Category Archives: Dental Implants

Reasons You May Need to Have Your Tooth Pulled | Palm Harbor Dentist

Having a toothache can be excruciating, no matter how it comes about. Not only can you have trouble eating, but the headaches that go hand-in-hand can drive a person insane. So, it’s off to the dentist for an assessment – it’s time to have a tooth extracted.

There are a few reasons why you would ever have to have your tooth pulled: Impaction, infection or decay. We are going to break down each reason and how your smile can be improved.

Impacted tooth. A tooth that is trapped beneath the gumline is known as an impacted tooth. A very common type of an impacted tooth is what we also call a wisdom tooth. Left untreated, these teeth can damage surrounding teeth and accelerate gum disease. Common symptoms: red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath and pain when chewing.

Infected tooth. When a tooth is infected, it becomes filled with pus and other debris, also known as an abscessed tooth. Left untreated, these teeth can lead to more serious infections throughout the body. Remember, our mouth is the first line of defense for our overall health. The importance of taking care of our dental health is of the utmost importance. Common symptoms: tooth sensitivity, fever, swelling around the infected area, bad breath or pain when chewing.

Tooth decay. Unfortunately, this is the final stage of a tooth’s life, because tooth decay is permanent and irreversible. The good thing is, the extracted tooth can be replaced by a crown, bridge or dental implant, depending on your situation. Because these teeth are brittle and have visible holes, they are also prone to infection. If you are having intense dental pain, don’t delay – make an appointment as soon as possible.

If you’re interested in learning more about tooth extractions, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Steps You Can Do to Fix Your Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

We can all appreciate a perfect smile, but not all smiles are the same. Just as each face is different, so are our smiles. So, when something happens to our smile, we want to fix it as soon as possible. The great thing is that there are lots of things you and your dental professional can do to fix whatever your issue is, namely through dental implants, bridges and dentures. And while they are meant to fix the same types of issues, dental implants are the most naturally similar to our natural teeth.

Because dental implants are permanent fixtures of titanium posts anchored to your jawbone and topped off with an all-new replacement tooth or a bridge that’s screwed or cemented into the posts themselves, they feel and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants are not always the best choice, and that is where fixed bridges and removable dentures come into play. This is why treatment options are based a case-by-case basis. As a bonus, if maintained properly, they can last for as long as 25 years. This is a full ten years to the 7 to 15 years that fixed bridges and removable dentures can only last for until they need to be replaced.

Ideal candidates for dental implants are those with good general and oral health, as well as having enough bone in their jaw to help support the implant. Although, those who’ve lost bone in their jaws in the past do not have to worry as much as they can still have implants if they go through a bone-grafting procedure first.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Is Easter Good for Your Smile? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Springtime is a wonderful time of year. The sun shines brighter, nature is blossoming – there are lots of reasons to want to smile during this time of year. And with springtime comes the Easter season. Pastel colors, baby farm animals and colorful hidden eggs abound. But is the Easter Bunny hurting your smile?

Easter baskets. One of the staples of Easter is the egg hunt – this necessitates the use of a basket. For some little ones, these baskets are filled with candies and other little gifts from the Easter Bunny. We all know that candy isn’t good for our teeth, but in moderation, everything can be enjoyed. Try to stay away from overindulging in hard, sticky candies. Not only do they stay in your mouth longer as they dissolve, but they can break teeth or other dental appliances, like braces. Believe it or not, but chocolate is the best for you, especially the darker varieties. Fancy a chocolate bunny?

Easter eggs. A childhood favorite during this cheerful holiday is dying hard-boiled eggs. The designs and colors not only dazzle the eyes during egg hunts, but it’s a family activity that really brings home the reason for the season. Fortunately, eggs are a great source of protein, and our teeth need protein to stay strong. One large egg contains 95 mg of phosphorus and its protein to phosphorous ratio is excellent. Since the yolk of an egg contains vitamin D also, eating them is an easy way to get two needed tooth nutrients in one shot.

But beyond pretty eggs, lots of the foods we eat during our Easter feast are great for our teeth. Fruits, veggies and meats all have bits that can benefit our smiles. Happy Easter!

If you’re interested in learning more about keeping your teeth healthy and strong, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

When Eating Ice Cream Begins to Hurt Your Teeth | Palm Harbor Dentist

If you’ve ever experienced a sharp and annoying pain in your teeth whenever you indulge in the wonderful frozen treats this summery weather can provide? No one wants to hear that they can’t have ice cream or iced tea because their teeth are too sensitive. So, what causes this cruel summertime malady?

Loss of tooth enamel, which leaves the dentin exposed, is the main reason why tooth sensitivity occurs. This may happen if you’ve been using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one, as it may wear away as the abrasion can wear away the tooth enamel. However, it can also be the result of frequent consumption of acidic foods or gum recession.

It is important to take note, however, that the sharp pain when exposed to hot and cold food and beverages is not always caused by tooth sensitivity. Sometimes, it may be because of the following:

A cracked, chipped or fractured tooth
Dental caries
Constant grinding or clenching of the teeth, or a condition known as bruxism
A broken restoration that’s been leaking
A side effect of certain teeth whitening procedures, namely tooth bleaching

In order to find out if your teeth are indeed sensitive, talk to your dentist. Be sure to describe your symptoms in detail, like when the pain first started or anything you’ve done for the pain. Using your descriptions, the dentist will try to find out the possible cause of your sensitivity, and once finished, the dentist will then treat the underlying cause. The treatment will usually vary, depending on the case.

If you’re interested in learning more about tooth sensitivity, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Halloween Edition | Palm Harbor Dentist

As parents, we want to give our children the world. Thankfully, we as parents have the good sense to restrict the things we know aren’t good for them. Things become a bit trickier when it comes to things like Halloween. Ghosts, goblins and gooey sweets is the name of the game on this scary holiday. It is tough to impose good health when you’re surrounded by treats. Depriving your child of everything that this scary holiday celebrates won’t score you any parenting points, so it’s important to keep a balance between having spooky fun and staying good health. Because not all candy is the same, why not just weed out the really bad ones? Here are the top four sweetest enemies:

Skittles. Skittles may want you to taste rainbows, but they are also letting you ruin your teeth’s enamel by combining sweet and sour for a pH level of 2.5, levels so high they can cause serious damage to your little one’s teeth.

Caramel. Not only does the sticky texture stick to your teeth’s surface and loves to get deep into the crevices, but it can also loosen dental fixtures, like braces or fillings, making it especially harmful for those with dental work.

Gummy Bears. Similar to caramels and other sticky candies, the gelatin used to make the gummy candy gummy, also sticks to the crevices of your teeth, making it difficult to remove.

Jolly Ranchers. Not only are they a hard candy that can damage teeth when bitten but sucking on hard candy isn’t a quick process, and the sugar wastes no time working their way into a tooth.

If you’re interested in learning more about Halloween candy, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Why You Should Consider Getting Veneers | Palm Harbor Dentist

When it comes time to make improvements on your smile, there are loads of different treatment options you should consider. You will likely work with your dental professional to create an official treatment plan, but it is important to know that veneers can solve many dental issues one may have, but with a lot less fuss or pain.

If you are unaware of what veneers are, porcelain veneers are thin custom-made shells of porcelain that are used to cover the front surface of one or more teeth. And here’s a list of reasons they may be the ideal choice:

Severely discolored teeth. Sometimes staining can go through the enamel, staining the dentin and discoloring it. Teeth whitening techniques, such as bleaching may not be viable in these types of cases.

Misshapen or worn teeth. If your teeth are only slightly crooked, veneers may be the better choice over braces. They can take years to improve misalignments, while veneers can improve one’s smile within a week or two.

Long-lasting. By practicing proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings, porcelain veneers can last up to fifteen years.

Smile enhancement. It can take as little as three visits to your dentist’s office to get a set of porcelain veneers, making them a quick and easy solution to obtaining a beautiful smile.

Painless. Placing porcelain veneers is a simple dental procedure. Anesthetics are not required as the actual procedure doesn’t cause pain or any significant discomfort.

Game changer. Not only can they drastically improve a patient’s smile, porcelain veneers can improve one’s self-confidence.

If you’re interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Why You Should Consider Dental Implants | Palm Harbor Dentist

When we have a flawed smile, we visit our dentist for help. But depending on your circumstances, your treatment options will be tailored to fit your needs. If dental implants are an option, don’t shy away from the idea. Today’s technology has made incredible advances, and these replacements are better than ever.

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that resemble a tooth of a group of teeth. Most commonly used for individuals who have cracked or even missing teeth, dental implants provide a multitude of advantages to any individual looking to create a beautiful smile! Here are some of the advantages of considering dental implants:

Versatility. Though dental implants have their own single purpose in replacing missing or cracked teeth, they may also serve as an important part in other restorative procedures. A tooth implant can support a dental crown, as well as dental bridges.

Naturalness. Most individuals look to dental implants because they are the closest to natural that fake teeth can get. These days, your dentist will design these implants to look and feel the most natural that they can be, even taking the time to get the color right so that they blend in with your natural teeth. No one will know the difference.

Confidence. People who suffer from missing teeth are oftentimes uncomfortable with their appearances and tend to refrain from smiling at all. This can not only affect your days but can begin to take a toll on your demeanor. Because dental implants are so natural looking, one’s confidence should be restored, especially when flashing a smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder | Palm Harbor Dentist

Do you have difficulty eating because you have begun to experience jaw pain? It is important that you do not ignore it. A “bad bite” occurs when your teeth are misaligned, which causes the jaw muscles to apply extra pressure in order to compensate for the poor alignment of your teeth. This increased stress on the surface of the teeth leads to cracks and chips, and jaw pains.

When the muscle strain extends to the temporomandibular joint, located where the upper and lower jaws meet, individuals will suffer from temporomandibular disorder or TMJ.

Because it is difficult to tell what is going on when we start to get a random pain, a dental professional will highly encourage their patients to schedule an appointment as soon as they notice they’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, as they are common indicators of TMJ:

Toothaches. Pain in multiple teeth or the jaw joint

Limited jaw movement. Difficulty when eating or speaking

Damaged dental work. Cracked, chipped or broken dental restorations

Headache. Especially when opening and closing your jaw

Ear pain. In front of or below the ear, with no other signs of ear infection

Noises “in your head”. Grinding, crunching or popping sounds

If you are experience any of the listed symptoms, it is essential to consult a dental professional about treatment options to diminish your tooth, jaw, and headaches caused by TMJ. Postponing treatment will only lead to further issues that will affect other areas. For a reliable professional near you, call Dr. Lieberman today.

If you’re interested in learning more about jaw pain, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Which Dentures Are Right for Me? | Palm Harbor Dentist

There are three types of dentures – the conventional full denture, the partial denture and the immediate full denture. When you are at your dental appointment, your dentist will be the one to recommend which of the three fits your particular case best, or if you’ll benefit better from a different type of dental treatment. Here’s a quick rundown:

Conventional full dentures. The conventional full denture is placed in the mouth only after the remaining teeth have been removed and tissues have been given enough time to heal. The healing process typically takes several months, during which time you will be without teeth. Special care instructions are given to prevent complications resulting from the lack of teeth. Expect to change one’s diet until the gums and its tissues have fully healed.

Immediate full dentures. This type of denture is inserted immediately after all the remaining teeth have been removed. Thus, it is a viable alternative for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of living without their teeth for months. The drawback, though, is that multiple dental visits are necessary as the dentures will have to be relined because the bone supporting the teeth changes its shape as it heals, which if not corrected will cause the denture to become loose.

Partial dentures. Partial dentures are placed on top of a metal framework that’s attached to the remaining natural teeth. In many cases, crowns are placed on top of some of the natural teeth to serve as anchors for the dentures and to ensure a better, more stable fit. Partial dentures are often advised to those who dislike the permanent nature of dental bridges.

If you’re interested in learning more about dentures, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Dental Implants: Perfect Your Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

When we think about the ideal smile, most of us turn to our favorite celebrity. For some reason it seems like you need a perfect smile to make it big. But what you may not realize is that those celebrities have had some type of dental work done to get that perfect smile. That dental procedure? Dental implants.

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that resemble a tooth of a group of teeth. Most commonly used for individuals who have cracked or even missing teeth, dental implants provide a multitude of advantages when designing that smile you’ve always wanted. Here are the top three reasons you should consider dental implants to achieve that Hollywood smile:

Naturalness. Most individuals look to dental implants because they are the closest to natural that fake teeth can get. Your dentist will design these implants to look and feel the most natural that they can be, even taking the time to get the color right so that they blend in with your natural teeth!

Confidence. People who suffer from missing teeth are oftentimes uncomfortable with their appearances, causing some type of self-esteem issues. Because dental implants are so natural looking, no one will be able to tell you’ve had any work done, boosting one’s confidence and improving any speech impairments or other issues that may have arisen.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.