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Questions relating to 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.
We are experts in the placement of dental implant posts. Dental implants begin with a comprehensive oral evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
For more detailed information, please see the section entitled "Dental Implants".
An abutment is an intermediary segment which screws unto a dental implant and emerges from the dental implant through the gum tissue. The abutment is then used to support the custom fabricated crown. For more detailed information, please see the section entitled "Dental Implants".
Dental implants function significantly 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.
Dental implants become fixed into the jaw bone. Though the life span of a dental implant will vary with each patient, many have remained in place for over 40 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
Nearly everyone has enough bone for an implant. However, if there is not enough bone, advancements in bone regeneration make it possible to now place implants in most cases.
The entire process usually takes from three to nine months depending on your treatment plan. In cases requiring bone grafting, it may take a little longer. This depends on the type and quantity of implants you need, along with the quality of bone in which the implants are placed.
Your overall health and desire to improve your quality of life are much more important than your chronological age. Our patients, who benefit from dental implants, range in age between 16 and 93!
The cost of implants varies from patient to patient, depending on the complexity of each case. As a general rule, however, the investment can be expected to be within the range of anyone who can afford fixed bridgework. Often, the cost of insertion of an implant accounts for only a small percentage of the total cost for all the dental treatment required.
As soon as the final restoration has been placed, you can resume normal eating again. For the first two to three weeks after initial placement of the implant, a strict soft diet is necessary. As conditions vary per patient, different dietary instructions will be given in order to minimize stress on the implant until it has fully integrated into the bone.
As a periodontist, Dr. Ben Emerson performs complex surgical procedures every day. He has the training and experience to ptovide you with safe and predictable periodontal and implant treatment. As a periodontist, dentist and physician, Dr. Emerson offers a comprehensive approach to assist his patients in achieving optimum oral health.
No. We work with many dentists in the treasure and space coast areas and beyond. Our patients are happy knowing that they can maintain their relationships with their general dentist while having the advantage of seeing a specialist who can address their particular needs. If you don’t have a dentist we can refer you to one that is right for you.
Almost anyone who is missing one or more teeth and in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of an implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether.
Home care for your implant consists of brushing and flossing. Following a regular schedule of dental check-ups with your dentist and periodontist is required for long-term success.
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 around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria which gets deep into your gums.
This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, please see the section entitled "Periodontal Disease".
Because periodontal infection grows under your gums, you can have no symptoms at all. More advanced cases can result in 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".
Periodontists have advanced training in the treatment of periodontal disease and dental implants.
Patients with periodontal infection have a weakened resistance to the types of bacteria associated with this disease process. Periodontal disease does not progress in a predictable linear fashion but rather tends to occur in episodic phases or in “bursts of activity.” Some factors that can cause a dramatic increase in the likelihood and severity of 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 activity”, or when there are preliminary warning signs that this is may occur, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment.
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. For more information see Procedures.
After your initial examination, we will thoroughly explain the choices in treatment and which treatment is best suited for your needs.
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.
For more information on these techniques, see Procedures.
Many of our patients come back stating they are amazed at how little discomfort they experienced.
It is likely that you have been referred to us because your general dentist has noticed an increase in infection activity.
This infection destroys the bone and tissues that support 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 comprehensive periodontal examination. You should experience little, if any, discomfort during this examination. If necessary, digital radiographs will be taken to further evaluate any loss of bone around your teeth. Sometimes, with your permission, we will take digital photographs and/or impressions of your teeth in order to assist us in diagnosis and any necessary treatment planning.
Once the evaluation is complete, 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 come to a complete understanding of your condition and the treatment needed to restore you to optimum oral health.
A wide variety of plans are offered; we will make every effort to consider your individual circumstances and design a plan that fits your needs. We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Care Credit and Citi Health payment plans.
If you require additional information, please call us during normal business hours at: (772) 569-9700 or outside of Vero Beach: 1-800-330-9700. You may also send an e-mail at any time by clicking here.
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.
Although our office does not “participate” in any insurance plan, we will assist you by providing completed forms and any accompanying documentation needed for you to file with your insurance company directly. Any benefits will then be paid directly to you. Please understand that you are ultimately responsible for payment of all services. Should your insurance not cover the full amount of the costs associated with treatment, then you will be responsible to pay any uncovered portion. Sometimes, medical insurance will cover a portion of your periodontal treatment. Please bring your insurance card or papers on the first visit. Our office will contact your insurance company to learn what is included in your plan/s.
We feel that finances should never be an obstacle to treatment. For your convenience, we offer several payment options. We also have payment plans to suit your individual needs. Our insurance coordinator will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance questions.
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 the 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.
Our goal is to offer our patients the best care using advanced equipment and periodontal procedures. You can be sure 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 use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the section entitled "Procedures".
In addition to Periodontal Treatment and Dental Implants, we perform a number of procedures, including:
- Crown lengthening
- Aesthetic crown lengthening
- Antibiotic treatment
- Ridge augmentation
- Soft tissue grafting
- Gingival (gum) contouring
- Connective Tissue Grafting
- Supportive Periodontal Maintenance
- Occlusal Adjustments
- Custom Occlusal Guards
- Teeth Whitening
- Oral Cancer Screening
For more information on these procedures, please see the section entitled "Procedures".
Your general dentist knows your entire dental history, the condition of your teeth, and your future dental needs. He is in charge of your overall dental care. We work closely with your general dentist to ensure you will 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 afterwards.
| 3730 7th Terrace, Suite 301 Vero Beach, FL 32960 |
| Copyright 2009 Emerson Center for Oral Health
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