Frequently Asked Questions
 Dental Implants
The March/April, 2011 issue of AARP The Magazine features an interesting article about dental implants that might answer many of your questions.
What should you do if someone gets a tooth knocked out?
Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common. Because of the specific needs of
the dental structures, certain actions and precautions should be taken if
someone has received an injury to his or her teeth or surrounding dental
structures.
- If a tooth is "knocked out", it should be placed in salt water or milk.
The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance
it will survive. Therefore, the injured person should come to our office as
soon as possible or go immediately to the Emergency Department of a local
hospital.
- Never attempt to "wipe the tooth off" since remnants of the ligament which
hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of
replanting the tooth.
Why choose dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good
teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night
may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable
and rather embarrassing. Dental implants involve none of these complications.
<< BACK TO TOP
Do implants need special care?
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you
take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time
for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments
with your dental specialists.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Are you missing one or more teeth? Are you lacking confidence because of
your teeth or smile? Do you want natural-looking replacement teeth?
Does wearing a denture restrict your ability to eat and smile comfortably?
Dental implants can replace missing teeth for people of all ages, young
and old. Nearly everyone is a candidate for dental implants, and there are
very few medical conditions that would rule out dental implant treatment.
<< BACK TO TOP
What types of medications are administered?
During dental and oral surgical procedures, local anesthesia (Novocain)
is administered to block sensations. However, the anxiety that some people
have can be controlled by administering sedative drugs, such as Valium-type
medications. A sedated patient may remember the procedures, but will be
more relaxed. Additional medications such as agents similar to pentothal
are sometimes used to cause anesthesia, which places the patient more
deeply asleep.
How is the medication administered?
The sedative and anesthetic medications are typically given intravenously (IV).
Since the effects are so rapid by this means of administration, your doctor can
precisely give the correct amounts of the medications to make you relaxed
and comfortable. Also, if more medications are needed during the procedure,
the IV allows easy administration of additional medications.
<< BACK TO TOP
Is anesthesia safe?
The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record
of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and his
commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of
all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since
your last visit.In most states a special permit is required to administer
intravenous medications. In order to qualify, your doctor had to provide
evidence of advanced training in anesthesia and often a site visit is required.
The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific
emergency medications and equipment is also mandatory.
How am I monitored during the procedure?
Depending on the depth of the sedation and anesthetic being used, as well as
your own medical condition, various monitors are used. These vary from
automatic blood pressure cuffs, to the use of pulse oximeters which through
a light sensor measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. Sometimes
an EKG may be used as well.
The doctor along with at least one trained member of the staff will always be
with you and closely observe you throughout your treatment.
<< BACK TO TOP
|
