Same-Day Implants vs. Traditional Implants

Question:
Why can some dentists perform an implant the same day and some say it takes up to 9 months?

Answer:
Before this can be answered, one must understand what an implant is. Many people think an implant replaces the crown (the porcelain that looks like a tooth) but an implant is actually the titanium screw that replaces the root of a tooth.  The part that replaces the crown is actually a combination of something called an abutment and a crown.  The abutment will screw into the implant and the crown cements onto the abutment. Please see the diagram below.

Not every patient is a candidate for receiving an implant the same day. A qualified dentist needs to determine the amount of bone in your jaw, whether you grind your teeth, the integrity of the bone that the implant is in, if you are prone to infection and how stable your bone holds the implant on the day of surgery. After evaluating these risk factors, a dentist will be able to determine if one can get an implant, abutment and crown the same day or if additional healing time is needed after an implant is placed.

If you are missing teeth, wear a partial or denture, you may be able to get a dental implant. For more information on dental implants in Roselle Park, please visit our Website or call Roselle Park Dental at (908) 245-1745.

Next week's topic is am I a candidate for an implant?

Question: What can I do to get healthy?

Answer: Hippocrates, The Father of Medicine, said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food!”

Obesity, diabetes, and gum disease are increasing at alarming rates. At the same time, many people are on prescribed medications to help control these varying diseases. Processed foods continue to be consumed because they are cheap and easy to buy. If you want to improve your health, you need to do what Hippocrates suggests and change your diet.

What is a healthy diet? (I am going to answer this question based on my experience only. As always, consult your doctor before you change your diet.)

Dr. O's 8 Simple Rules for Success

1. Read the labels on your food and drink. If there are more than 5 ingredients on the back of the package, it is probably not easily broken down by your body. If there are more than 2 ingredients that are really long words and you don’t know what they are, then your body probably won't recognize it either! Avoid these food/drinks wherever possible.

2. Eat as many vegetables as you want. The greener or more colorful they are, the better they are for you. Try to eat a rainbow of colors (red bell peppers, carrots, watermelon, kale, spinach, etc.).

3. Reduce your animal fat intake. Consume lean proteins such as chicken, turkey and fish over more fatty meats such as beef.

4. Avoid soda. If you must have soda, try to keep your intake to one can of soda per week. Remember, just because a soda is diet, sugar free or calorie free, it does not mean it is good for you!

5. Drink water. Staying hydrated is critical to your body functioning properly.

6. Limit your dairy intake.

7. Exercise! Eating healthy and working out go hand in hand. Even if you need to start small by going for a walk three days a week, and then work your way up to a jog- that's great. Keep your body moving.

8. Get a partner or coach. It is easier to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle when you have support. 

Question: I've Been Diagnosed with Gum Disease....What Does This Mean?

Answer:

Approximately 85% of our population has some form of gum disease. Gum disease can vary from mild gingivitis (slightly inflamed gums, bad breath and bleeding gums) to periodontitis (gingivitis with bone loss in the jawbone). If you've ever watched Dr. Oz, he always is concerned about inflammation and the harm it brings to our bodies. Inflammation has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, low birth weight pregnancies, and even shorter life spans.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to diligently follow a strict home care plan. This includes eating a healthy diet with proper nutrients, high antioxidants as well as properly flossing and brushing. Keeping your check up and cleaning appointments at least every 6 months with the dentist is also critical to keeping gum disease at bay.

Here is what I recommend to my patients varying levels of gum disease:

Mild periodontitis protocol- home care plan, laser decontamination, gum infection therapy, re-evaluation with cleaning 4-6 weeks later

Moderate to advanced periodontitis- home care plan, laser decontamination, gum infection therapy, re-evaluation with cleaning 4-6 weeks later, referral to periodontist or further laser treatment.

Gingivitis protocol: home care plan, laser decontamination, 2 cleanings, and a re-evaluation to follow up on gum progress 4-6 weeks later

For more information about our gum infection therapy or laser decontamination, please contact Roselle Park Dental.

Doc, Is It Going To Hurt? Part 3 of 3

There are plenty of people who are hesitant to get their dental work done even with the many advances in technology.  For those patients there is sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry includes the use of Valium, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), Triazolam, and, if necessary, IV sedation or general anesthesia.

The use of Valium in conjunction with a few minutes of nitrous oxide can really reduce the amount of anxiety patients will have while getting their work done.  This is most effective for the patient that doesn't really mind dentistry but wants something to take the edge off.

When Triazolam is used, the patient will experience oral conscious sedation.  This should only be done by a dentist with an oral sedation license. (By the way, New Jersey has one of the hardest licensing requirements in the U.S.) Although oral conscious sedation is extremely safe and effective, certain protocols should be followed strictly.

Oral conscious sedation is extremely effective in reducing all anxiety and fears.  Most patients do not recall the dental appointment at all and the medications even reduce the post operative discomfort.  I have found oral sedation be the biggest game changer in improving the dental experience for patients.

Lastly, if a patient is a terrible gagger or if his/her fear is too great to be calmed by oral sedation, we can involve an anesthesiologist to administer IV sedation or general anesthesia.  Both are more effective than oral sedation but carry additional risk and are more expensive.

Funny Dental-Related TV News

Just wanted to share with you a funny article I read this morning on Yahoo...

http://tv.yahoo.com/blogs/tv-news/which-gorgeous-guest-star-on--the-exes--is-sporting-gross-fake-teeth--203915569.html