Q&A

Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone who is in reasonably good health may consider implants; age, of course, is not a factor. People who have a problem with loose dentures,
pain with opening their mouth, or with chewing while wearing full or partial dentures, or experience embarrassment with their present appliances
and difficulty in speaking or in digestion, may want to consider the possibility of dental implants.

What are dental implants and are they experimental?
Dental implants are artificial roots that are placed in the bone or on top of it to form a stable base in order to replace missing teeth. Implants are
considered a viable treatment option and have been endorsed by the American Dental Association, when appropriate, to replace missing teeth.

How can I find out if I am a candidate for dental implants?
A complete examination of the existing teeth, bone, gums, and your present appliances is needed to make an accurate determination of the most
appropriate treatment options. These records are collected at your first visit before a consultation with your dentist. We encourage you to bring a
interested family member with you to this first visit, and they are welcome to participate in our discussion. Our philosophy is that the simplest
treatment that best meets your needs is the treatment of choice. We may explore several treatment possibilities so that you are fully informed
about your options.

Will my body reject the implant?
Rejection is not a problem with dental implants because the materials used are proven to be biocompatible. We take every precaution to minimize
the risk of infection by utilizing hospital-like aseptic protocol for implant placement. The procedures are done in one of several equipped surgical
suites within our office.

Will I be uncomfortable?
Every person’s tolerance is different, but many people relate the discomfort to that of having a wisdom tooth extracted. Medications will be given
so the procedure is usually not felt or remembered. Prescriptions will also be given and medication can be taken during first few days after the
procedure.

Will I be without teeth during the healing period?
A provisional or temporary appliance is made so you may speak, smile, and eat comfortably.

How long will an implant last?
The prognosis of the treatment depends on many factors and your dentist will give you detailed information at your consultation appointment. Good
daily home care and regular dental examinations greatly increase the chances of long-term success.

Will the restorations look natural?
We will make every effort to give you a pleasing esthetic result. Many factors will be considered. For example, the shape and size of the
replacement teeth enhance its appearance. In general, men have squarer front teeth, while women have slender, rounder teeth with softer lines
and edges. Because we have an in- house dental laboratory, the technician may join the dentist and patient to help select the proper shade and
shading of the teeth. The existing teeth may determine the length of the new restoration, but sometimes changes are made to correct an
abnormality such as an open bite, or to eliminate an unsightly space between two teeth.

I want whiter teeth. Can I change the appearance of my smile?
While some patients prefer their restorations to be shaded to match the surrounding teeth, others want a more dramatic change by creating whiter
teeth. To achieve this, the dentist and laboratory technician work with a palate of colors to mix just the right shades together. Facial features and
coloring are taken in to account when selecting the shade of the new teeth.

What can a person who is considering restorative and cosmetic dentistry do to ensure that he will have a pleasing end result?
Good communication between the dentist and the patient is vitally important. A person who brings photos or pictures and is clear in his
expectations (whiter teeth, etc.) helps the dental professionals create a pleasing smile. It is also important to have realistic expectations for the
end result. For example, while the lips may sometimes appear fuller and less lined after restoring front teeth or replacing missing teeth, the
treatment will not give the same result as a facelift. However, a beautiful smile adds confidence and self- esteem, which, along with improved
function, is the goal of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. In combination with our Medical Cosmetics department, you have the choice to have a
complete make over, taking advantage of our skin tightening procedures or dermal fillers, all done in one convenient location to compliment your
new, gorgeous smile.

What are Mini Implants or Mini ‘Denture’ Implants?
New Mini Dental Implants may be the answer to your denture problems. They are used to support dentures. Just like conventional dentures, the
dentures are still removed for daily cleaning, however, once back in the mouth, the implants make them much more stable. Mini Dental Implants can,
in most cases, be placed in just one visit.

Is the treatment painful?
Patients are often surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after implant procedures.

Which Dental Implants are best for me?
You will have peace of mind knowing that we provide the most recognized Dental Implant systems available today. Your Surgeon will advise you
on which is best for you.

How much do Mini Implants cost?
Mini Implants are surprisingly affordable. Call our offices and ask for more information.

How can sedation dentistry help me?
Sedation dentistry can meet your needs, whether you are afraid, have a bad reflex, hate needles, or need extensive dental treatment, but don’t
want to sit in the dental chair all day. Hours will seem like minutes, and you will be in a peaceful, relaxed state, but still able to communicate with
the dentist and the staff.

What type of sedation do you offer?
Our facility offers different levels of sedation. Our dentists and professional staff will go over all the different options you may have with any
treatment.