Our Blog

Never before have dental implants looked as natural and aesthetically pleasing as they do today. With the help of computer-aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Dr. James Robson and our team are able to create implants with impeccable fit and finish. Although these technologies have been in use since the 1980s, it's only recently that they became efficient and cost-effective enough to be useful.

Dr. James Robson can also take digital scans of your teeth, providing a much more in-depth and accurate representation of them when compared to traditional X-rays. This scan can be used to create a physical model of your teeth through the use of 3D printing technology, allowing for the utmost in accuracy when planning your implant treatment.

Since each of our patients are unique, these CAD/CAM technologies offer a highly customized approach to implant dentistry that helps avoid the "one-size-fits-all" ways of the past. The goal is to have an implant look and function as closely as it can to the tooth it's replacing. That’s why these implants are typically milled using ceramic or composite resin — materials chosen due to their durability and resemblance to teeth.

Even the planning of your surgery can be aided and guided by computers. 3D CT scans create a digital representation of your mouth including all significant anatomical markers. This data is imported into planning software which, coupled with CAD/CAM implant technology, is able to 3D print surgical guides that snap into place over a patient's teeth. This means less risk for surgical error and much more accurately placed dental implants.

The main benefits of CAD/CAM dental implants are that they:

• Are extremely accurate for every patient, down to 50 micrometers
• Have better long-term results and more natural-looking implants
• Can be manufactured quickly, the same day in many cases

Of course this is just a quick summary of the benefits, and a computer-modeled implant may not always be the best option. If you have questions about the dental implants or the technologies we use to make them look as natural as possible, feel free to contact our East Lyme, CT office.

The average dental implant can last a lifetime if taken care of properly. In fact, studies have shown that the success rate of implants after ten years is about 90%! Of course, Dr. James Robson and our team know that the better you care for your implant, the longer it will last.

There are a few factors that must be taken into consideration, when you are considering dental implants. These factors all play a role in how long your dental implants will last.

• Bone Structure – You must have enough bone in your mouth for the implants to be inserted. Over time, the bone can wear down and become too thin or to short. In cases, where you may have just enough bone for the implants, over the years, the bone will continue to become smaller and thinner and the implants will not last nearly as long as the suggested minimum of ten years.
• Healthy Gums – Diseased gums will not support dental implants for very long. It is important to maintain regular dental visits to maintain your healthy gums.
• Good Oral Hygiene – Just because your implants are not your “real” teeth, doesn’t mean you have to take care of them. That means brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings.

Bone structure, healthy gums, and good oral hygiene all play a crucial role in the length of time your dental implants will last. Whether you have full dental implants, partial implants, or a single tooth implant. The bottom line is you have to take care of them if you want them to last as long as possible.

For more tips on how to maintain the health of your dental implant, visit our East Lyme, CT office!

From a student handing out sweets for her classmates to an older married couple exchanging boxes of candy, Valentine’s Day is the time of year when people like to show affection by gifting sugary treats to their loved ones. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of Valentine’s Day candy, you can celebrate the holiday in a healthier way by making dark chocolate your confection of choice.

Contribute to Your Health

According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that the cocoa beans used to make chocolate contain flavonoids, which can help protect the body against damage from various toxins. Flavonoids may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and the brain. Dark chocolates typically contain a higher amount of flavonoids than other types, making them a great choice for chocolate lovers. However, you should keep in mind that many companies produce chocolate that is so heavily processed that the flavonoids are largely eliminated. Your best bet is to look for high-quality dark chocolates and cocoa powders that have undergone minimal processing.

Protect Against Cavities

If you think there’s no way candy could ever be beneficial for your teeth, think again. The Texas A&M Health Science Center has reported that the tannins present in cocoa beans may actually help prevent cavities by interfering with bacteria’s harmful interaction with teeth. Just like with flavonoids, tannins have been found to be present more often in dark chocolates, rather than milk chocolates, giving you another great reason to choose the richer, sweet varieties.

Avoid a Sticky Situation

One more benefit of choosing chocolate over other candies is that it is less likely to get stuck in the crevices and spaces between teeth. Gooey sweets like taffy can stay lodged in the mouth for longer periods of time, putting you at a greater risk for developing cavities. When you choose your chocolate, be sure to avoid types that also contain sticky ingredients like caramel or marshmallow, and instead opt for the plain varieties.

Remember that the health benefits you can receive from dark chocolate are largely based on eating the candy in moderation. With that being said, it’s easy to make this delicious and health conscious switch when you’re out shopping for your sweetheart, friends, loved ones, and yourself. Have fun satisfying your sweet tooth this year and Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Robson Dentistry!

Many of us with feline and canine friends are positive we’ve seen them smiling. After all, who hasn’t basked in the tooth-filled grin of their delighted dog or the pleased expression of their contented cat?

Animal behaviorists will tell us, though, that our pets actually use many different body cues to signal happiness—and eyes, ears, and tails are better clues as to how happy or unhappy our furry companions are.

But even though animals don’t smile exactly the way we do, they do share some of the same oral concerns as their humans. Since February is Pet Dental Health Month, let’s look at some dental tips to keep your cats and dogs their healthiest and happiest.

Be Aware of Your Pet’s Dental Health Risks

Did you know that tooth and gum health is essential to the well-being of your canine or feline BFF? While cats and dogs don’t suffer from cavities as much as we do, they can suffer oral pain, infection, and trauma without proper dental care.

• Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in pets. Oral bacteria, food particles, and saliva combine and form plaque deposits which stick to the teeth. Over time, unless it’s removed, this plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar.

When plaque and tartar harden above and below the gumline, pets can develop gum irritation, inflammation, gingivitis, and, eventually, a serious gum disease called periodontitis. Untreated periodontal disease leads to infection, bone and tissue damage, and tooth loss.

• Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption is another common cause of tooth loss in both cats and dogs. The inside of the tooth structure begins to erode, weakening the tooth and leaving it vulnerable to infection.

The cause of this disease is unknown, but the results can be quite painful and progressive. Your vet can determine which treatments might be effective to save your pet’s tooth or to alleviate pain.

• Trauma

A broken or fractured tooth should be examined by a veterinarian. A root canal, pulp therapy, or extraction might be needed to treat severe pain and infection.

Schedule Regular Exams with Your Vet

Your veterinarian is your partner in keeping four-legged family members healthy. Your dog or cat should see the vet at least once a year for a general checkup. At this time, your vet will look carefully at your pet’s teeth and gums to find any potential oral injuries or diseases.

Regular checkups mean you’ll catch any dental problems before they become more serious. Veterinarians can provide tips on daily dental care, recommend the best diet, suggest hygiene products and toys which promote dental health, and clean and treat your pet’s teeth under anesthesia if needed.

Know When to Call Your Vet

Your pets’ teeth and gums are your best guide to their oral health. If you see any of these symptoms of gum disease or tooth resorption an appointment with the veterinarian is in order:

• unusually unpleasant breath
• brown or yellow stains on the teeth
• swollen or bleeding gums
• pawing at the mouth
• heavy drooling
• loss of appetite

And, of course, If your cat or dog injures a tooth, you should call your vet immediately.

Clean Your Pet’s Teeth

One way to make sure that your pet’s teeth are the healthiest they can be is with brushing and cleaning. This is a project best started when your pet is young and more easily trained.

There are toothbrushes, toothpastes, and dental wipes designed just for your dog and cat (don’t use human products—they can be abrasive and unsafe). Your vet is the best resource for learning how to get your pet used to a toothbrush or finger brush.

If, despite your best efforts, brushing just isn’t going to happen, talk to your vet about anti-plaque additives, rinses, and gels formulated just for your pet.

Watch Your Pet’s Diet

Like us, our cats and dogs benefit from a dental-healthy diet. Different pets have different needs when it comes to the mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients required for strong teeth and bones. Some foods are formulated with anti-plaque ingredients. Kibbles and treats are available with coatings designed to help prevent plaque formation.

Your veterinarian can help you discover the best foods for your pet’s needs, whether commercial or prescription.

We all love healthy smiles. Protect your dog’s fetching grin or your cat’s purr-fect gums in East Lyme, CT by making their oral health a pet project all year long.