- What are dental implants?
- Do implants work as well as natural teeth?
- How much do dental implants cost?
- How soon is it possible to eat after receiving dental implants?
Questions Relating to Periodontal Disease
- What is periodontal disease?
- What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
- Why, all of a sudden, is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
- How is periodontal infection treated?
- Does periodontal treatment hurt?
- Why must I start treatment right away?
General Questions
- What is going to happen on my first visit?
- How much will my treatment cost and will insurance cover it?
- Are there medical consequences if I delay treatment?
- Do you use the latest equipment and techniques?
- What treatments do you provide?
- How is my general dentist important to my overall care?
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.
Our expertise is in treatment planning and surgical placement of dental implants. We work closely with your general dentist who is responsible for restoration of the implant.For more detailed information, please see the section entitled Dental Implants
Do implants work as well as natural teeth?
Patients often comment that dental implants are so natural in appearance and function that it is like having their natural teeth back. Dental implants function much better than removable teeth, (e.g. partials or dentures). Today's advancements make implants function within 90% of the efficiency of natural teeth in terms of both bite and feel.
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 is comparable to that of fixed bridgework.
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 may be necessary between placing the implant and placing the final restoration since stress prior to healing of the implant to the jaw bone could cause the implant to be weakened and fail.
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 and bone around the teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria that invade deep into the gums and cause tissue inflammation.
This infection destroys the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, please see the section entitled "Periodontal Disease".
What are the symptoms of periodontal infection?
Because periodontal infection grows under the gum line, you may have no symptoms at all. However, 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".
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 may have occured, your general dentist may recommend that you see a Periodontist to help with your periodontal treatment.
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 patient's individual needs. After your initial examination, we will completely explain your different options for treatment.
For more information see Periodontal Disease Treatment.
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 are amazed at how little discomfort they experience.
For more information on the patient comfort techniques we use, see our Procedures page.
Why must I start treatment without delay?
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 disease activity. The 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.
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. If you have had x-rays taken by your general dentist, be sure to have them forwarded to our office prior to your appointment.
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.
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 feel that finances should not be an obstacle to treatment. For your convenience, we offer several payment options. We also have payment plans to suit your individual needs. Our business office staff will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance questions.
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 your 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.
Do you use the latest equipment and techniques?
We use the most current and up to date equipment and periodontal procedures. Our equipment includes the soft tissue laser, piezosurgical osteotome and low dose digital x-rays including CBCT for 3-D Imaging and Dental Implant Planning.. All of our treatment rooms are equipped with nitrous oxide sedation, patient friendly piezo scalers and patient education software. 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 adhere to all accepted sterilization standards and procedures for your protection. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the section entitled "Procedures".
What other treatments do you provide?
Besides periodontal treatment, dental implants and implant site development, 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".
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 own special dental treatment needs. He or she is in charge of your overall dental care. We work closely with your general dentist to ensure you 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.