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Major problems arise when we lose natural teeth. Obviously, there are problems with consuming solid foods. Even speaking clearly 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 help you find a good St. Michael dentist who is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and offers this care. In addition, we could also discuss our membership plan to make care affordable!

Bone grafting is also known as ridge augmentation. Essentially this enables the dentist to rebuild jawbone structure in your mandible. Your dentist could use a number of different options. Tissue could be taken from the back of the jaw or the hip. Donor materials like bovine bone could also be used. Some opt for synthetic materials. During oral surgery, these are applied to the areas of weakened structure in the mandible.

Once the area heals, biocompatible 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 St. Michael, AK who performs jawbone grafting, and also let you know about our dental plan to make sure your treatment fits your budget!

When you have a toothache, or a tooth that is chipped, you need treatment. 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 book a visit with a Blue Cross Blue Shield dentist in St. Michael, AK who can offer a effective tooth extraction as needed.

As we discussed earlier, severe cavities or injury could be why a tooth needs extraction. But a dentist could also remove one that is loosened by periodontal disease. Taking out a tooth could improve bite balance and chewing function. Extraction could also provide room for orthodontic treatment! In many cases, this could prevent complications from wisdom teeth. 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 St. Michael dentist could use the extraction to improve the function, health, and even the beauty of your smile.

Now that you understand when a tooth may require removal, how do you seek care for one? Well, as mentioned above Doctors Network can find your dentist in the St. Michael, AK area. But if you don’t have dental insurance, you may worry about costs. Fortunately, we have a payment plan! Our dental membership plan is opened with an initial fee and maintained with a small fee each month. For some, this could reduce the cost of care by up to ninety percent!

Tooth loss could lead to several problems for your smile. For example, this could impact your nutritional intake, or how clearly you can talk. 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 jaw significantly. Which means you may not be able to receive dental implants to address your missing teeth. But Doctors Network can connect you with a dentist in St. Michael, AK who can strengthen your smile.

As we’ve discussed in previous posts, a ridge augmentation procedure helps strengthen the mandible, so it can support dental implants. But what about the the upper area? Instead of a grafting procedure, your St. Michael dentist could perform a sinus lift. Essentially, the dentist will push up the sinus floor to generate new support 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 can then stay firm for decades, possibly even a lifetime.

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

According to studies by the CDC, over half of adults ages 30 and older suffer from periodontal disease. Without treatment, this condition could lead to painful symptoms, including bleeding gums. The advanced stage, referred to as periodontitis, could also cause tooth loss. This is why care from a St. Michael dental professional is necessary when you begin to experience sore, red, and bleeding gums. We can help by connecting you to one that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield. After all, your smile needs regular attention!

How does the poor gum health come about? The disease could occur due to poor oral hygiene habits. Others could develop it due to infrequent dental cleanings, or due to gingivitis, tobacco use, certain medications, or even a family history of the disease. As we touched on above, warning signs include sore, red, and bleeding gums. By seeing a dentist in St. Michael, AK you can receive periodontal treatments like deep cleaning to bring relief and improve your oral health. These options could be accepted by insurance plans.

If you feel concerned, or if you simply have not been to a dentist since the pandemic started, you should book an appointment. At Doctors Network, we can make sure you find dentists in St. Michael who accept Blue Cross Blue Shield. Good oral health is always an option, and we can help connect you to your new dentist!

You probably have lots of friends who have had their wisdom tooth extracted 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 your wisdom teeth extracted, it is best to have a plethora of information at your disposal. This will help you understand what to expect from the procedure and what you should look for in a dentist. Luckily, Doctors Network can help you connect with a great dentist near you in St. Michael, AK that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The third molars or wisdom teeth are in the back of your mouth, and there are two on the top and two on the bottom. They typically appear between the ages of 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 directions, only partially erupt, or overcrowd your current teeth. When this happens, they are more susceptible to harmful bacteria. If any of these conditions take place, it can be very uncomfortable and can damage your dentition. If you think you might have complications with wisdom teeth eruption, it is important to see a St. Michael oral surgeon quickly.

If you need wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will determine how they will go about the procedure to make sure everything goes without complications. They will determine which of your wisdom teeth need to be removed and how complex it could get. They will also determine the appropriate type of sedation and the condition of your existing teeth. Once they ascertain these facts, they can extract your wisdom teeth more easily. When you come in for the procedure, you will receive the appropriate anesthesia option, so you will not experience pain. Your dentist will extract your teeth and pay attention to your needs the entire time to make sure you are ok. Once your wisdom teeth are extracted, you will be provided with post-surgery care instructions. Fortunately, there are many St. Michael dentists that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and can effectively pull your wisdom teeth.

Did you ever notice popping or crackling sound in the jaw? Do you have frequent headaches or jaw pain? 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 dentist in St. Michael, AK who accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield.

While very different from one another, these two disorders are often related. TMJ disorder develops when the jaw joints undergo excessive strain. 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 of clenching could cause jaw pain. Teeth grinding could also fracture or break your teeth. This damage could lead to decay, infection, and more. Both disorders could be caused by issues that upset bite balance, and untreated TMJ disorder could cause 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 St. Michael who accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Treatment options often vary; for some, relief is possible following recontouring, which improves bite balance. For others, treating malocclusion with Invisalign could ease strain and stop symptoms. The most common option offered by most dentists is an oral splint, which fits like a mouthguard. If you need to find treatment from a St. Michael dentist. then contact our team!