Your consultation with our friendly, experienced dental team is a crucial first step in accomplishing your oral health and cosmetic goals. During this first visit, we will perform a thorough examination using 3D CT Scan and explain to you the diagnosis we reach. Additionally, this is the time in which your treatment options will be discussed and your questions answered.
In some cases, we may begin treatment on the first visit, after we have fully discussed medical history and the current dental concerns at length. Before any oral surgery procedure, it is imperative that we fully understand your health history. During your consultation, please discuss with your care provider any existing health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial joints, artificial heart valves, and so on. Our goal is to begin treatment and follow-through in the way that will be most beneficial to each individual. Sometimes this will involve a second or even a third visit.
Some of the items you need to bring to your first appointment include:
- Dental insurance card
- Medical insurance card
- Driver’s license or other valid photo ID
- List of current medications if applicable
It is important that a parent or legal guardian accompany a patient under 18 years of age to all dental appointments, including the initial consultation.
Peninsula Dental Implant Center is open weekdays from 9am – 7pm. Our last scheduled appointment is at 5:30pm. We make every effort to schedule patients right away. Urgent situations such as extreme pain are handled the same day when possible. We respect our patients time, and work accordingly to minimize time spend in our waiting room. However, we do ask that patients understand that unexpected circumstances can arise due to the nature of the oral surgery practice. Should an emergency or surgery take longer than expected, we will notify patients of an increased wait time.
Various forms of payment are accepted at Peninsula Dental Implant Center, including cash, credit cards, and cashier checks. Financing and payment plans such as Care Credit are also available to facilitate dental care as needed. Financing breaks up out-of-pocket expenses in a convenient manner with little or no interest, depending on the selected program. It is important to us to deliver the highest quality care to our patients at the most reasonable cost. Unless prior arrangements have been made with us, payment is due on the day of treatment. We are happy to answer any questions you have about your account, our fees, and payment options.
While we accept insurance, it is important to remember that patients are ultimately responsible for office and service fees. Most often, we receive prompt payments for insurance claims and settle the remaining balance with the individual patient.
We want each of our patients to receive the full extent of care and are happy to help them maximize insurance coverage for approved procedures. We accept a number of dental and medical insurances, including dental PPO plans. Additionally, we can discuss financing for the remaining balance of care when necessary. Our experienced staff submits claims on behalf of our patients and is happy to answer questions. It is up to the individual patient to pay for services or any portion of fees not covered by insurance.
We encourage patients to pre-register for their visit using our convenient, secure online process. Simply complete the necessary forms online and click “Submit” to forward your information to us. Every precaution has been taken to protect your private personal data.
Consent forms for treatments may also be completed online by clicking the necessary link below. If you have questions about which form or forms you need to complete, contact our office. We are happy to assist you!
Our post-op instructions are intended to facilitate the most comfortable recovery after oral surgery. Following these instructions as closely as possible will minimize side effects and encourage healing. If complications arise after any procedure, patients are encouraged to call us directly for immediate support.
AFTER SURGERY
We recommend the following tips for the first twenty-four hours after oral surgery:
- Do not spit. For the first day after surgery, wipe saliva from the mouth or simply swallow it.
- Drink directly from a glass, not from a straw.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not touch the treatment area with the tongue or the fingers.
During the first day after surgery, it is important not to disrupt the surgical area with any of the above actions. Disruption may dislodge a forming blood clot and lead to excessive bleeding. Blood clots also facilitate healing and decrease the risk of infection.
FOR BLEEDING
Minor bleeding is normal after dental implant surgery. This should subside over the course of a few hours. In addition to bleeding, oozing may also occur for several hours following the insertion of implants. In some cases, nosebleeds may occur after treatment on the upper arch. This is not abnormal and should cease once inflammation settles. The following may be done to care for the mouth:
- Keep pressure on the surgical site for 30-45 minutes, using gauze.
- If bleeding occurs, replace gauze as necessary. Firm pressure should be applied for an additional hour if bleeding continues.
- If gauze is changed a third time due to continued bleeding, change to a moist tea bag instead of gauze. Tannic acid, a component in tea, may encourage the formation of a clot.
- If bleeding continues after this, call our office directly for immediate support.
FOR SWELLING
Swelling is to be expected after oral surgery. This side effect may be mild or severe, and can worsen in the first few days after treatment before gradually subsiding over the course of a week or so. It is also possible to notice bruising on the face. Swelling may be managed with the following tips:
- On the day of surgery, apply ice to the cheek or face near the surgery site. An ice pack can be used for twenty minutes and then removed for ten minutes. This may continue for the first two days as needed.
- Keep the head positioned above the heart, even when you sleep. This will minimize swelling.
- After the third post-surgery day, moist heat may be applied instead of ice to reduce swelling more quickly.
EATING
Soft foods may be enjoyed as soon as numbing medication wears off. Chewing should not occur directly on the surgical site. As healing occurs and comfort improves, patients can resume their normal eating habits as they can tolerate. Every person is different. There is no specific guideline on when foods should be reintroduced. The key to healing is to stay nourished and hydrated.
BRUSHING TEETH
Oral hygiene is important and should resume the night of surgery or the next morning. The surgical site itself should be avoided for the first day or two in order to preserve the integrity of stitches. After the second or third day, gentle brushing can be done around the surgical area. Spitting should be done very carefully and without force, as clots are still necessary to prevent bleeding at this time.
RINSING THE MOUTH
Salt water rinses can begin the day of surgery and can continue every few hours. Water should be gently swished by moving the head, not squeezing the cheek muscles. Spitting should not be forceful.
MEDICATION
There are a few different types of medication that may be prescribed for post-surgical use. We encourage patients to drink a full glass of water when taking medications and to follow prescribed use. If severe nausea or diarrhea occur, contact our office.
Common post-surgical medications include:
- Pain medication should be used as needed. Due to the effects of narcotics, it is important not to drink, drive, or operate machinery while taking pain medication.
- Antibiotics minimize the risk of infection and should be taken until they are gone.
- Oral rinse such as Peridex or Periogard may be prescribed and used twice a day for thirty seconds.
Welcome to Peninsula Dental Implant Center, where you can find real solutions to your dental concerns. Our experienced staff is proud to deliver the highest quality of care in a comfortable environment. Due to the development of dental implants as a viable resource for restoration, the effects of tooth loss are no longer what they used to be. Now, you can restore full natural function and beauty to your smile – and keep it for a lifetime!
What are dental implants?
An implant is a tiny, three-part prosthetic that is used to replace a missing tooth as well as its root. It is the replacement of the root that makes implants so successful. The three areas of the implant include:
- The post. This tiny cylinder is inserted into healthy jawbone tissue, where it will become integrated with bone over several months time.
- The abutment. A connective piece, the abutment sits at the top of the implant, affixing the final restoration to the implant post.
- The restoration. This may be a crown, bridge, or full denture, whichever restoration is appropriate to the individual patient.
Benefits of dental implants
We love helping our patients regain their quality of life by successfully restoring their smile. Dental implants are considered the gold standard of care for several reasons.
Preservation of natural structure
Restoration with dental implants most closely resembles natural oral anatomy. Because the tooth and the root are replaced, the final result looks and feels as near to natural as you can get. Implants also encourage the natural regeneration of bone, just like natural roots, thereby protecting facial structure from falling inward.
Improving the smile
Due to the level of restoration resulting from dental implant treatment, the smile can actually be improved. This is especially noticeable at the front of the mouth, where bone defects would be very apparent.
Protecting natural teeth
Dental implants are prosthetics that replace the roots of missing teeth. An implant has a tiny titanium post that looks like a screw. This post is surgically implanted into the jawbone in a comfortable procedure. After insertion, bone fuses to titanium over several months. This is referred to as osseointegration. In a follow up procedure, performed after stabilization of the implant post, the abutment portion of the implant is connected to the post. Lastly, the visible, lifelike restoration can be affixed to the abutment. Implants may hold crowns, a bridge or a full denture. In the A4 complete implant solution procedure, patients who are edentulous gain functional, comfortable support for a denture plate.
Quality of life
Implants look and feel more natural than other types of dental prosthetics. This enables patients to speak and to chew and to laugh without feeling uncomfortable. When implants are used to support or replace a bridge or denture, the positive impact on quality of life is even more dramatic. Patients feel more confident in their smile and more engaged in life as a result of natural looking, natural feeling restoration.
Oral care
Dental implants can be brushed and flossed in the same manner as natural teeth, making oral care an easy task. Bridges require the use of a floss threader, which is an additional step to the hygiene routine. A full set of replacement teeth is also more easily cleaned when supported by implants.
Attractive appearance
Teeth and bone tissue in the jaw are intrinsically connected. Additionally, the underlying structures of the mouth are largely responsible for the appearance of the lower two-thirds of the facial aesthetic. Because bone is preserved by implants, the skin and facial tissues do not show signs of aging in the way they would in the event of a collapse in oral structure.
Enhanced self-esteem
Many men and women who have chosen to replace missing teeth with dental implants report feeling a renewed sense of self-confidence due to the natural look and feel of replacement teeth and their roots.
Care for just about every situation
People who have lost a tooth or teeth most often say they wish they could get them back. With dental implants, you may not get back a truly natural tooth, but you do get to enjoy the look and feel of natural teeth! Due to numerous advances in implant dentistry, this form of care is suitable for just about every patient who needs to replace a tooth. Whether just one, a few, or as a replacement for full dentures, implants provide the level of integrity you would expect from a naturally grown tooth. In the past, implant treatment may have been difficult for patients who had experienced bone loss. Today, we can meet this challenge with bone grafts or other innovative technique.
Steps to your new smile
The process of restoring smiles with dental implants has been streamlined at Peninsula Dental Implant Center. Dr. Gupta has over fifteen years of clinical experience and advanced training in implant dentistry. She is a member of the International Congress of Dental Implantologists, who provides each patient with personalized care.
Planning the implant procedure is something we are extremely good at! We incorporate the latest diagnostic CT imaging, which enables us to view vital structures in 3D as we map out the surgical site and strategic placement of implants.
CAD/CAM technology is an integral part of our practice. This restorative processing center allows us to create lifelike crowns right here in our office, giving us full control over the final outcome. Our in-house milling center is accurate and convenient for our patients, eliminating the need for a second visit to complete restorative care.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your healthiest smile.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are prosthetics that replace the roots of missing teeth. An implant has a tiny titanium post that looks like a screw. This post is surgically implanted into the jawbone in a comfortable procedure. After insertion, bone fuses to titanium over several months. This is referred to as osseointegration. In a follow up procedure, performed after stabilization of the implant post, the abutment portion of the implant is connected to the post. Lastly, the visible, lifelike restoration can be affixed to the abutment. Implants may hold crowns, a bridge or a full denture. In the All-on-Four procedure, patients who are edentulous gain functional, comfortable support for a denture plate.
What are the benefits of dental implant treatment?
There are many advantages to replacing teeth and their roots with implant treatment:
- Artificial teeth, whether a crown, bridge, or denture, look and feel extremely natural.
- Restorations fit precisely, ending the need for adhesives while ensuring the prosthetic doesn’t slip out of place.
- Implants preserve the beauty of your smile and healthy facial contours.
- Teeth can be replaced in the most conservative manner, without reliance on surrounding teeth for support.
- Mimicking the action of natural roots, implants prevent the breakdown of bone in the area of tooth loss.
- It is possible to fully restore the smile in a single visit, receiving both implant and restoration on the same day.
- Implants can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene practice.
- Replacing teeth with implants, you can eat whatever you like and feel the utmost confidence in your smile.
Does dental implant treatment have a proven success rate?
Successful dental implant treatment is described as that through which the implant becomes fully integrated into the jawbone. The success rate of implants is over 97 percent. It is even possible to remove and reposition an implant that fails to integrate fully after an initial procedure.
What is involved in implant treatment?
Traditionally, dental implant treatment involves several phases. Initially, an examination is performed and time is taken to properly plan for treatment. After the insertion of implants, several months are taken to allow complete healing of bone around titanium screws. Finally, the abutment and restoration can be placed. This conventional process can take up to a year to complete.
Advances in technology and technique, such as 3D CT Scan imaging, have made it possible to quickly and accurately plan the insertion of implants. Coupled with in-house milling of final restorations, modern methods allow patients to walk out of our office with their natural looking new smile after just one simplified procedure.
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
Some degree of discomfort is to be expected from any type of surgical procedure. Implant surgery is, however, very minor. In addition to local anesthetic, we may incorporate IV sedation to improve the overall experience. The procedure is, as well, performed with computer guidance and precise technique.
After surgery, many patients are able to resume normal activities within a day or two. Post-surgical discomfort is often described as no different than tooth extraction. Because the crown, bridge, or denture rests on implants, not on the gums, comfort is heightened compared to other restorative procedures.
Where is treatment performed and who performs the procedure?
Due to the intricacy of dental implant surgery, many general dentists refer their patients to an oral surgeon for this portion of their restorative treatment plan. Any licensed dentist, however, may receive training to perform this procedure. The advantage of having an oral surgeon complete implant surgery is the level of experience he or she may have. At the same time, the narrow focus and lower level of familiarity the oral surgeon has with the patient and the overall treatment plan can create a challenge. In the same manner, the dentist who is restoring an implant that was not personally placed may lack understanding of any complications.
At Peninsula Dental Implant Center, we perform the entire process of tooth replacement. We diagnose the initial problem, discuss goals, plan surgery using state-of-the-art imaging, perform the surgery, and design and place the restoration. Every step of the process is performed right here in our office by a team that you know and trust. As implant specialists, we have completed extensive training in this area of dentistry and have performed hundreds and hundreds of procedures. We have the follow-through to see you from your first visit to your follow-up after implant surgery, giving us the familiarity with your case to ensure an optimal outcome.
What is the cost of treatment? Will it be covered under my dental insurance?
Dental implant treatment varies from one person to another, so costs are estimated during your initial consultation for care. Factors that go into the cost of treatment include the number of teeth that have been lost or extracted, the need for additional procedures such as sinus augmentation or bone grafting, and the type of restoration that will be used. The average cost for a single implant is a few thousand dollars. It is not always necessary, however, to plan a single implant for every individual tooth to be replaced. For instance, it is possible to restore an entire arch with as few as four implants and a custom denture plate.
We understand the importance of affordable care, and yet we do not sacrifice quality. Due to our on-site technologies and bulk purchases of supplies, patients obtain affordable care from our practice. When you visit Peninsula Dental Implant Center, we will discuss your options for treatment and explain the costs involved in your care plan. While insurance coverage may be available for dental implants, the amount of coverage may be comparable to that of a traditional denture or bridge.
Do dental implant require special care?
Dental implants and their restorations, whether a crown, bridge, or denture, can be cared for in the same manner you care for natural teeth. In some cases, flossing technique will need to be modified. As we help you restore teeth with implants, we will demonstrate healthy hygiene techniques to make your transition as easy as possible. In addition to routine brushing and flossing, professional exams and cleanings remain crucial to long term oral health.
I think I am too old to get dental implants!
There is no age limit on a healthy, attractive, functional smile! Patients from middle age to over 100 heal at about the same rate as younger patients, which is just one indicator that you cannot be too old for dental implants.
The primary factor that may pose a challenge to implant treatment is general health conditions. Because it is important to be in good health in order for implant surgery to be successful, we perform a thorough health history on all patients considering this type of care. In most cases, tooth replacement with dental implant surgery provides excellent, lasting results – regardless of age.
You can feel confident and comfortable in your own smile. Contact us to schedule your consultation for dental implant treatment.
