Q: Is the surgery to place a dental implant painful? A: No, it is usually done under local anesthesia in your dentist’s office, in just the same way as a filling. Once the anesthesia takes effect, you shouldn’t feel anything. Q: What can I expect after the anesthesia wears off? A: Generally there are no open wounds with implant surgery so healing is quite quick and un-eventful. You can expect some minor discomfort, but that can generally be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or similar medication in prescription strength. Q: How long does it take to place dental implants? A: It depends on the number and location of the implants, but simple, uncomplicated dental implant placement usually takes less than an hour. Q: What about eating after implant surgery? A: It’s generally important to avoid exposing any recent surgical site in the mouth to food if possible.
It is natural for patients to have some anxiety when they first enter a dental office. In our practice, we believe that making patients comfortable starts prior to a procedure being preformed. Sometimes we invite patients to come to the office, meet the team, and see our facilities before any treatment starts. In this way, we take the mystery out of the dental office and we give patients the chance to get to know us and get comfortable. When patients return to the office for the procedure, they are not walking into a new and strange environment. They already know what to expect, and this familiarity with us and our office tends to help them relax. During procedures, we are always attentive to a patient’s comfort level. We not only practice modern dentistry, but we also use the latest anesthetic techniques. Our goal is always to keep you relaxed and
Many patients ask questions about the protocols we use to sterilize instruments. We believe in maintaining and surpassing infection control guidelines. Rooms are disinfected after a patient leaves. Plastic barriers are used whenever possible and all instruments are placed in an autoclave for proper sterilization. An autoclave is a device that uses steam and heat to kill germs. The autoclave itself is inspected at regular intervals to make sure that it is working properly. Our goal is to reduce or eliminate the potential for cross contamination. Think of the dental office as a health care facility that is not unlike a hospital. Over the years, hospitals have developed strict guidelines to sterilize instruments and prevent the spread of infection. These modern systems are very different from the way health care facilities were managed at the turn of the twentieth century. Back then, doctors operated in street clothes and did procedures
At Denise Dental Studio, we perform a wide range of dental procedures. In certain cases, however, it is advisable for some of the patient’s care to be completed by a dental specialist. We work in close cooperation with specialists in a number of different disciplines, including, for example, orthodontics, endodontics (root canals), periodontics (dental implant placement and gum disease treatment), and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Rest assured that Dr. Denise has a close working relationship with these other professionals, and our office communicates regularly with our colleagues. When you need specialty care, we refer you to a trusted specialist. Once the treatment has been completed in that office, you are asked to return to our office for either the restorative phase of treatment or other appropriate follow-up care. By working closely with selected dental specialists, we want to give you the “best of both worlds”—comprehensive dental care in our office
There are times when a cavity in a tooth requires a restoration called a “filling.” However, crowns, or caps, are needed to protect weak or cracked teeth, or teeth that have lost much of their structure due to past fillings. Dental crowns are also usually indicated following a root canal procedure to strengthen and protect the tooth. In addition, a crown can be used to cover a tooth that does not have a pleasing shape or one that has become significantly discolored. In fact, crowns are often placed on front teeth as part of a cosmetic “smile makeover.” Crowns are also the restorative phase of dental implant treatment. In this case, the crown is securely attached to the dental implant, or artificial tooth root, and the result is a strong and long-lasting restoration. The are various types of crowns, because different materials can be used. Ask Dr. Denise about your
Periodontal or gum disease is preventable and controllable. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, the symptoms of gum disease include the following: • Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth • Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food • Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before • Loose or separating teeth • Pus between your gums and teeth • Sores in your mouth • Persistent bad breath • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite • A change in the fit of partial dentures If you have one or more of these symptoms, please tell us and we will be happy to treat you and offer advice. It is important that gum disease be treated because the bacteria that cause gum disease travel through the blood stream to
Patients have several options for whitening their teeth. One option is to buy products from a pharmacy that promise to get teeth whiter with repeated applications. These products work sometimes, but they require repeated applications. The price for one box of whitening materials may seem attractive, but buying multiple boxes is not cost effective. Another option is to have our office provide you with a custom whitening tray and gel that is more effective than over-the-counter products. Patients use the trays twice a day for about two weeks. The results can be dramatic. The fastest way to whiten teeth is to use our in-office teeth whitening service. Results that take two weeks at home can be accomplished in the office in about one hour. Patients who are seeking whiter teeth need to start with a baseline of good oral health, including healthy gums. Ask us about the various options and
The scientific name for bad breath is “halitosis.” Whatever you call it, bad breath can be embarrassing. If you don’t carefully brush and floss teeth daily, particles of food may remain in your mouth, which leads to the growth of bacteria. The bacteria are found on the teeth, gums, and tongue, and bacteria can cause bad breath. Periodontal or gum disease can also cause bad breath. Smoking or using chewing tobacco are also culprits to be avoided Bad breath is also associated with a long list of other dental and medical conditions. To avoid bad breath, we recommend that patients visit our office on a regular basis for professional dental cleanings, and also see a physician for periodic medical check-ups. All patients are advised to brush and floss as instructed, and the home hygiene protocol should also include gently brushing the tongue to remove bacteria. Certain mouthwashes that contain antimicrobial
For those of us who are privileged to live in the United States, it is easy to forget that many people around the world do not have access to basic dental services. Dr. Denise has participated in mission trips to Honduras. He went with a group called Cure International to provide free dental care to a very poor community. Closer to home, Dr. Denise sponsors mouth guards for sports teams. He also sends his staff to local schools to educate children about oral health. Dr. Denise is not alone in his efforts to reach out to communities that need dental care. According to the American Dental Association, countless individual dentists routinely provide free or discounted care to disadvantaged people who otherwise could not afford even basic dental services. According to one survey, this free care amounted to $1.6 billion in professional services in a single year.
Dental implants are rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for people who are missing one tooth or all their teeth. Dental implants never decay, they never need root canals, and they do not require that adjacent teeth be compromised. This last point is important, because the traditional “three-unit bridge” has been used for years to replace one missing tooth. With this type of treatment, the missing tooth is replaced but the adjacent teeth are used as anchors to keep the replacement tooth in place. The process involves grinding down adjacent teeth. Dental implant treatment is very conservative, because one dental implant is a replacement for one missing tooth. For patients who need many teeth replaced, it is not necessary to replace every tooth with an implant. There are many options, including the use of dental implants to secure dentures. In the long run, dental implant treatment is also more cost
