Implant-Supported Dentures: True Or False Quiz

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Would you say you know a lot about implant-supported dentures and their benefits? Perhaps you’ve been wearing your full dentures for many years, wishing you could find a happy medium between your current prosthetics and implants. The good news is that implant dentures provide the best of both worlds, allowing new and continuing denture wearers to enjoy the advantages of both prosthetic solutions. Wondering how clear your knowledge is regarding implant support? Test yourself to find out.

Implant Dentures True or False Quiz

  1. True or False: Choosing to replace all of your teeth with individual dental implants (which we will restore with individual dental crowns) typically requires a similar investment. If you want full implant dentures, it’s simply a personal preference.
  2. True or False: You can receive an impressive improvement in stability by choosing to support your full dentures with dental implants rather than simply relying on the natural suction within your mouth.
  3. True or False: Choosing to use dental implants to support your dentures may help you prevent the deterioration of your jawbone, which is a serious concern for edentulous patients – or those missing all of their teeth.

Dental Quiz Answer Key

  1. False. Single implants to replace a full arch of teeth will require a greater investment than choosing multiple implants placed strategically to support a full denture. If you’re looking for a more affordable solution that includes implant support, consider implant dentures.
  2. True. Your mouth does create natural suction, which provides some level of stability. However, if you’re wearing a full denture that we have fit securely over your dental implants, then you can expect to experience little to no slippage or other issues that you may deal with when wearing traditionally supported dentures.
  3. True. Your roots keep your jawbone healthy, thanks to a stimulation process that occurs when you bite down. Missing all of your teeth and their roots renders this stimulation non-existent. Placing implants restores stimulation to an extent, so your jaw receives essential nutrients to remain full and strong.

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Improve Prosthetic Stability With Dental Implants

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Are you a long-time wearer of full or partial dentures? Perhaps you have been wearing a bridge for some time. Whatever the case, you may find that you do not achieve the stability you desire from your prosthetic. Granted, completing your smile with any dental prosthetic is always beneficial, providing you with an esthetically restored grin, the ability to speak and eat with ease, and improved self-esteem. However, if you deal with slippage or must limit your food choices, choosing to support your prosthetic with dental implants may offer you the solution you’ve been seeking. Not sure you qualify for implants? You have options.

Need Help Without Implants?

Have you been wearing the same partial denture for many years? Perhaps you received your prosthetic from another practice and it simply never felt comfortable. Whatever the case, an ill-fitting device may result in trouble with fit and stability. You may also find it quite uncomfortable. Visit us, so we may provide you with a new prosthetic or offer repairs to the one you currently wear.

Or, if your prosthetics are in excellent shape but you want a bit more support, it may be time to turn to adhesives. Fortunately, for patients who wear full or partial dentures, special adhesives may offer additional support – this is helpful if you are dissatisfied with the support created by natural suction in your mouth.

Choosing Dental Implant Support

Have you heard the term implant-retained dentures? Perhaps you know them as implant-supported dentures or implant dentures. Whatever you call them, you should know that you can often receive additional stability by choosing dental implants and prosthetics crafted to fit over the implant posts. This provides you with an exceptional level of stability, while allowing you to reap the many benefits of implants without a mouth full of them. Speak with us about your candidacy for dental implants, so we may determine the best course of action to complete your smile, while improving your daily function and experience.

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Post-Surgery Recovery: What To Expect

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We recognize that while many patients are aware of the significance associated with oral surgery, many worry about post-surgery recovery. Rather than allowing your concerns to get the best of you, we encourage you to become more familiar with what you can expect as you heal. Fortunately, the benefits of surgery far outweigh the potential mild inconvenience you may experience after your treatment. Even more wonderful is the fact that you can expect to head home fully informed and prepared to return to your usual daily life in no time.

First, You Will Receive Take-Home Literature

We understand that some patients worry they will not know what to do after surgery, particularly because they will leave their procedure while under sedation. Rest assured, you will not need to remember every detail about post-surgery recovery. Our practice will send you home with detailed instructions according to your particular treatment. Remember, however, that we are always happy to take your call if a question arises.

Expect New Sensations That Will Subside

True, recovery may mean a tiny bit of discomfort and some swollen tissue, but you do not need to sit in fear of anything serious. Your body is doing its best to heal quickly and effectively, so minor changes and unusual sensations are not at all uncommon. We will provide you with the means of achieving excellent comfort during your recovery period. Suggestions and options may include the following:

  • Information regarding how to rely on cold or warm compresses
  • A prescription for pain medication, so you can remain completely comfortable following your oral surgery

Some Rest And Temporary Changes Will Be Necessary

Surgery can take a bit of a toll on your body – fortunately, by following our instructions, you can enjoy successful post-surgery recovery. You may need to rest at home for a few days. In addition, we will let you know if you need to alter your usual daily dental habits or typical daily medications. Follow our lead and you will find yourself in excellent shape.

ABOUT YOUR SANTA ROSA, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

More Questions About Dental Implant Candidacy

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While you may determine that dental implants seem like a wonderful fit for your missing teeth, candidacy requires a bit more than an enthusiastic desire (thought it’s a good start). When it comes to qualifying for implants, if you have a strong, healthy jaw and your mouth is in decent health, you are on the road toward shaping up as an excellent candidate. However, we often find that patients visit us with a variety of specific concerns that can be difficult to clear up on their own. Allow us to help you discover more about your candidacy with answers to some common questions.

Q&A: Dental Implant Candidacy

Question: Do I need to quit smoking? Will my smoking habit disqualify me for dental implants?

Answer: Not necessarily. It’s true that smoking and tobacco use in general may lead to oral and other health problems. Smoking is also often related to the incidence of dental implant failure. However, this is not an instant means of disqualification. Speak with us, so we can discuss the possibilities.

Question: What if I’m not in perfect health? Will you immediately turn me away for oral surgery and implant placement?

Answer: The goal is to ensure you can make it safely through a surgical procedure. If so, you are likely a good candidate for dental implants. Because each patient visits us with a unique set of circumstances, we will need to schedule a consultation with you to make a final determination.

Question: I’ve heard that implants have a 98 percent success rate – what are the chances that I make a good candidate for implants that will last?

Answer: If we determine that you make a good candidate for dental implants then the chances are immediately quite high that you will have a successful experience and that they will last. The main factor in long-term implant wear is good care. Schedule consistent cleanings and checkups and care for your smile for the best results.

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Dental Implants: Team Support

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Patients often ask us who is going to place the dental implant during oral surgery, who will restore the implant, and how their referring dentists will become involved in the process. These are excellent questions for which there is not a single answer. While every treatment will include the participation of multiple dental professionals, the needs of every patient are completely unique. In addition to reassuring you that you can expect the assistance of a supportive team, allow us to shed some light on what else you can expect from this experience.

Who Is Involved In The Process?

First of all, it is important to remember that you are involved in the experience just as much as the dental professionals surrounding you. If you have questions along the way or concerns, we encourage you to speak up, so we can ensure you feel confident and informed about what is happening and happy with the outcome. You can expect the course of treatment to include contributions by your referring dentist and a member of our team (your oral and maxillofacial surgeon).

Who Plans My Implants?

We will all plan your implants together. We will maintain close communication with you and your dentist to make sure the process moves along smoothly. By collaborating in a team effort, we will begin with detailed case planning, creating and looking over advanced imaging or models of your mouth. The goal is to plan strategic placement of an implant in your smile for a beautiful finish and stable support. In part, our meeting and planning will focus on what type of restoration you desire. For instance, you may choose a dental crown to replace a single tooth. Or, you may replace multiple teeth with a bridge, partial denture, or full denture.

Who Restores My Implants?

Once your dental implants have “become one” with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, it will be time to permanently restore the implant. Either your dentist or the oral and maxillofacial surgeon you are working with on our team will place your restoration, depending on the unique care plan we have tailored to your smile.

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Common Reasons For Sedation Dentistry

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You may assume, like many patients, that receiving additional relaxation through sedation is something we offer only for specific procedures. This is simply not the case. We would like you to wrap your mind around the following portion of our dental care philosophy: We strive to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed. We encourage you to take this information and make sure to speak with us about any aspect of care that causes you hesitation or discomfort. You will find that a diverse array of reasons for sedation dentistry tend to qualify you for treatment, so you can enjoy a relaxing, tranquil experience every time you visit us.

Reason #1: You Desire Additional Numbing

Perhaps you have either found that you do not feel completely numb as a result of a local anesthetic – or you feel anxious about it wearing off. Whatever your concern, choosing sedation dentistry offers additional analgesic effects, while taking the edge off of your nerves. You will be able to enjoy a comfortable, relaxed treatment.

Reason #2: You Are Anxious (Mild To Severe Nerves Qualify)

In some cases (many, in fact) patients suffer from nervousness. This exists on a broad spectrum, ranging from mild nerves that cause one to feel a bit uneasy to severe dental anxiety. Severe nerves can cause a patient to avoid scheduling visits or keeping them. You can feel comfortable planning treatment with the knowledge that sedation will keep you calm and at ease.

Reason #3: You Require Extensive Work

Patients requiring extensive dental work within short periods of time may feel concerned about becoming restless. This is yet another area in which sedation may help.

Reason #4: Your Gag Reflex Is Problematic

Do you feel optimistic about dental care but you cannot seem to make it through even a gentle examination without gagging? Speak with us about your gag reflex, so we may determine whether sedation dentistry may be of assistance.

ABOUT YOUR SANTA ROSA, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Dental Implant Benefits

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Choosing the appropriate tooth replacement solution for your smile is often easiest accomplished by paying close attention to the ways a particular treatment benefits your smile. Once you rule out those dental prosthetics that don’t work for you, you may wish to focus on the major highlights of those that do. If you are considering dental implants to restore your smile, for instance, becoming more familiar with treatment advantages may greatly contribute to your ability to make a confident, informed final decision.

Dental Implant Benefits

  1. They Protect Your Smile Alignment. You know that a dental implant is a titanium post that replaces your tooth’s roots – this is the only tooth replacement solution that restores missing roots. Fortunately, one benefit of this feature is that the implant acts as a placeholder, providing significant protection against the misalignment that occurs as a result of tooth loss.
  2. Implants Restore The Beauty and Function of Your Smile. Restored implants look and function like your natural teeth. Unlike other prosthetics that may result in slippage or other concerns, an implant is fused to your jawbone, which provides exceptional stability to the restoration of your choice. The result? A smile that looks natural and lifelike. You can also expect to return to your previously enjoyed effective chewing abilities and capacity for articulate speech.
  3. Implants Keep Your Jaw Healthy. Did you know that the roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone? This process keeps your jaw healthy and full. When you lose one or more teeth, the stimulation decreases – this may result in the resorption and subsequent break down of your jawbone. As a result of the way dental implants replace your roots, you can expect the stimulation process to become active again, as well.

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Sinus Lift For Implant Prep: Your Questions

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Have you been told that you do not qualify for dental implants? This is something patients often hear when they have been missing teeth for an extended period of time. You see, the roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone to remain full and healthy. When you lose your teeth, your jawbone may deteriorate. This can present problems because you need an adequate amount of bone tissue to support implants. Fortunately, depending on your particular needs, you may qualify for bone grafting and a sinus lift to assist you in becoming a candidate for implants.

Questions and Answers: Sinus Lifts

Question: My jawbone is not healthy enough for implants. Where do I begin?

Answer: We will need to provide bone grafting to restore the height of your jawbone – if there is inadequate tissue volume then you will simply not have a sufficient amount of bone tissue into which we may insert the dental implants.

Question: Do I also need a sinus lift? Or is the bone grafting all I need?

Answer: If you are missing teeth from your upper jaw, the bone may have become quite thin. To rejuvenate the fullness of your jawbone, we will suggest bone grafting. However, the floors of your sinuses that rest over your upper jawbone may rest too low (as a result of thinning bone tissue) to provide adequate room for the bone grafting. Fortunately, we can lift the sinuses to create the required space.

Question: Will I need a sinus lift and then bone grafting as two separate treatments? That seems very time consuming.

Answer: No. Fortunately, we may perform both treatments during the same surgery, so you will not need to worry about additional effort or time away from your usual daily life.

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Your Questions About Nitrous Oxide

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Finding out that you have anesthesia options to help alleviate stress and anxiety during dental care is often a major relief for patients. However, you may be similar to many of our patients who prefer to feel fully informed both about their options and the details of each. We appreciate this desire and enjoy answering your questions. For instance, if you have been considering nitrous oxide for a tranquil dental visit, you may find yourself wondering about how it works and how it might affect your day. Fortunately, you will find this gentle yet effective option works for nearly everyone and offers many benefits.

Questions And Answers: Nitrous Oxide

Question: What is nitrous oxide?

Answer: Also referred to as “laughing gas” nitrous oxide is a type of sedative that can calm your nerves. The term laughing gas refers to its tendency to cause patients to feel giggly. In general, we suggest this anesthesia option for patients who would like additional numbing during treatments or a gentle method to ease nerves.

Question: Who qualifies for nitrous oxide?

Answer: Nitrous oxide is a gentle anesthesia option that works for most patients, including children. We will speak with you before your visit or procedure to ensure you are healthy enough to receive laughing gas.

Question: Does this type of anesthesia require an injection?

Answer: No. One of the benefits of this sedative is that it is appropriate for individuals with a fear of needles.

Question: Will I fall asleep? Do I need a ride home?

Answer: No, you will remain conscious during your treatment. To administer nitrous oxide, we will place a mask comfortably over your nose and mouth. As you breathe in, the medicine will quickly take effect. When we finish providing you with the sedative, it will wear off just as quickly. This means you will be able to drive yourself home or back to your daily plans.

Question: Does everyone receive the same dosage?

Answer: No. Another benefit of this anesthesia is that we can control the amount that you receive during your treatment, either increasing or decreasing the dose. This makes for comfortable, customized care.

ABOUT YOUR SANTA ROSA, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Restoration Options For Dental Implants

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If you are a patient who has chosen implants to replace your missing teeth, you have likely already become familiar with the complexity of this restorative solution. From learning more about the procedure itself to what you can expect from recovery, you know that implants require a series of steps and a personalized treatment plan. As for the amount of teeth you are replacing and what type of approach you prefer, getting to know your restoration options for your dental implants is essential. Fortunately, by forming a solid understanding of your diverse array of solutions, making your final decision will come much easier. Learn more:

Restoration Options

  • Dental Crown: A dental crown is a single, hollow, artificial tooth. This prosthetic is something we often use to cover damaged or weak teeth. For dental implants, we will use a dental crown as a restoration for a single dental implant post. You may replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth individually with this option.
  • Partial Denture: Patients missing multiple teeth may rely on a partial denture, which will gain added stability with support from dental implant posts. Partials replace multiple teeth in most configurations, from teeth next to one another to those spread across your arch.
  • Full Denture: A full denture is one type of restoration that we may support with implant posts. We may refer to partial or full dentures that rely on implants with the term “implant-supported” or “implant-retained” to differentiate them from devices that rely on traditional, implant-free support. A full – or complete – denture replaces a full arch of teeth.
  • Dental Bridge: An implant-retained bridge includes a series of artificial teeth that are all connected to one another. This means you may use this dental implant restoration to replace one tooth or up to three teeth in a row. Traditionally supported bridges are fixed, resting over your natural teeth. In this case, the bridge will rely on implant posts for support.

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).