General Questions
Questions relating to Dental Implants
 What
are dental implants?
Implants are natural looking replacements for missing teeth.
The implant itself is a post that attaches to your jawbone.
This post provides an anchor for your general dentist to place
crowns, bridges or other restorations.
We are experts in the placement of dental implant posts. Dental
implants begin with an evaluation by your general dentist who
will decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
For more detailed information, please see the section entitled "Dental
Implants".
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Do implants
work as well as natural teeth?
Dental implants function much better than removable teeth,
(e.g. partials or dentures). Patients often comment that dental
implants are so natural in appearance and function that it
is like having their natural teeth back. Today’s
advancements make implants function within 90% of the efficiency
of natural teeth in terms of both bite and feel.
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How much do
dental implants cost?
The cost of implants varies from patient to patient, depending
on the complexity of each case. As a general rule, however,
the investment can be expected to be within the range of anyone
who can afford fixed bridgework.
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How soon is
it possible to eat after receiving dental implants?
As soon as the final restoration has been placed, you can
resume normal eating again. A strict soft diet is necessary
between placing the implant and placing the final restoration
since stress prior to the final cementing of the restorative
tooth could cause the implant to be weakened and fail.
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Questions relating to Periodontal Disease
What is periodontal
disease?
Periodontal disease (also known as periodontal infection,
gum disease or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the gums
around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious
bacteria that gets deep into your gums and causes tissue inflammation.
This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your
teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more
information, please see the section entitled "Periodontal
Disease".
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What are the symptoms
of periodontal infection?
Because periodontal infection grows under your gums,
you can have no symptoms at all. Patients with more advanced
periodontal disease may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Tooth sensitivity to heat/cold
- Bad breath
- Deep pockets around the teeth
- Spaces between the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Missing teeth
- Gums receding around the teeth (longer looking teeth)
For more information see the section entitled "Periodontal
Disease".
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Why, all of a sudden,
is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
Periodontists have advanced training in the treatment
of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.
Patients with periodontal infection have a lowered resistance
to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection
that can grow in bursts of activity. Some factors that can
cause a dramatic increase in the severity of your periodontal
disease are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Stress
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
Two other important factors are:
- Lack of regular dental checkups.
- Lack of regular dental cleanings.
When your infection has a "burst" of growth, or
when there are signs that this is may occur, your dentist may
recommend periodontal treatment.
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How is periodontal
disease treated?
Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums and
jawbone. The goal of treatment is to remove this infection
and prevent it from coming back. The specific treatment required
to do this will vary with each patients' individual needs.
After your initial examination, we will completely explain
your different options for treatment.
For more information see Procedures.
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Does periodontal
treatment hurt?
One of our primary concerns is that you have a comfortable
experience during treatment. Towards this end, we offer an
extensive array of the latest techniques to minimize discomfort.
Many of our patients come back stating they are amazed at how
little discomfort they experienced.
For more information on the patient comfort techniques we
use, see our Procedures page.
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Why must I start
treatment right away?
Periodontal infection grows in "bursts of activity".
It is likely that you have been referred to us because your
general dentist has noticed an increase in infection activity.
This infection eats away at the bone that supports your teeth
(leading to tooth loss). If not treated, there can be a number
of consequences. Please see the Dental & Medical
Consequences section for a list of these.
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General Questions
What is going
to happen on my first visit?
On your first visit to our office, you will receive
a periodontal examination. You should experience little, if
any, discomfort during this examination. If necessary, X rays
will be taken to further evaluate any loss of bone around your
teeth.
Afterwards, our findings and your options for treatment will
be thoroughly explained. At that time, the doctor will answer
any questions you may have.
Our goal is that you leave with a complete understanding of
your condition and the treatment needed to restore you to optimum
oral health.
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How much will
treatment cost and will my insurance cover it?
Everyone deserves to keep their natural teeth for
a lifetime. While periodontal treatment is not as costly as
replacing natural teeth due to tooth loss, its cost can vary
greatly depending upon your needs.
If you have dental insurance, this may provide full or partial
coverage. Our office will contact your insurance company to
learn what they will cover. We do accept assignment of most
insurance benefits and your responsibility will only be to
cover the remainder.
We feel that finances should never be an obstacle to treatment.
For your convenience, we offer several payment options. We
also have payment plans to suit your individual needs. Our
insurance coordinator will be happy to answer any of your financial
or insurance questions.
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What are the
medical consequences if I delay treatment?
When periodontal infection gets into the bone around
your teeth, it can then enter your blood stream. From there
it travels to other parts of the body and can contribute to
medical problems.
Recent research has found that patients with periodontal disease
are more than twice as likely to suffer heart disease and stroke.
Please read the section entitled "Dental & Medical
Consequences" to see an overview of recent research correlating
periodontal disease with serious medical problems.
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Do you use the
latest equipment and techniques?
We keep ourselves up to date regarding equipment and
periodontal procedures. You can be certain you will receive
state-of-the-art care in our office.
Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should
be safe as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization
techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and
sterilization see the section entitled "Procedures".
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What other treatments
do you provide?
Besides periodontal treatment and dental implants,
we can perform a number of procedures, including:
Prescriptive Periodontal Procedures:
- Crown lengthening
- Antibiotic treatment
- Ridge augmentation
- Connective tissue grafting
Cosmetic Procedures:
- Gingival (gum) contouring
- Aesthetic crown lengthening
- Soft tissue grafting
For more information on these procedures, please see the section
entitled "Procedures".
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How is my general
dentist important in my overall care?
Your general dentist knows your entire dental history,
the condition of your teeth, and your future dental needs.
He is in charge of your overall dental care. We work closely
with him or her to ensure you will receive the best possible
dental care.
In many cases, your general dentist may do your preliminary
periodontal treatment and a portion of your periodontal maintenance
afterwards.
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