When you meet someone in Rancho Santa Margarita who is missing a front tooth, what does that say to you? Do you wonder if they were in an accident? Do you automatically start making assumptions about their income, level of education and overall physical health?

Though it is extremely unfair, we are often judged (and misjudged) by our appearance. Even if a person is impeccably dressed and groomed, a missing front tooth detracts from the overall pleasing impression.

Here is a personal story from a woman who lost a tooth:

I lost my job and along with it my dental insurance, then a month later, one of my front teeth. It has been very hard to find work…. and I know the missing tooth has cost me several jobs.”

A missing tooth can be a big deal.

Dental implants not only restore oral health, they restore self-confidence. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Studies have shown that after more than 20 years, the vast majority of dental implants placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to function at peak performance. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Not all cosmetic dental procedures are as extreme as teeth implants. There are many minimally-invasive remedies for unattractive smiles.

Porcelain veneers instantly provide a perfect, gleaming tooth surface for Rancho Santa Margarita patients with broken or discolored teeth. Tooth whitening is a quick and affordable dentistry procedure in Mission Viejo that achieves dramatic results without requiring the removal of any tooth structure. Call Parker Dentistry at 949-429-0717 for more information about smile design and restorative dentistry- Dr. Lincoln Parker

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

Q: When is the least expensive tooth replacement method really the most expensive?
A: When it ends up costing far more in the long run.

Dentistry patients who lose a tooth may not understand the importance of replacing it with a dental implant. They wrongly believe that one missing tooth is not a significant problem. In fact, some people who have an abscessed tooth extracted are so glad the pain is gone that they forget that the extraction is not the solution. When a tooth is lost, the risk of losing the adjacent teeth increases dramatically.

Dr. David Scharf, a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon and a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry says:

“Many times consumers will choose to replace a missing tooth with a removable partial denture because it is the least expensive option. In the long run however, removable partial dentures may be more costly due the loss of adjacent teeth and the need for future replacements. Many people opt to replace teeth with dental implants because they do not compromise the survival of the adjacent teeth.”

Dr. Scharf notes…

“With the price of gasoline and food soaring people try to cut back wherever they can. Unfortunately choosing the least expensive options for tooth replacement can have some very costly ramifications down the road.”

If you are missing a tooth, you may still be able to save the adjacent teeth if receive an implant soon. An implant bonds with the jaw bone and helps maintain its stability.

To schedule a dental implant consultation, call Parker Dentistry in Ladera Ranch at 949-429-0717. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we provide comprehensive general dentistry for families in the Ladera Ranch, California area.

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

Today’s Parker Dentistry blog post focuses on three dental-related myths:

All Sugar Is Equally Bad For Teeth
We all know that sugar increases our risk of tooth decay, but some types are worse than others. Sugar-based foods that sit on the teeth are more dangerous than those that are swallowed immediately. For example, sipping a soda or sucking on a mint can be worse than eating a candy bar all at once.

You Don’t Need To Worry About Baby Teeth Because They Will Fall Out Anyway
Healthy primary teeth serve several important purposes. They allow the child to eat and speak properly. They retain proper spacing of teeth. A healthy smile instills confidence and self-esteem. Healthy baby teeth eliminate the pain of decay which disrupts normal daily activity.

Pulling A Tooth Is Just As Good As A Root Canal
We will let the American Associate of Endodontists explain this one:
Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the very best option. Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant. Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.¹

At Parker Dentistry, we provide accurate answers to all of your dental questions.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry or CEREC crowns, call us today to schedule an appointment.

¹“Myths About Root Canals and Root Canal Pain,” American Associate of Endodontists, http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/myths-about-root-canals-and-root-canal-pain.aspx, accessed June 4, 2014

Contact Parker Dentistry: 949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

Not everything was better back in the “good old days.” Take dentures, for instance. Dentures have been around for generations and have certainly improved the lives of thousands of Ladera Ranch people who have lost many or all of their teeth.

However, Grandpa’s old-school false teeth are not the prime tooth replacement. Traditional dentures can impede many important oral functions: chewing, tasting, swallowing, talking, and smiling.

You may know denture wearers who have stopped attending social activities because they are embarrassed by dentures that are far from inconspicuous. Some have even stopped eating their favorite foods because their dentures cut down their capacity to taste and/or chew.

I have extraordinary news for Ladera Ranch residents with missing teeth: Dentures have evolved!

Implant-anchored or implant-supported dentures are far superior than old-school dentures for many patients. So much better, in fact, that there really should be another term for this industry-leading tooth replacement system – a term that doesn’t include the word “denture.” (If you can think of a good name, let us know.)

There are two types of implant anchored dentures; removable and permanent. No adhesive is necessary for either system. With the permanent type, screw retentions are anchored in the jaw to serve as attachment points for the denture. Permanent implant-supported dentures are very stable. In addition, they are usually less pricey than replacing each missing tooth with an implant. (The cost varies depending on the number of implants required and other factors.)

Screw retentions require enough bone thickness to allow the implant to securely mesh with the existing bone. Unfortunately, some patients who have been missing teeth for a long period of time have experienced bone recession. For patients who lack the needed amount of bone, mini-implants may be an alternative.

Removable implant anchored dentures have a locator attachment which allows the wearer to snap the appliance in place. Some patients prefer this type because they can remove them at night for cleaning. Countless Ladera Ranch patients who have traded in their traditional dentures report that their implant anchored dentures have significantly improved their life.

The remarkable benefits of implant-supported dentures include:

Increased comfort
Natural appearance
Normal tooth function
Improved durability
Better bone retention
Denture relines not needed
Minimal gum irritation
No denture adhesive needed

For more information about dental implants, call 949-429-0717 to schedule a consultation with Lincoln Parker. Parker Dentistry is located at 777 Corporate Dr. Ste 100 in Ladera Ranch. We have been providing quality care and personal attention since 2013.

Say Cheese!

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr. Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”
-Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605

When Cervantes wrote Don Quixote, there was no way to replace teeth that were lost to trauma or decay. We are fortunate to live here in Ladera Ranch at a time where there is a permanent cutting-edge replacement for missing teeth – the amazing Dental Implant.

A dental implant, or tooth implant, is anchored into the jaw bone. It does not slide around like a removable denture. It functions just like a natural tooth.

With a dental implant, you can talk, chew, and brush like normal. Eat that steak. Laugh out loud. Sing at the top of your lungs!

The dental implant procedure available in Ladera Ranch is not an experimental treatment. Dental implants have been available for many years. You can be sure that the dental implant procedure has been fully tested and tweaked to perfection. The success rate for dental implants in Ladera Ranch is almost one hundred percent.

If you have a missing tooth and want to get a tooth implant, it is vital to choose an experienced Ladera Ranch dental specialist to perform your implant procedure. To schedule a dental implant or cosmetic dentistry consultation at Parker Dentistry, call 949-429-0717.

A dental implant is a strong and beautiful tooth replacement that, incidentally, is less expensive than a diamond of similar size. (See the quote at the beginning of this article.) To discuss financing options, contact our office.

At Parker Dentistry, we offer the full spectrum of restorative, cosmetic, and general dental services. Ask us about these cosmetic dentistry treatments:

• Porcelain Veneers
• Dental Implants
• Invisalign Clear Braces
• Six Month Smiles
• Same Day Porcelain Crowns
• Teeth Whitening

At Parker Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing superior dental care for our valued patients.

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr. Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

Today’s dental technology has solved the issue of annoying loose-fitting dentures with an extraordinary tooth replacement option.

Instead of relying on your tongue, a weak suction, and some dental adhesive to keep false teeth in place, dental implant posts can anchor full or partial dentures. The dentures are secure enough to allow the wearer to eat an apple, chew a thick sandwich, or share a hearty laugh with certainty.

If you are missing a single tooth, many teeth, or all of your teeth, we invite you to learn more about state-of-the art implant-anchored dentures.

Implants can anchor either removable or fixed dentures. Due to the way each tooth space is properly fitted with a beautiful restoration, implants ordinarily fit better than traditional dentures. Dentures anchored with implant posts are comfortable, functional, and beautiful.

Call Dr. Lincoln Parker at Parker Dentistry (949-429-0717) for an appointment to explain industry-leading implant-anchored dentures.

Dr. Parker, a a well-respected dental professional, has been practicing dentistry since 2013.

At Parker Dentistry, we focus our efforts on complete patient satisfaction. Each member of our friendly team is committed to providing each patient with personal attention and the highest standard of care. Our patients enjoy our laid-back atmosphere while benefiting from our industry-leading technology and extensive experience.

Whether you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants or sedation dentistry, call 949-429-0717 to schedule an appointment. We are located at 777 Corporate Dr. Ste 100 in Ladera Ranch.

Say cheese!

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr. Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

If you are one of the many Ladera Ranch denture wearers, you know that they are not the ideal solution for missing teeth.

The problems with dentures include slipping, gum irritation, trouble eating and talking, bone loss, and inability to taste food because the palate is covered. Clearly, dentures do not feel and function like natural teeth.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help you avoid the need for dentures later in your life, but other factors can make dental replacements an inevitability.

The good news? Modern dental implant technology offers a better tooth restoration solution. If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures may dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth and you will be able to eat hard foods again.

How about a thick T-bone at your favorite Ladera Ranch steakhouse? In addition to being able to enjoy your meal, you will avoid the embarrassment of having your dentures rattle around in your mouth in public.

Before you pay for another denture reline, ask your Ladera Ranch dentist about the possibility of dental implants.

Attention Ladera Ranch denture wearers: there is life after dentures with tooth implants!

Come see us at Parker Dentistry at 777 Corporate Dr. Ste 100 in Ladera Ranch, 92694 for more information about dental implants, sedation dentistry, laser dentistry, and more.

Lincoln Parker
Parker Dentistry
777 Corporate Dr. Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California 92694
949-429-0717
https://theladeraranchdentist.com/meet-dr-parker/