Services

Ø       Oral Examinations and X-rays

Ø       Dental Implant Surgery

Ø       Tooth Removals

Ø       Preparation of the Mouth for Dentures

Ø       Removal of Difficult Teeth

Ø       Removal of Impacted/Embedded Teeth

Ø       Exposure of Impacted Teeth for Orthodontics

Ø       Frenectomies of the Tongue and lip areas

Ø       Treatment of Oral/Facial Infections

Ø       Treatment of Oral Pathology

Ø       Biopsy and Excision of Lesions and Tumors of the Mouth

Ø       Treatment of Injuries to the Teeth and Jaws

Ø       Pediatric Oral Surgery

Ø       Bone Grafting of Extraction Wounds

Ø       Crown Lengthening

Ø       Root Canal Surgery

Ø       In-office Intravenous Sedation and General Anesthesia

Ø       Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Ø       Second Opinions

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

 What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts or screw-like devices that are inserted into a precision-drilled hole in the jaw to serve as a replacement for the root part of a missing tooth.

 How Do They Work?

After healing in the jaw for a variable time frame as the bone fuses to the implant, an attachment (abutment) is secured to the implant and it extends through the gum tissue into the mouth.  This abutment is similar to the crown part of a tooth and is used to secure a cap, a bridge, or a denture.  Working as a team, the oral surgeon places the implant and your restorative dentist will fabricate the restoration.  

Who Should Have a Dental Implant?

Anyone who is missing a tooth or teeth is a candidate for a dental implant.   There are a few people who have poor indications or contraindications for implants.  There are also some situations that require preparation of the site with bone grafts prior to placement of an implant. 

 Medically compromised patients who can undergo a dental extraction are healthy enough to have implants placed.  Smoking is one of the relative negatives due to healing problems of the tissues. 

 What are the Benefits versus Drawbacks of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are unlike fixed bridges in that the adjacent healthy teeth do not have to be cut down to receive crowns.  Also, you are able to floss without having to thread it beneath the solder joints of the bridge.  The costs are similar for a three unit bridge and a single implant.

 Comparing conventional full dentures to implant supported or secured dentures favors the latter.   A denture that snaps into place and does not become dislodged provides better function and confidence.  An implant retained denture can help to avoid bone loss and therefore avoid future difficulties as the jaw bone loses height and width. 

 Replacing a partial denture with implants has the obvious benefit of being more esthetic, as clasps are no longer necessary.  The abutment teeth do not have to do extra work to support the partial denture and will be less likely to decay, suffer from periodontal disease, and fail. 

 Drawbacks of dental implants include the time needed for the bone to heal and rigidly accept the implant.   Also, a surgical procedure with its associated concerns is part of placing implants.  It should be mentioned that, although a dental implant will never decay, nor require a root canal, it does require diligent oral hygiene to avoid bone loss surrounding the post. 

 How Do I Find Out if I am a Good Candidate for a Dental Implant?

Talking with your dentist is the best place to start.  Most dentists are quite familiar with the indications, the advantages, and the disadvantages of dental implants, as opposed to conventional dental replacements.  After that initial screening, a consultation with the oral surgeon is next.  Once both have examined and talked with you, they will confer as to the best course of action.  This will include how many implants are needed, their positions, type of replacement, type of anesthesia, length of the treatment, and fees.  Our goal is to have a well info rmed patient, a coordinated treatment plan, an uneventful recovery, and a successful result.