FAQ

Because of recent advances in dental implant technology, more and more people are implant candidates – although many people may be told they are not. The only way to know for certain is to be evaluated by a trained dentist. Typically, if a patient is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework procedures or routine extractions, he or she can also undergo dental implant procedures.

Implants have remained in patients’ mouths for 30 years or longer. We recommend a preventive maintenance program to help insure the long-term success of your implants and teeth.

The cost of implant dentistry is comparable to that of fixed bridgework or other advanced dental procedures in most cases. When we talk about restorative options, we’ll be able to give you an estimate for you to consider.

Dental implants are made of titanium, which is compatible with the body. Although the body doesn‘t reject a dental implant as it might a soft tissue implant such as a lung, heart or kidney, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants.

Absolutely not! Each person has a look they want for themselves and they have facial structure and skin tones that guide us in making individual selections that vary in size, shape, and color for each person.

In most cases capping to correct spaces isn’t necessary. Today with beautiful, natural looking porcelain veneers (also called porcelain facings) we can easily make dramatic cosmetic changes to remove spaces, fix cracked teeth, do minor tooth straightening, and change the color of your teeth. In many instances, little or no tooth structure needs to be removed to create the smile of your dreams.

Bleaching procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Bleaching does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining.

We have found, many times, surgery is not necessary following a conservative course of periodontal treatment. This type of care typically includes a series of non-surgical gum treatments. Even when surgery is required, it often is needed only in a few areas of the mouth and results can be greatly enhanced by non-surgical preparation.

This is a very good question. Periodontal problems can become quite serious and extremely advanced without any pain whatsoever. That is why it is so important to be attentive to the warning signs – bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, swollen gums, receded gums, teeth changing position, pus or swelling around gums.