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Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are screw-shaped titanium posts that we surgically place into your jawbone beneath your gums. As the area heals, which typically takes a few months, the implant fuses to the jawbone, providing a strong and secure foundation for fixed or removable implant restorations meticulously crafted to match your smile.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Ideal candidates for implant dentistry are those with good overall health and adequate bone density to support the implant and healthy gums. Smokers or those with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may need to undergo an evaluation to determine whether implant dentistry is right for them.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire process, from implant placement to restoration, can vary, typically ranging from 3-6 months. Timelines can vary depending on your arch, healing, and individual needs.
Are dental implants painful?
Local anesthesia will help ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. We are also happy to offer oral sedation, if needed, to help you relax while receiving exceptional care. Most patients report that the discomfort post-implant placement is minimal, and it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Complete and Partial Dentures
What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?
Complete dentures are full-arch restorations ideal for patients missing all their teeth. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are used for patients with some natural teeth remaining. Partial dentures not only fill gaps in your smile, but they also help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
How long will it take to get used to new dentures?
It typically takes a few weeks to get used to new dentures. They may feel awkward when speaking, eating, or smiling at first. To ease the transition, you may want to practice reading aloud in front of a mirror and start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. You'll get used to your new dentures before you know it as your cheek and tongue muscles learn to keep them in place.
How do you care for dentures?
Brush your dentures and partials daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and to prevent surface staining. Use a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser to avoid damage to your restoration. Never use hot water, which can warp and damage your replacement teeth. When not in use, store your denture or partial in a container of water or denture cleansing solution to prevent it from drying out.
Can you improve the stability and security of your dentures?
Yes, we can place as few as two dental implants per arch of teeth to hold your dentures securely in place, enhancing their stability and function. Dentures secured to implants are called implant-supported dentures or overdentures and are particularly useful for the lower arch, where stability is often a concern.
Teeth Extractions
What should you expect during a tooth extraction?
During a tooth extraction, we will first numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure you are pain-free during the procedure. We are also happy to offer oral sedation, if needed, to help you relax in the dentist's chair. You may feel mild pressure in the area but should not feel pain.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
This procedure is much faster than most people realize. The entire process, from local anesthesia to tooth removal and stitches, if needed, typically takes anywhere from 20-40 minutes. However, this may take longer if you need multiple teeth removed.
What is recovery like after a tooth extraction?
Recovery after tooth extraction typically takes a few days. Make sure to follow our post-operative instructions, which may include taking prescribed pain medication, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and eating soft foods. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns in the days following your extraction.
How do you care for your mouth after an extraction?
It's important to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Make sure to change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood, and rest as much as possible.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a painful complication that can develop when the blood clot at your extraction site is dislodged prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. To minimize the risk of dry socket, it's important to refrain from smoking, drinking through a straw, or rinsing vigorously in the 48 after extraction to avoid disturbing or dislodging the clot forming in the tooth's socket.