FAQ

Why do I need to brush and floss?

Brushing and flossing helps to control plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. Plaque that is not removed will eventually destroy your gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease. And when that occurs, there is an increased chance of tooth loss and even jawbone degeneration.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are becoming a more common service that we provide because of the many problems that come with age, poor diet, accidents, disease, and drugs.

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone that replaces a missing tooth root. The jawbone then bonds with the screw and creates a strong foundation. The artificial tooth or teeth are then secured to the top of the implant.

Implants are a permanent solution to dentures and bridges. But they can also serve as sure foundations for both bridges and dentures.

Will getting dental implants hurt? Will I need to miss work?

Most people report that the post-operative pain is minimal and taking a mild pain pill such as Ibuprofen for a few days is sufficient. During the actual procedure, we can give you a mild sedative so that you are relaxed during the process and also have little or no memory of the surgery at all.

You can usually return to work the next day, depending on the type of job you have and the amount of physical activity you must do. We will discuss your recovery period and after-care before your surgery.

How do I know if I need dental implants?

When you come in for a consultation, we will review your oral health history and examine your teeth and gums and take X-rays. Then we will discuss our findings with you and explain the various options available to you for your particular situation.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Did you know that more than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year?! If you know how to handle this emergency situation, you may be able to actually save the tooth if you act quickly, calmly, and follow these simple steps:

  1. Find the tooth and handle it only by the crown (chewing part of the tooth), and NOT by the root.
  2. Do NOT clean the tooth with soap or chemicals or wipe/scrub the tooth at all. If it has dirt or debris on it, rinse it gently with whole milk or your own saliva (if it’s your tooth; your child’s saliva if it’s your child’s tooth). If that is not possible, rinse it very gently with water.
  3. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. The longer you wait, the less chance there is to save it.

How to transport the tooth:

  • Try to replace the tooth back in its socket immediately. Gently bite down on gauze, a wet wash cloth or tea bag, or on your own teeth to keep the tooth in place.
  • If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, place it in a container and cover it with a small amount of your saliva or whole milk. You can also place the tooth under your tongue or between your lower lip and gums. Keep the tooth moist at all times.  Do NOT transport the tooth itself in a cloth or tissue.
  • Consider buying a “Save-A-Tooth” storage container and keeping it as part of your home first aid kit. The container is available in many pharmacies and has a travel case and fluid solution for easy tooth transport.