Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A: A dental implant is a small man-made titanium screw that serves as a replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth.  The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth.  Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or several missing teeth.  Implant-supported teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth.  Dental implants are a research-proven restorative option with a long clinical history (since the 1960's).  
A:

Anyone who is missing one or more of their due to injury, disease, decay, or never developed individual permanent teeth may be a candidate for dental implants.  If one, a few or all teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown and bridge can replace those teeth.  Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits dental implants offer.  However, health is more of a determining factor than age.  If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to receive dental implants.  Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants as part of your comprehensive dental treatment plan. 

A: Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they anticipated.  IV anesthesia and/or sedation are often used to eliminate discomfort at the time of the procedure.  Our patients are free to choose the type of anesthesia appropriate for them: local anesthesia, nitrous-oxide and oxygen, or IV anesthesia.  Typically, our patients tell us that they took 1 pain pill after surgery.  Although it seems like it should be opposite, the implant placement is the least painful of our procedures - the extraction is probably the worst - so you might already be past the hard part!
A: The benefits of implant dentistry include appearance, the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food, and often protection of your remaining teeth and jawbone.  Dental implants are often utilized as part of an overall smile design/cosmetic dental reconstruction with crowns, bridges, tooth whitening, veneers, etc.  In short, dental implants will look,feel and function like your real teeth (some patients call dental implants their '3rd set' of teeth).
A: Treatment time will vary depending on your unique situation.  With proper planning, it is possible to get well-functioning and esthetic-looking teeth the same day as the implant surgery (which could be the same day as tooth removal).  Depending on the need for bone grafting and/or extraction healing times, treatment can range from the same day to 1 year.  Typically, lower jaw implants heal faster than upper jaw implants - many lower jaw implants need 6-8 weeks for healing time.
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Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth.  Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums.  Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar).  This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone.  This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

  • Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!
A:

Our goal is to always have you wearing some type of temporary prosthesis, if desired.  This is an important part of the implant consultation and presurgical planning.  In almost all circumstances, your general dentist or prosthodontist will provide the temporary for you (we will insert the prosthesis at the time of surgery).

A:

Teeth supported by implant have been shown to last over 15 years in about 90% of cases.  Most patients can expect them to last a lifetime.  The first dental implant patient recieved his implants 40 years ago and they are still functioning today.  However, patients can expect to perform routine home oral hygiene and professional cleanings at their general dentist's office in order to ensure a high long-term success rate.