FAQ's
Can I eat before my procedure? +
If you are only having local anesthetic, you may eat normally without issue.
If you are having oral or IV sedation, do not eat and follow the specific care instructions we provided you. Small sips of water are fine to drink while taking your pre-med prescriptions. Take your important routine medications like blood pressure as normal unless otherwise directed. My normal meal includes several cups of coffee followed by a cigarette, is that ok? +
Sorry, but that is not a good idea. Coffee will only make you more nervous. Tobacco products in any form should not be used at all on the day of and for as long after the day of surgery as possible. Nicotine is a potent constrictor of blood vessels, shutting off blood supply that is critical for wound healing. If you cannot resist the cravings then use a dermal patch (not nicotine gum) to sustain your addiction. Why can’t I just take my sedative pills at home and then drive quickly to my appointment? +
Though it may be a while before you feel the effects of the sedative, absorption can occur quickly depending on your body’s response. The hour you spend here prior to your surgery will be a time to relax instead of a time being stressed from driving. Also, since you will not be driving yourself home, there will not be a need to retrieve your car on another day. Can I use the mouth rinse more than twice a day? +
Twice a day is all you need since the effects of the rinse last for 12-14 hrs. Using the mouth rinse more does not increase its effectiveness. In fact, it may increase the side effects such as staining, plaque formation and canker sores.
We will be as gentle as possible. The periodontal exam can be completed with little or no discomfort. |
Not everyone with periodontal disease needs surgery. We believe in a conservative, yet very effective, approach to treating periodontal disease. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. There are cases where surgery is indicated and may be the only appropriate treatment. We will make recommendations based on your individual needs. We offer the latest in minimally invasive procedures including laser periodontal therapy.
The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat and save most teeth. We are adept at helping regenerate lost bone in the jaw to help stabilize teeth to prevent tooth loss. Unfortunately, some teeth that have suffered extensive bone loss from longstanding periodontal disease may not be able to be saved. We will make recommendations after more conservative treatment is provided first and the tooths poor prognosis is confirmed.
Since all patients are different, we must complete your examination before establishing your treatment plan and the fees for care. We will usually provide the least invasive treatment first, give your body the opportunity to heal itself then determine if further treatment is indicated. The fee for periodontal treatment can vary considerably depending on the extent of treatment needed. What if I choose to not follow through with gum treatment? +
Periodontal disease is a chronic, progressive disease process. Unfortunately, it is painless and so you are not alerted to the severity of your disease process until it has progressed. Delay may lead to further bone loss and more extensive and invasive treatment needs. If teeth are eventually lost, replacing them with dentures is an option but they are usually never as effective or as esthetic as your natural teeth. When will I go back to my general dentist? +
Our office and your dentists office will work closely together to determine when it is appropriate for you to return to them. If you need fillings, crowns or have other general dentistry needs during your time with us, you can be seen concurrently by both dentists. Regular visits to all dentists involved in your care are an important part of maintaining your dental health. I was feeling better a few days after my surgery, but now my teeth feel high and tender when I bite, my jaws ache and even my ear hurts. What’s happening? +
A normal part of wound healing is swelling, so when the tissue around your teeth swells, it will move the teeth slightly out of position. This usually starts two to four days after the surgery and lasts for about three to four days. Your bite reflex will sense this and you may unconsciously clench to reposition your teeth.
If you already have the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, this can become especially uncomfortable. It pushes your teeth back into swollen/tender sockets, further bruising the surrounding tissue and creating a vicious cycle. This creates the feeling of a bone bruise, a dull throbbing ache in the jaw above and below the wound.
Muscle spasms may occur, especially overnight, in the area of your cheek, ear, temple, and even the back of your head. Don’t be alarmed. Continue to follow your post-operative instructions and if you have further questions or concerns, please call the emergency number we have provided you with in the post-operative instruction sheet. After the dressing came off, my teeth were really sensitive to cold. Why? +
The roots of your teeth are normally sensitive to cold, somewhat like an unfilled cavity would be sensitive. The dressing was placed to assure the gums did not reform pockets, so with the loss of insulation, you will really feel anything cold.
Also, any injury to a tooth results in a nerve that is extra-sensitive. This sensitivity will lessen greatly over the next few weeks. You can facilitate the healing process by keeping your teeth plaque-free and using a concentrated fluoride mouth rinse called ACT. I had an extraction and a small piece came out of the site? +
After an extraction we place a bone graft and we cover the bone graft with a resorbable collagen with glue and sutures. The small plug and sutures that come out are normal and expected, they may look black, red, or purple. Small amounts of bone graft material coming from the site is normal. |
Implants
Why can’t I chew on my implant or temporary implant crown? +
Implants undergo a phase of bone healing similar to a broken bone in a cast. If you put unnecessary pressure on the implant during the initial 3months, the implant can fail to integrate with the bone and we will need to replace the implant. How could I damage my implant? +
You want to avoid contacting the area around the implant with food, your tongue, your fingers and biting as much as possible. While implant failure is possible, it is rare in our practice with under 2% of implants failing. What if my implant fails? +
While this adds extra healing time, we can usually simply replace the implant after the bone has had time to heal. We will alter our approach to reduce the risk of failure again. Did my body reject the implant? +
Titanium allergies are exceedingly rare but there is a possibility. While possible the more likely cause of implant failure is poor bone healing from low vitamin D levels, poor nutrition, diabetes, severe anemia, nicotine, hypothyroidism or osteoporosis medications in certain instances. One of the most import recommendations is to have a recent physical with blood testing to ensure your systems, hormones and sugar levels are in normal ranges. |
What is an immediate implant? +
An immediate implant refers to a dental implant procedure where a tooth is extracted, and a dental implant is placed into the socket immediately after the extraction. This is in contrast to traditional implant procedures where the socket is allowed to heal for a few months before placing the implant.
In immediate implant placement, the idea is to streamline the process by combining tooth extraction and implant placement in a single appointment. This approach can be suitable for certain cases where the conditions are favorable, such as good bone quality and quantity.
It's essential to note that not all cases are suitable for immediate implant placement, and the decision depends on factors like the patient's oral health, bone structure, and the specific circumstances of the tooth extraction. The success of immediate implant procedures also relies on careful planning and precise surgical techniques. Patients considering dental implants should consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual needs. Why do I need a bone graft? +
Dental implants may require bone grafts in certain cases due to insufficient bone volume or quality in the jaw. The success of dental implants depends on the availability of a solid and healthy foundation (bone) to support the implant.
Here are some common reasons why bone grafts may be necessary for dental implants:
Insufficient Bone Volume: If a patient has experienced significant bone loss in the jaw, either due to tooth extraction, trauma, or periodontal disease, there may not be enough bone to securely anchor the implant. Bone grafting helps build up the bone volume, creating a stable base for the implant.
Bone Resorption: After tooth extraction, the surrounding bone may undergo a process called resorption, where it gradually diminishes over time. This can result in a lack of bone thickness or height needed for implant placement. Bone grafts can counteract this resorption and provide the necessary support for implants.
Sinus Lifts: In the upper jaw, especially for back teeth in the molar area, the maxillary sinus may be located close to the jawbone. A sinus lift involves lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material beneath it to increase the height of the bone. This procedure is often performed when there is insufficient bone height for implant placement in the posterior upper jaw.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss around teeth, affecting the suitability for implant placement. Bone grafts may be needed to regenerate lost bone before implant surgery.
Trauma or Tumor Removal: In cases where there has been facial trauma or the removal of a tumor in the jaw, bone grafts may be required to rebuild the damaged or removed bone.
Bone grafting is a common and well-established procedure in implant dentistry. It helps ensure the long-term success and stability of dental implants by providing a solid foundation for implant integration with the surrounding bone. The specific need for a bone graft depends on the individual patient's oral health and bone structure, and this determination is typically made during the treatment planning phase in consultation with a dental professional.
When is my dental implant ready to restore? +
Generally implants are ready to restore between 3 and 6 months from the time of placement. When there is more bone grafting necessary in situations like sinus elevations or complex bone augmentations, we recommend allowing the implant to heal for a longer time. What is a sinus elevation? +
A sinus elevation, also known as a sinus lift or sinus augmentation, is a dental surgical procedure performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, particularly in the area of the molars and premolars. This procedure is often necessary when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw for the placement of dental implants.
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located above the upper jawbone. In some cases, the natural anatomy of the sinuses may result in insufficient bone height for implant placement. Reasons for reduced bone height in this region include tooth loss, periodontal disease, or natural variations in sinus anatomy.
During a sinus elevation procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted or "elevated," and bone graft material is placed in the space created between the sinus floor and the upper jawbone. The bone graft serves to stimulate new bone growth and increases the height of the bone, providing a more stable foundation for dental implants.
There are two main types of sinus elevation procedures:
Direct Sinus Lift (Closed Sinus Lift): In this procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted from within the implant site without making a large incision. The bone graft material is then placed through a small hole created in the bone. This is often done at the same time as implant placement.
Indirect Sinus Lift (Open Sinus Lift): In this approach, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the sinus. The sinus membrane is then lifted, and the bone graft material is placed directly beneath the membrane. This method is used when a more significant amount of bone grafting is required.
After a sinus elevation, a healing period is typically necessary to allow the bone graft to integrate with the existing bone. This healing period may range from several months, during which the patient is monitored through follow-up appointments. Once the bone has healed and gained sufficient strength, dental implants can be placed in the augmented area.
Sinus elevation procedures are commonly performed by oral surgeons or periodontists with expertise in implant dentistry. The goal is to create a stable and strong foundation for dental implants, ensuring their long-term success in the upper jaw where bone quantity can be a limiting factor. |
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