Dental Implants FAQ

Will insurance cover implant surgery?

To begin with getting implants is an elective medical procedure, and as a standard practice, insurance companies do not cover any type of volunteer surgeries. On the other hand, because of the increase in popularity in implant surgery some insurance companies may offer a limited coverage for this option. At the same time, dentists who perform this procedure do offer affordable payment plans.

How expensive are dental implants?

Considering the impact having implant surgery over a fixed bridge or even dentures the cost effectiveness outweighs all else. This is because of the durability and longevity that implants have when compared to the alternatives.

Can the body reject a dental implant?

Yes, this depends on if a patient is allergic to the titanium used in the construction of the implant. This happens is very rare occasions. However, by chance implants may not take directly. If this is the case, the dentist will remove the implant, and wait for the site to heal before attempting another surgery.

Once a patient receives a set of implants, how long are they expected to last?

After the implants have acclimated properly and are fully functional. They will last a lifetime with proper care.

What is the length of the healing process and the manufacture of the implant crowns?

Once the surgery is finished, it takes up to nine months for the implants to fuse to the bone. This includes building the replacement teeth and attaching them to the implants.

What kind of food can I eat with dentures?

Once a person receives a set of dentures, there is a learning curve, so to speak, in becoming accustomed to chewing. Because of this factor, it is recommended that softer foods and slower chewing are adopted until the person begins to get comfortable wearing them.

How long does the surgery take?

The time is takes to complete an implant surgery is dependent on the number of implants and their location within the mouth. Additionally, barring any complications, it can take less than one hour in certain instances.

What happens when the anesthesia stops working?

Naturally, after surgery, there will be some discomfort with the healing process. Dealing with that is accomplished through the use of ibuprofen or a prescription strength anti-inflammatory drug.

Is Implant surgery painful?

Before the surgery begins the patient is administered a local anaesthesia, which is similar to having a cavity filled. Under this condition, the patient should not feel any pain.

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Denture FAQ

Is there a preferred denture cleaner?

The answer to this is that picking a denture cleaner is a matter of personal taste or preference. Moreover, there are toothpastes designed specifically for cleaning dentures along with the many brands of denture soaks available on the market. Soaking them in white vinegar and brushing them afterwards can help remove some of the excess plaque. Additionally, there are professional services that offer denture cleaning.

How often should I clean my dentures?

The best practice is to clean them after every meal along with cleaning your mouth. However, brushing the dentures daily in addition to using a solution to soak them should help keep the dentures free of plaque. Cleaning your gums by brushing them with a soft bristle helps to remove dental adhesive and food debris and helps keep them in a healthy state.

Will there be any discomfort while wearing dentures?

For example, wearing dentures can be compared to a new pair of shoes. As long as the denture plates are a good fit, the discomfort should be minimal until the person gets used to wearing them. While it is not uncommon for this to happen, the person should address this with their dentist if it lasts more than 48 hours. This way the dentist can make adjustments that will alleviate the issue.

What kind of foods can be eaten afterwards?

Directly after the surgery, it is best to avoid eating. However, staying hydrated with plenty of liquid and eating soft, nutritious foods is strongly recommended. The dentist will provide guidance on what to eat and how to care for the implants while the healing takes place

What impact will dentures have on my speech?

On a limited basis, yes, however, this is dependent on the amount of work involved in the overall process of fitting a person with this type of dental prosthesis. In part, the structural shape of the base used for the dentures and the re-positioning of the teeth may impact a person’s speech temporarily. Nonetheless, there are techniques a dentist can apply to negate this effect at the time of delivering the dentures.

How will dentures impact my appearance?

The overall appearance of a person’s facial structure does not change. However, in the act of replacing an older set of dentures, missing, or damaged teeth, it is natural that they feel their looks have changed. On a subtle level they will because of having a full set of whiter and straighter teeth.

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Patient Center FAQ

What about an oral irrigator?

This is an excellent device for removing plaque from between your teeth. It will flush additional plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and around your gums. The pulsing water from an oral irrigator also stimulates your gums to help keep them healthy.

What’s the right way to floss?

Flossing is an important part of your oral care regimen. It helps remove plaque from between the teeth. Here’s how to do it:

  • First tear about 18″ of floss. Pinch it at each end with your thumb and forefinger, or wind the ends around your finger so the length of floss will be taut.
  • Guide the floss gently between your teeth with a sawing motion. Don’t force it in between your teeth as you could cause your gums to bleed this way. Bend the floss around each tooth and slide it up and down. Then lift the floss out from between your teeth.
  • Wind the floss to a new section for each new tooth.

How often should I brush my teeth?

We suggest brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least three to four minutes each time. Patients generally think they are brushing long enough, when, in fact, most people spend less than one minute brushing. It’s better to brush three to four minutes twice a day instead of brushing quickly five or more times throughout the day.

We advise brushing your teeth during the day while at work, school, or play. Keep a toothbrush handy – in your desk or backpack. This will increase the likelihood that you will brush during the day.

What type of toothbrush should I use?

A toothbrush head should be small and should have a handle that’s easy to hold onto. The bristles of the brush should be soft, nylon, and rounded at the ends. This helps ensure that the brush bristles are reaching the spaces between the teeth as well as the surface. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down the enamel on teeth. Thus, in most cases, medium and hard bristles are not recommended.

What is the proper tooth brushing technique?

Because every mouth is different, there is more than one technique of brushing that has proven to be effective. Deciding which technique is most appropriate for you depends largely on your teeth position and gum condition. Your Trillium dentist or hygienist will show you the best technique for brushing your teeth

We often recommend a circular technique for brushing. This includes brushing only a small group of teeth at a time – gradually covering the entire mouth. Using a back and forth motion may cause the following:

  • a receded gum surface
  • an exposed and tender root surface
  • a wearing down of the gum line
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Root Canal FAQ

Which is better extraction, or a root canal?

The main benefit of a root canal is the tooth in question will remain. Having the tooth removed can lead to further dental problems such as tooth migration, trouble chewing, word pronunciation issues, TMJ and so on. Nothing is better than having a set of natural teeth, replacing them should only occur as a last effort to restore a persons ability to eat and talk without any cause coming from poor oral health.

Is there any pain associated with the procedure?

There would be if, no anaesthesia were used to negate it. However, due to technological breakthroughs and modernized techniques, there are varieties of methods that deaden the areas surrounding the tooth in question. Moreover, some discomfort is expected after the procedure is finished and this can be remedied with OTC pain relievers or prescription medications. Furthermore, the pain associated with healing is much easier to deal with and should subside within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Nonetheless, the dentist will prescribe an analgesic to facilitate the healing process that will cover the first 70 to 90 some hours for the healing to occur pain free.

What happens during the exam?

Initially, the dentist will inspect the teeth and gums followed by taking a full set of x-rays to facilitate a closer inspection of the roots of the teeth. The next step is to numb the tooth needing the repair and isolate it by using a rubber dam. At this point an opening or hole is made at the crown or the tip of the tooth that provides access to the damaged nerve or pulp. Once gaining this access the canal is cleaned and filled with a polyester compound forming a synthetic root canal filling. This material acts as a sealant as well. Afterwards the opening in the crown is closed with a temporary filling.

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