Dental Implants

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Dental implants are generally a standard and successful procedure. However, like all other dental procedures, there are complications and infections if it’s healed improperly. A failed dental implant is a rare situation, but there is no need to stress or panic if it does happen. Contact your dentist immediately to have your dental implant evaluated for further treatment.
Dental implants have three essential parts for you to recognize:

  • The titanium implant is inserted into the bone
  • The attachment called an abutment is securely attached
  • A crown will be fixed onto the abutment and aligned to the remaining teeth.
  • Osseointegration allows the titanium implant to fuse with the gums for full function. During the process, the body produces living cells to grow around the implant that is anchored to the jawbone. With time, the healthy bone will continue to surround the implant.
  • When the bone does not heal properly around the implant, the main sign to look for is mobility. If the implant had failed to integrate, it would consistently wobble and be unstable when you talk or chew.
  • A further sign of dental implants that have not formed properly during osseointegration includes pain, irritation, swelling, or infection. Contact your dentist promptly so an x-ray can be arranged to check the bone growth. An x-ray of a failed implant will show a significant amount of bone loss around the titanium portion of the implant.
  • Gum disease or bruxism can damage the implant to stop hindering the healing process. Conditions such as osteoporosis can attack the bone density and strength to make it difficult for the implant to be screwed onto the anchor.
  • Advanced cancer treatments may temporarily stop your dental implant option since radiation therapy may constrain routine bone healing.
  • Medications can be a risk factor for dental implant failure. For example, anti-depressants can affect the rate of bone metabolism.

Before you decide to get a dental implant, it is recommended to have a consultation with your dentist to discuss risk factors that can limit the success of the implants. You should always maintain good oral hygiene to avoid any implant complications. By brushing your teeth twice daily and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, you can keep your gums healthy while your new tooth heals.

Restore and Improve Your Gum Health with Periodontics Treatments

We offer complete periodontics treatments at our practice to help patients achieve stunning smiles that are both beautiful and functional. At Periodontal Associates, Dr. Chetan S. Patil provides periodontal care to restore a patient’s oral health and to prevent future problems from developing. Dr. Patil and his skilled team are also available for periodontal emergencies. We even partner with several area dentists for procedures such as dental implants for implant-supported dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.

What Treatments Can The Periodontics Perform?

Dental Cleanings
To prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis build up, the gum tissues above or below the gum line needs to be treated. Once bacteria start to accumulate, it can cause serious inflammation and irritation which in turn produce a chronic inflammatory response in the body. As a result, the body begins to systematically destroy gum and bone tissue, making the teeth shift, become unstable, or completely fall out.

Periodontal Treatments
We provide both non-surgical and surgical treatments for periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing is a common nonsurgical treatment that removes plaque and tartar deposits from below the gum line. We also offer surgical treatment options for more advanced gum disease. The goal of periodontal care is to heal the gums and prevent future problems from occurring.

Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts
Bone grafts are typically used for patients with an insufficient amount of bone to support dental implants. A sinus lift is a type of grafting procedure that involves lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone. These treatments provide sufficient bone volume for patients to enjoy the benefits of dental implants.

Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy is the removal of unattractive or infection-promoting excess gum tissue. Removing this tissue can help provide a healthy environment for your teeth and also improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Canine Exposure
When a tooth gets caught and fails to emerge from the gums, it is considered impacted. Along with wisdom teeth, the canine teeth commonly encounter this problem. Through the use of orthodontics and surgery, Dr. Patil can expose the tooth which can now be guided to the correct place in the mouth.

Have a Smile That Lasts For a Lifetime

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has been linked to a variety of health issues, so proper periodontal care plays an essential role in your oral and overall health. Dr. Strauss offers outstanding periodontal treatments at Periodontal Associates, to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Our comprehensive treatment options including deep cleanings, gum lifts, and dental implant placement to replace missing teeth.

Benefits of professional periodontal care

Improved Oral Health
Periodontal disease can cause bleeding, inflammation, and bad breath. By treating the root cause of periodontal issues, you can enjoy a healthier smile.

Restored Aesthetics
Deep gum pockets and gum recession can make your gum line look unhealthy or uneven. With periodontal treatment, your smile can become more balanced.

Better Overall Health
Your oral health is your overall health. Periodontal disease has been linked to serious health issues, so addressing your oral health can also boost your overall wellness.

Gum Disease Has Far-Reaching Effects

In addition to the impact that gum disease can have on your oral health, it can also affect your overall health. The effects of gum disease on your health can include an increased risk of serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Strauss can help you experience the vast benefits of excellent oral healthcare.

How Does Gum Disease Impact Other Areas of the Body?

Left untreated, gum disease can escalate to periodontal disease, which is a serious bacterial infection. At this stage, bacteria in your gum tissue can enter the bloodstream and begin to affect other areas of the body:

  • Respiratory System
    Studies have shown that advanced gum disease can increase your risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Immune System
    Continuous inflammation in the gums can place constant stress on the immune system, compromising its ability to fight infections that occur elsewhere in the body.
  • Circulatory System
    Advanced gum disease can make you two to three times as likely to experience a stroke or heart attack.

Periodontal disease is also associated with a higher risk of:

  • Diabetes
  • Kidney cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Blood cancer

Many of these conditions can also make you more susceptible to developing gum disease. In short, your oral health and overall health are dependent upon one another, and it pays to undergo regular exams with your periodontist, general healthcare provider, and any other specialists as recommended.

Medications Can Also Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease

When undergoing treatment for other conditions, certain medications can increase your risk of periodontal disease. These include medications used in:

Chemotherapy: This form of cancer treatment can harm healthy cells in addition to cancerous cells. It is recommended that you speak with your dentist at least a month before starting chemotherapy in order to discuss ways to maintain your oral health throughout treatment.

Treating blood pressure: Certain blood pressure medications can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue. This makes it more difficult to maintain your oral hygiene, which in turn can increase your risk of developing gum disease.

Organ transplants: Immunosuppressant drugs prescribed following an organ transplant can make you more susceptible to developing gum disease.

Treating epilepsy: The anticonvulsant drug phenytoin has been shown to cause an overgrowth of gum tissue, resulting in the same issues related to taking high blood pressure medication.

It is important to disclose your full medical history and a list of drugs you are taking to your dentist. That way, he or she can properly monitor you for gum disease by scheduling exams as often as you need.

Restore Candidacy for Dental Implants

Once a tooth is lost or extracted, the supportive underlying bone will begin to deteriorate. This can make it difficult to qualify for dental implants. If you have been told that you have insufficient tissue to receive dental implants, Dr. Strauss can perform a bone graft or sinus lift to restore your eligibility.

Grafted Bone Functions Just Like Natural Tissue

Bone grafting can help prepare your jaws for implants. Sometimes, besides a bone graft, a sinus lift needs to be involved in the dental implant procedure.

Stable Foundation
Bone grafting creates a stable foundation for dental implants—the best way to replace missing teeth.

Protect your smile
Placing a bone graft after a tooth extraction can prevent tissue loss in your jaw, effectively maintaining your oral health.

Higher Success Rates
Several studies have shown that implants placed in grafted tissue have a similar success rate to those placed in natural tissue.

How Does Implant Placement Work?

Before recommending a bone graft, Dr. Strauss will thoroughly assess your oral health and use a 3-D scanner to evaluate the condition of your teeth and jaw. Dr. Strauss’s extensive surgical experience allows him to determine which procedures are necessary and to determine what is required to produce the optimal outcome. A bone graft builds up both bone mass and density. Bone grafts may be either harvested from your own body or use donor tissue or synthetic materials. Anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the graft and substances to promote bone growth are placed in your jaw and secured, Dr. Strauss will close the surgical site with a membrane and sutures. After your procedure, Dr. Strauss may prescribe medication for pain relief and antibiotics to aid in your recovery.

Sinus Lifts

The membrane that separates your sinus cavity from your jaw is pushed upward to allow more space between your upper molars and the area behind your cheekbones. Bone tissue is then inserted between your jaw and sinus membrane to allow adequate spacing and to promote healthy growth. The new bone tissue is created in six to nine months, after which a dental implant post may be secured.

Recovery From A Bone Graft Or Sinus Lift

Dr. Strauss can provide you with appropriate medications and instructions to follow during your recovery from your bone grafting or sinus lift procedure. It is particularly important to take your medications as directed to minimize discomfort and speed healing. If you experience swelling, it can be minimized during the first 24 hours through the application of a cold pack to your cheek and jawbone, near the surgical area. You can expect your discomfort to be greatest for the first six hours following surgery, but you can manage your discomfort by taking your medication as Dr. Strauss directs. After this period, your pain should begin to diminish.

For strength and better healing, you should eat on your normal schedule. You may begin with soups, broths, and soft foods, before progressing to solid foods by the third day. Avoid any foods that will compress the graft area. Care for the surgical area as instructed, and avoid any over-the-counter products Dr. Strauss has not specifically recommended. Do not smoke, as it can slow the healing process. Avoid any movements that will stretch or compress the surgical area, or any manipulation of the tissue around the graft. By the third day, you should feel more comfortable and you should experience steady improvement in the time that follows. If you have any concerns about your surgery or your healing process, you are encouraged to contact Periodontal Associates.

When Can I Receive My Implant?

Because patients heal at different rates, healing from bone grafting or sinus lifts may take anywhere from six to nine months. Dr. Strauss will carefully evaluate your progress throughout this period. When there is a sufficient volume of healthy bone to support an implant, your dental implant procedure can proceed.

Provide Immediate Forms and Functions

Dental implants provide an unrivaled level of stability for restorations. However, some patients resist treatment because they do not want to go without teeth during the healing process. Dr. Strauss provides same-day implants as a quick and effective solution for missing teeth.

Same-Day Implants Offer Quick Results

Same-day implants allow for a greatly reduced treatment period. This treatment provides you with immediately improved function and appearance of your smile.

Less Time-Consuming
With an immediate-load implant, Dr. Strauss can attach a temporary restoration the same day as surgery to save time.

Fewer Surgeries
For most patients, a traditional implant requires a second surgery to reveal abutments and attach a restoration.

More Life-like results
Since the restoration is placed on your implant right away, the gums may grow around it so the result looks more natural.

What Happens During Same-Day Implant Placement?

Before receiving same-day implants, you will have a consultation with Dr. Strauss to determine your candidacy. He will examine your oral health and evaluate your gums and jawbone. He will also use a 3-D scanner to analyze your jawbone and determine the optimal placement and position for your implants.

If you are qualified, you will undergo a procedure which is similar to the placement of traditional dental implants.

During your visit, Dr. Strauss will:

  • Use a laser to create the space for your implant posts
  • Insert the implants
  • Attach a restoration immediately

In some cases, you will receive a permanent restoration once your gums have fully healed, usually within six months.

Candidates for Same-Day Implants

If your denture tends to slip around, irritate your mouth, cause problems with speech, and make it difficult to eat the foods you would like to eat, you could be a good candidate for this treatment.

You must be free of periodontal disease and other oral health problems and have enough bone to support implants. You should also be in good overall health and commit to good oral hygiene practices before and after the implant placement to avoid future complications.

Same-Day Implants Vs. Traditional Implants

Same-day implants are similar to traditional dental implants and use the same titanium, screw-like posts. However, same-day implants do not require the three to six-month healing period to fuse to the jawbone (or osseointegration).

The biggest difference is that same-day implants are placed along with your restoration in the same visit.

Risks and Benefits

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. These include risk of infection, bleeding, swelling, and risk of implant failure if the restoration is not placed correctly. The risks are low, however, if your procedure is performed by a highly skilled and experienced periodontist such as Dr. Strauss.

Same-day implants allow for a greatly reduced treatment period. Implants and your restoration can be placed in just one appointment, and you do not have to wait through the osseointegration process as you would with traditional dental implants. Same-day implants provide you with immediately improved function and appearance of your smile. Your new denture will not cover your palate, and it will be permanently fixed in place. You will brush it like your natural teeth, and it will look and feel like your own original teeth.

Gum disease occurs when the gum tissue becomes inflamed. Without treatment, it can eventually lead to tooth loss and other serious oral health issues. Knowing the signs, understanding the risks, and seeking early treatment for gum disease is essential to your oral health. Dr. Strauss explains gum disease to help you actively protect your smile. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Strauss can also provide various treatments for this condition at his office.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when plaque (a clear, sticky bacterial film) accumulates on the surfaces of your teeth. Without proper cleaning, the plaque turns into tartar, which must be removed by a professional.
In many cases, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene. However, even those who brush, floss, and attend their biannual exams can be susceptible to gum disease due to:

  • Smoking
  • Hormonal Fluctuations (Such As Those That Occur During Pregnancy)
  • Genetic Predisposition
  • Some Prescription
  • Medications Diabetes
  • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Gum Disease Symptoms

While many patients are unaware they have gum disease in the earliest stages , certain symptoms should serve as warning signs, such as:

  • Inflammation
  • Bleeding When Brushing
  • Tenderness
  • Persistent Bad Breath

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential that you schedule an appointment immediately.

Why Is It Important To Treat Gum Disease?

When gum disease is treated in the earliest stages, it can be reversed. However, as it progresses, it becomes chronic and must be carefully controlled. As gum disease worsens, the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth and can eventually result in tooth loss. Meanwhile, gum disease can eventually allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, affecting your overall health.

How To Prevent Gum Disease

Fortunately, preventing gum disease is fairly simple:

  • Maintain A Proper Oral Hygiene Routine
  • You should thoroughly brush your teeth twice and floss at least once each day. Rinsing with mouthwash is also a helpful preventive measure.
    Attending Regular Cleanings & Exams

It is typically recommended that patients undergo a dental cleaning twice each year. Attending these cleanings can ensure that built-up plaque and tartar are removed and that gum disease is treated in a timely manner. Some patients may need more frequent checkups.

Our team will take time to answer any questions and educate you about oral hygiene practices in order to minimize your risk of developing gum disease.

Correcting Gum Recession with Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation

Receding gums leave the roots of the teeth exposed, causing serious symptoms such as tooth sensitivity and increased vulnerability to decay. Fortunately, Dr. Strauss can correct gum recession with pinhole gum rejuvenation. He is trained to safely perform the minimally invasive Chao Pinhole® surgical technique.

Experience The Results Of Grafting Without The Discomfort

Minimally Invasive
The Chao Pinhole surgical technique uses tiny instruments to restore the position of gum tissue without using a graft or scalpel.

Reduce Discomfort
This advanced method reduces bleeding and minimizes discomfort both during and after the procedure.

Shorter Recovery
Recovery time for the Chao Pinhole technique is short compared to traditional grafting. Some patients heal overnight.

The Chao Pinhole Procedure

The Chao Pinhole surgical technique treats gum recession by repositioning nearby tissue. During the procedure, Dr. Strauss will:

  • Numb the gums and administer sedation, if needed
  • Insert a specially designed instrument through a tiny entry point—or pinhole—above the affected tooth
  • Gently loosen the gum tissue and guide it into a healthy position over the teeth
  • Place tiny strips of collagen to stabilize the treatment area

Is This Treatment Right For Me?

Receding Gums
If your gums have receded past the point where a deep cleaning can help, pinhole surgery may be right for you.

Mild To Moderate Cases
Treatment does not address gum disease or deep gum pockets, so you may still need preliminary care or a graft for severe cases.

What Causes Gum Recession?

When you have receding gums, your gums pull back from your teeth and expose the surfaces of the roots. Some people are naturally disposed to receding gums by heredity. Receding gums in women can also be brought on by hormonal changes or pregnancy. Other causes can include:

  • Brushing your teeth too aggressively or with a toothbrush that is too hard
  • Flossing incorrectly
  • Chewing on pens or other hard objects
  • Teeth grinding Injury to the gums

Receding gums may be associated with diseases affecting the general health of the patient, such as diabetes or HIV. Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can also contribute to receding gums. Finally, the condition could be the simple result of poor oral hygiene. As part of your treatment plan, Dr. Strauss can instruct you on techniques to maintain better oral health.

A Closer Look At Treatment Benefits
Dr. Strauss prefers the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique because it is quicker and less invasive compared to traditional gum grafting techniques. It involves a lower risk of complications and is a more comfortable procedure. Here, we will discuss the many benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique and explain why this treatment is quickly becoming the preferred method for treating gum recession.

Traditional Gum Grafting:

A Brief Overview
For decades, the only option for addressing gum recession was gum grafting. During this procedure, an incision is made along the gums, and the tissue is moved back away from the teeth so the surgeon can access the root and underlying jawbone. Next, a tissue graft is placed over the teeth roots. Finally, the gum tissue is repositioned over the roots and sutured into place.

A traditional gum graft results in post-surgical bleeding and pain. In many cases, the graft must be taken from the roof of the mouth, which causes further discomfort and prolongs the recovery process.

Why We Prefer The Pinhole Technique

Because the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique is minimally invasive, recovery is much faster and more comfortable than conventional methods. Benefits of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique include:

No scalpels, incisions, or stitches: The Chao Technique is performed through a small pinhole-sized opening in the gums. This eliminates the need for scalpels and incisions, therefore causing significantly less bleeding and discomfort following the procedure. Because the gums do not have to be moved back from the teeth during the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, no sutures are required to reposition them.

More efficient treatment: If multiple areas of recession need to be addressed, it takes several sessions to treat them using traditional grafting techniques. By using the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, Dr. Strauss can treat multiple areas in a single session. This makes the treatment a much more convenient fit for your busy schedule and allows you to consolidate recovery time.

Fortunately, restoring recessed gum tissue does not have to involve incisions, sutures, or a long, uncomfortable recovery.

Minimal discomfort: In many cases, traditional gum grafting involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth. As you can imagine, this can be quite uncomfortable. The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique simply repositions nearby tissue to restore areas of gum recession, and this requires no incisions. Those who opt for the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique experience far less post-operative discomfort compared to those who undergo traditional gum grafting.

Treatments for Chronic Bad Breath

Everyone has experienced bad breath at some point. For example, eating onions, garlic, or other strong foods can result in temporary bad breath. However, halitosis—or chronic bad breath—can be embarrassing. More importantly, the condition can be indicative of a more serious underlying issue, such as systemic disease or periodontal issues. Dr. Chetan S. Patil can treat chronic bad breath and related conditions.

Common Causes Of Bad Breath

There are plenty of reasons why bad breath can occur.

Some of the most common include:

Gum disease and tooth decay: Both periodontal disease and tooth decay are caused by oral bacteria. As the bacteria break down the food particles, a foul odor is released. The longer gum disease and tooth decay are left untreated, the worse your breath will become.

Dry mouth: Patients who suffer from xerostomia, or dry mouth, are more prone to chronic bad breath. This condition can also exacerbate decay and gum disease, resulting in a harmful cycle.

Tobacco products: It is no surprise that smoking causes bad breath. However, the use of tobacco products can also aggravate the symptoms of periodontal disease, which can cause bad breath to worsen.

Systemic issues: Certain medical conditions – particularly those related to the throat, sinuses, lungs, and digestion – can result in chronic bad breath.

Bad Breath Treatments

If chronic bad breath is due to periodontal disease, scaling and root planing, gum flap surgery, or other gum treatments are necessary to eradicate the bacteria. If halitosis is the result of extensive tooth decay, restorative treatments will be recommended to restore your smile. During a consultation, Dr. Patil can identify the cause of your bad breath and design a treatment plan to address your needs.

If chronic bad breath is due to a systemic condition, it is important to speak with your primary care physician about your symptoms.

Tips For Treating Bad Breath At Home

Professional treatments are essential for healthy teeth and gums. However, it is also important to practice good hygiene habits at home. For example:

  • Brush Your Teeth At Least Two Times Every Day, Ideally After Every Meal.
  • Floss Your Teeth Once A Day.
  • Avoid Sugary And Starchy Foods.
  • If You Use Tobacco Products Of Any Kind, Stop.
  • Drink Plenty Of Water.
  • Consume Sodas And Carbonated Beverages In Moderation.
  • Choose Sugarless Gum And Mints
  • Attend Routine Dental Cleanings And Examinations.

Contact Us To Learn More

In many cases, curing bad breath can be as simple as changing your diet or improving your oral hygiene. But for some patients, it will require professional intervention to halt the progression of gum disease, tooth decay, or other issues. To learn more about bad breath treatments offered at Periodontal Associates, schedule an appointment with Dr. Strauss.

A Root Amputation Can Save a Damaged Tooth

When even a single tooth root becomes severely damaged or infected, it can threaten the health of the entire tooth. In these cases, Dr. Chetan Patil can perform a root amputation which may help you avoid the need for extraction.

Maintain The Health Of Your Smile

Avoid An Extraction
A root amputation can save an infected or damaged tooth and prevent the need for an extraction.

Stop Infection From Spreading
Left untreated, infection and decay can spread into the surrounding tissue and cause bone loss in your jaw.

Save Money
A root amputation is often cheaper than replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge.

Who Is A Candidate?
The primary requirement for a root amputation is that the tooth must be otherwise healthy. Therefore, if the damage is too extensive, you may be better suited for an extraction.

There are several different reasons root amputation may be considered. This treatment may be right for you if you have:

  • A Cracked Root
  • Isolated Tooth Decay Affecting A Single Tooth Root
  • Isolated Bone Loss Near A Single Tooth RootA Bacterial Invasion In The Root Area

The Treatment Process
Generally, a root amputation is performed under local anesthesia. It is necessary to perform root canal treatment prior to the amputation. During this process, the living tissues inside the tooth are removed. To perform the root amputation itself, a small incision is made in the gums to access the root surface and surrounding bone tissue. The root is separated from the rest of the tooth and carefully removed. The area will then be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eradicate any residual bacteria. Finally, the gums will be repositioned and the incision will be closed with sutures.

Following the surgical treatment, a temporary dental crown is typically placed. This will protect the tooth during the healing phase. The temporary restoration will be replaced with a permanent crown once the recovery period is complete.

Healing And Recovery

When you leave our office after your procedure, following a few simple guidelines can help you experience a comfortable and successful recovery:

Bleeding: A piece of gauze will be placed over the surgical site. This will help slow bleeding and promote the formation of a blood clot. Keep the gauze in place for approximately 45 minutes after your appointment, then remove it. If bleeding persists, more gauze can be placed.

Activity: It is important to avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after your procedure. Elevating the heart rate can result in increased post-surgical bleeding and discomfort.

Pain management: Most patients experience minimal discomfort following a root amputation. You may be prescribed pain medication, or Dr. Patil may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Sensitivity: It is normal to experience some degree of tooth sensitivity following a root amputation. This side effect is usually temporary, with symptoms diminishing in a few weeks.

Sutures: The sutures that were placed to close your incision are generally removed in about seven to 10 days.

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