Preventive & Family Dentistry Questions · Implant Dentistry Questions

Preventive & Family Dentistry Questions

Can my teeth be BLEACHED safely?

Yes. We offer three (3) different systems such as: strips, custom trays made by dentist office at home for two to four weeks every night till desired shade is reached or the fastest system with in office custom made trays followed up with a few days at home.

Do I have to come in for regular dental hygiene appointments at 6 month intervals?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines, the recommendation is that regular examinations, x-rays and prophylaxes treatments are advised to maintain good healthy oral hygiene.

Do I have to come in for hygiene appointments @ 3 months, 4 months even though my insurance company only pays for 2 per year?

Some patient's dental oral health condition requires additional hygiene appointments to assist in maintaining their advancing periodontal disease.

Why do I need x-rays and exam when my teeth feel fine?

X-rays are taken once a year to allow the dentist and hygienist to view the bone level. This is to note any changes since the previous year's. The dentist looks at the x-rays to evaluate the inter-proximal areas for caries (decay) not visual during clinical exams alone. An Examination is the clinical part of the evaluation when the dentist checks each tooth surface for hardness to see if any areas are soft or stick when probed.

Why do I have Bad Breath?

Some mouth odor comes from sinus drainage. Mouth odor can also be caused by the foods you eat. e.g...garlic, onions and spices.

Do I have to floss my teeth?

Yes, at least once a day, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Floss first and then brush your teeth, allowing the fluoride in the tooth paste to get into the spaces between the teeth.

What are the different types of cleanings?

a. A regular cleaning is the term used to describe polishing teeth.

b. A prophylaxis (prophy) cleaning is when the dental hygienist uses the instrument around each tooth checking to see if any debris has formed under the gums. This can also be called root planing because the instrument is clinically touching the root.

c. A periodontal disease/ deep cleaning is when the patient's gums are in the state of moderate or advanced condition.This is when the debris called tarter or calculus has formed and extends below the gum line destroying bone and promoting infection, pus, bleeding and generally poor oral health. This condition can lead to the teeth becoming loose, need to be extracted or falling out on their own.

Is this cleaning going to hurt?

It depends on the oral conditions of the gums. If the gums are pink and firm then only slight discomfort maybe experienced. If you have bleeding gums this condition may be considered moderate or advance gum disease. During this treatment some discomfort is noted but can be relieved with the use of a topical application or local anesthesia.

What is the difference between PLAQUE, TARTER and CALCULUS?

Plaque is the film that forms on your teeth after you have brushed your teeth all day. When plaques is left undisturbed for more that 21 days it hardens into Tarter or Calculus. In this form of debris on the professional dental hygienist can remove it with the instrumentation.

Will all this polishing hurt my teeth?

During your dental hygiene appointment the dental health professional will use a polishing paste that will remove stain that is left by coffee, tea, tobacco and some medications. This polishing paste contains a fluoride agent used as a protective barrier that strengthens the teeth against dental tooth decay.

Can my child's habit of thumb sucking affecting their permanent teeth?

This is an individual habit that should be evaluated by the dental health professional if it continued into the permanent teeth eruption process.

When should we go to the orthodontist?

Your dental health professional will make suggestions as to the proper time to see an orthodontist. In some cases early intervention by the orthodontist can help prevent later extensive treatment.

Is my smoking and drinking coffee/tea, dark soda or red wine making my teeth yellow?

Some oral hygiene habits do contribute to making your teeth appeal yellow stained or darker. As we age our skin tones change and this too will make teeth appear difference than when younger. This can be helped with regular prophylaxes by the hygienist.

What does sugar have to do with dental decay?

The process of dental decay is activated when sugar is introduced into the oral cavity and direct contact with teeth. Three (3) things are needed to make dental decay. Tooth structure, sugar in any form.. (e.g soda, candy carbohydrates or other foods and medications) and plaques that has been allowed to remain on the tooth. The bacteria eats the sugar and releases an acid that burns a hole on the tooth 

What Are Dental Implants?

The dental implants used by most dentists and dental specialists are root-form implants, which basically means that they are replacement, or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. The part of your natural tooth that is visible is the crown. Your tooth root is embedded in your jawbone giving the tooth a stable foundation which allows you to bite and chew. A dental implant is a substitute tooth root, which provides a stable foundation for a replacement crown.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Overall quality of life is enhanced with replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. With implant supported replacement teeth, the appearance of the smile is more natural and the teeth function more like natural teeth. The result is increased comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking and eating. If dentures and partials are replaced with implant supported teeth, the overall enhancement in quality of life is even more significant, with an ability to eat all types of foods, elimination of messy adhesives, and improved speech, comfort and appearance.

• Preserves integrity of facial structures.

• By preventing the bone resorption that would normally occur with the loss of teeth, the facial structures remain intact. This is particularly important when all of the
  teeth are missing, as the lower one-third of the face collapses if implants are not placed to preserve the bone.

• Better health due to improved nutrition and proper digestion. People with dentures usually have problems eating certain foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits,
  which can compromise their nutrition. Additionally, since it is difficult to chew properly with dentures, digestion is often compromised!

• Adjacent teeth are not compromised to replace missing teeth. Tooth replacement with traditional tooth-supported bridges requires grinding down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth/teeth, so that the bridge can be cemented onto them. This tooth structure can never be replaced and the long-term health of these teeth is compromised.

• Partial dentures have clasps that hook onto adjacent

• teeth, putting pressure on them as the partial rocks back and forth. Eventually these teeth can loosen and come out as a result of this pressure.

Replacing missing teeth with implant supported crowns/bridges does not involve the adjacent natural teeth, so they are not compromised, or damaged.

• Convenience of hygiene. It is much easier to care for an implant supported crown, which can be cleaned like a natural tooth. In comparison, a tooth supported bridge
  requires the use of a floss threader for proper cleaning. It is also easier to clean implant supported replacement teeth than a removable partial.

• Elimination of denture adhesives. Since implant supported teeth are securely attached to the implants, there is no need for messy denture adhesives, which are
  often needed to keep dentures from falling out.

• The mouth is restored as closely as possible to its natural state. By replacing the entire tooth, including the root, it is possible to replicate the function of
  natural teeth, with a h4, stable foundation that allows comfortable biting and chewing. In addition, nothing in the mouth looks, or feels artificial. Increased stability and a sense of security that teeth will not fallout when eating, laughing or sneezing. People who wear dentures often worry that their dentures will fall out when they laugh, sneeze and sometimes even when they eat. Since the bone bonds to the implants, replacement teeth have a stable foundation and are securely attached to the implants, so there is no fear that teeth will fall out.

• Improved appearance. Since implants preserve bone, preventing deterioration of the facial structures, appearance is improved. Collapse of the lower one-third of the face caused by complete tooth loss can be visually corrected and the remaining bone preserved. The appearance of wrinkles around the mouth caused by posterior bite collapse, or complete facial structure collapse are virtually eliminated. Your smile is improved when replacement teeth look more like natural teeth. Even when only one tooth is missing, long term esthetics are usually much better with an implant supported replacement tooth than with a traditional tooth supported bridge. This is particularly important in the front of your mouth, where preventing a visible bone defect is critical for natural appearance.

• Restored self esteem and renewed self confidence. Many of the people who now enjoy the benefits of implant supported replacement teeth state that their self esteem and self confidence have been restored as a result of improved appearance, function, comfort and health.

• Improved ability to taste foods. Wearing an upper denture can prevent someone from really tasting food, as the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy the taste of foods.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implant Treatment?

Nearly everyone 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 implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are very few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether.

Am I too Old for Dental Implants?

Overall health and a desire to improve the quality of life are much more important considerations than age. When dental implants were first developed, back in the 1950's, implant supported replacement teeth were originally designed as a solution for older patients who were missing all of their teeth. Since then, many patients well into their 90's have had dental implant treatment without a single problem.

What Is Involved with Taking Care of Dental Implants?

The home care recommended varies depending upon the type of implant supported replacement teeth. For example, a single implant supported crown is cleaned like a natural tooth, with regular brushing and flossing. Implant supported bridges that replace a few teeth are cleaned like tooth supported bridges, brushing and flossing with a floss threader.

Home care is a little more complicated for people who are missing all of their teeth, in that special brushes and floss are often recommended. With overdentures, it is necessary to clean the implant attachments, as well as the overdenture. Permanently fixed implant supported replacement teeth are cleaned like all other bridges.

In all cases, it is recommended that patients see their regular dentist and hygienist at least twice each year unless they routinely see the periodontist, in which case they would continue to alternate visits. If a surgical specialist placed the implants, it is usually recommended that the patient see the specialist at least once each year as well. These visits, combined with proper home care, are essential to the long term success of implant treatment.

What Is The Cost of Implant Treatment?

An investment in dental implant treatment is an investment in overall health, appearance and well being. It involves preserving the integrity of facial structures, as well as replacing missing teeth.

The actual cost of implant treatment is based on a number of factors, such as the number of teeth being replaced, the type of implant supported teeth (treatment option) recommended and whether additional procedures are necessary to achieve the proper esthetic and functional result. There is often a misconception that there is a set cost for each implant. The fees are calculated based on the amount of time the dentist or dental specialist anticipates spending to complete treatment (implant placement, other surgical procedures, fabrication of replacement teeth, ... ) as well as the estimated cost of implants, other components and materials necessary to complete treatment and dental laboratory fees. The only way to accurately estimate the cost for an individual patient is to have an examination and consultation with a dentist or dental specialist. If a dentist and dental specialist work together on a patient's treatment, there is a separate fee for each of the doctors.

Is Dental Implant Treatment Covered by Dental Insurance?

Insurance coverage of implant treatment depends on the individual policy. However, it is rare to receive any substantial coverage. Since the benefit coverage is determined strictly by the amount the employer wants to spend on the policy, and the insurance companies want to build into their profit margins, there are major limitations on most dental insurance plans. In reality, the plans are only designed to cover routine maintenance, emergencies and basic care.

The insurance companies use statistical data to determine the most common procedures submitted on claims, then set their own "usual and customary fee" schedule for these procedures. They then determine the specific restrictions and limitations for each plan. Because the plans are only intended to cover the basics, there is an annual maximum allowable benefit of $1,000-$1,500 on most plans. Although most companies exclude implants as a covered benefit, many of them will pay the same benefit they would cover for the lowest cost alternative treatment option (partials and dentures) and some of the diagnostic records, if a specific request is made for "alternative benefits". Even if an individual policy includes implants as a covered benefit, the amount of coverage is still limited to the annual
maximum allowable.

Does Medical Insurance Cover Implant Treatment?

There are a few cases where medical insurance is available for people who are missing all of their teeth, and as a result, have medical complications. This type of coverage depends solely on the individual policy. Other than these situations, medical coverage is very rare.

Work related injuries and other types of accidents are the other cases that are sometimes covered by insurance. Medicare does not cover implant treatment. All in all, it is best to assume that there is no medical insurance coverage available.