissue could be taken from the back of the jaw or the hip. Donor materials could also be used. Some opt for synthetic materials. During oral surgery, these are applied to the areas of weakened structure in the mandible bone.

Once the area heals, one or more dental implants could be placed. The body will see them as natural structures. As a result, they help prevent any further breakdown in the jaw, protecting facial structure. Our team can connect you to a dentist or oral surgeon in Sterling, AK who performs jawbone grafting, and also let you know about our membership plan to make sure your care fits your budget!

If you have a toothache, or a tooth that is chipped, you need dental care. Otherwise, the tooth could develop a decay and infections. Soon, there is a risk of not only missing teeth, but a spread of infection to other teeth. But sometimes, the issue is beyond the stage to be treated with a restoration. Instead, the tooth could require immediate removal. At Doctors Network, our team can help you find a Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield dentist or oral surgeon in Sterling, AK who can provide a effective tooth extraction as needed.

As we discussed earlier, advanced decay or injury could be why a tooth needs extraction. But a dentist could also remove one that is loosened by periodontal disease. Removing a tooth could return balance and chewing function. Extraction could also provide room for orthodontic treatment! In many cases, this could prevent wisdom tooth impaction. Removing wisdom teeth prior to eruption helps preserve the balance and appearance of your smile. For people with advanced tooth loss, removing the last few teeth essentially paves the way for dentures. Your Sterling general dentist could use the procedure to improve the health, function, and surprisingly, sometimes the appearance of your smile.

Now that you understand when and why a tooth may require removal, how do you seek care for one? Well, as mentioned above Doctors Network can find a great dental practice in the Sterling, AK area. But if you don’t have coverage, you may worry about costs. Fortunately, we have a financing option! Our dental membership plan is opened with an initial fee and maintained with a monthly fee. For some, this could reduce the cost of care by up to 90%!

Tooth loss could lead to multiple complications for your smile. For example, this could impact your nutritional intake, or how clearly you can speak. But the most severe complication is the loss of integrity in the jaw. The body decreases the flow of calcium, phosphate, and other minerals to the areas without roots, which in turn causes bone loss and an older appearance and weakens the structure significantly. Which means you may not be able to receive dental implants to address lost teeth. But Doctors Network can connect you with a dentist in Sterling, AK who can make smiles ready for implants.

As discussed in previous posts, a bone grafting procedure helps strengthen the mandible, so it can support dental implants. But what about the upper arch? Instead of a grafting procedure, your Sterling dentist could perform a sinus lift. Essentially, the dentist will raise the sinus floor to induce the formation of new bone structure. The new structure can support dental implants. Once the new teeth are secured, this stimulates the growth of bone tissue to preserve the area. Your new teeth then stay in place for years, possibly even a lifetime.

If you need to strengthen your weakened upper jawbone to support a new smile, we could help. Our team can connect you with a Sterling, AK oral surgeon who can offer a sinus lift and takes Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. When your smile is strengthened and ready, dental implants could provide a whole smile again. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t let this stand between you and good oral health. Instead, talk to our team about our Direct Dental Plan. With a monthly fee, you can have treatments discounted by as much as 90% in some situations. A full smile is possible again!

According to the research by the CDC, over half of the population ages 30 and older suffer from gingival disease. Without treatment, this condition could lead to painful symptoms, including bleeding gums. The advanced stage, referred to as periodontitis, could also cause missing teeth. This is why care from a Sterling periodontist is necessary when you begin to exhibit the common warning signs. We can help by connecting you to one that accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. After all, your smile needs regular attention!

How does the disease start? The disease could occur due to improper brushing and flossing. Some could develop it due to severe plaque and tartar buildup, or due to tobacco use, inflammatory illness, certain medications, or even a family history of the disease. As we touched on above, warning signs include changes to your gingival tissues including soreness and bleeding. By seeing a dentist in Sterling, AK you can receive gum treatments like deep cleaning to bring relief and improve your oral health. These treatments could be covered by insurance plans.

If you notice these signs, or if you simply have not been to a dentist in recent months, you should schedule a visit. At Doctors Network, we can find the right dentists in Sterling who accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. A healthy and whole smile is always an option, and we can help facilitate this process!

You probably know many people who have had their wisdom tooth removed and are eager to describe their story to you. While this can be helpful, it is still crucial to consult with a dental professional. If you need these teeth extracted, it is important to have a wide range of information at your disposal. This will help you understand what to expect from wisdom teeth removal and what you should expect from the dentist. Luckily, Doctors Network can help you connect with a great dentist near you in Sterling, AK that accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The third molars or wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, and there are two on the top and two on the bottom. They most commonly appear between seventeen and twenty-five. Because they come in later than the rest of your teeth, their arrival can cause complications with your existing ones. They can erupt at odd angles, only partially come in, or overcrowd your current teeth. When this happens, they are probably going to be affected by bacteria and infections. If any of these situations happen, it can be very uncomfortable and can damage your existing teeth. If you think you might have impediments with wisdom teeth, it is important to see a Sterling dentist or oral surgeon quickly.

If you do need wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will determine how they will go about the procedure to make certain everything goes according to the plan. They will determine how many of your teeth need to be removed and how complex it could get. They will also determine the appropriate type of anesthesia and the condition of your existing teeth and nerve. Once they ascertain these facts, they can plan your treatment more easily. When you come in for the procedure, you will receive the appropriate anesthesia option, so you will not experience any pain. Your dentist will extract your teeth and monitor you the entire time to make sure you are ok. Once your wisdom teeth are extracted, you will receive post-operative instructions. Fortunately, there are many Sterling dentists that accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and can effectively extract your wisdom teeth.

Have you ever noticed popping or crackling sound in the jaw? Do you have persistent migraines? If so, this could be related to two common jaw joint issues. Around 25 million people in the United States suffer from chronic bruxism and TMJ dysfunction. Without treatment, these could not only lead to painful symptoms, but actually damage the teeth too! Fortunately, your friends at Doctors Network can connect you to a dental professional in Sterling, AK who accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

While very different from one another, one often increases the risk of the other. TMJ disorder develops when the joints connecting the jaw and skull are stressed. This could cause problems with jaw function. Common symptoms include pain in the jaw, head, and neck. Bruxism means you grind or clench your teeth nightly. The pressure could cause jaw pain. Teeth grinding could also damage teeth. This damage could lead to decayed teeth, infection, and more. Both disorders could be caused by issues that upset bite balance, and untreated TMJ disorder could lead to bruxism, and vice-versa. When you have persistent pain in your head and neck, you should find help. We can even connect you with a dentist in Sterling who accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

There are, however, multiple treatment options available; for some, relief is possible following crown placement, which improves bite balance. For others, treating misalignment with orthodontic treatment could ease strain and stop symptoms. The most common option offered by most dentists is an oral splint, which fits like a nightguard. If you need to find treatment from a Sterling dentist. then contact our team!