 Dental implants serve as the base for many tooth-replacement options, including bridges, dentures and individual artificial teeth. Implants are surgically implanted in the jaw to provide a comfortable, secure fit and a natural look.
In the first one or two appointments, the post or anchor is implanted in the jaw. The replacement tooth, bridge or denture is fitted and installed when the bone and gums have healed. Surgery may be performed in an office or hospital with local or general anesthesia.
 Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. When left on the teeth, plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is brushed and flossed away with proper oral care, produces toxins that attack below the gum line in the sulcus (a shallow v-shaped crevice between the tooth and gums), causing the bond between teeth and gums to break down. In the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis), gums may become red and swollen and bleed easily; in the more advanced stage (periodontal disease), teeth can loosen and even fall out. Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are essential in prevention and early detection of gum disease -- especially since you can have it without experiencing any warning signs.
Signs that you may have gum disease include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, tender, bleed easily or have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loose or separating teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
Your risk of developing gum disease may relate to the following habits and conditions:
- Tobacco smoking or chewing
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes
- Medications such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs and calcium channel blockers
- Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
- Crooked teeth
- Worn bridges or fillings
Oral cancer often appears unnoticed in the mouth as a tiny white or red spot or sore. Because many people do not realize they have oral cancer, a diagnosis may not be made until the problem has become more advanced, making treatment more difficult; currently, fifty percent of patients diagnosed with oral cancer in the U.S. do not survive more than five years. Fortunately, early detection of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions provides a higher probability of cure. Regular dental examinations are an invaluable part of early cancer detection and treatment.
Extraction is recommended when a tooth becomes loose from periodontal (gum) disease, when teeth are crowded, when one tooth is preventing another from erupting, or when a tooth is so damaged or decayed that root canal therapy would be ineffective. A local anesthetic is usually all that is needed to eliminate discomfort, although general anesthetic may be used for sensitive patients or children. The procedure itself may require removal of soft or hard tissue, depending on whether the tooth is fully erupted. Bleeding, swelling and other post-procedure discomfort should fade within 24 hours, and full recovery rarely takes more than two weeks.
Because missing teeth can cause health problems ranging from tooth shifting to difficulty chewing, restorative procedures are recommended following extraction. These may take the form of dental implants, bridges or dentures.
To help increase patient comfort and ease patient anxiety about dental treatment, we have incorporated "sleep dentistry" (or oral sedation) into our practice. By simply taking a small pill prior to your dental appointments, we can make your visit a more pleasant and safe experience. You will need a medical evaluation by your physician prior to your dental treatment. Often years of dental neglect can be treated in as few as one visit using this oral sedation. If you, or someone you know suffers from dental anxiety, call our office today to see if you are a candidate for sleep dentistry.
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