What will happen in my first visit?

Your first visit will include an extensive exam, x-rays, and a consultation regarding your current dental health and a plan for future treatment (if any). You will be able to meet with the doctor and ask questions and find the treatment options that suit you. If you’re anxious about seeing a dentist, we will go slowly with minimal probing in the mouth and discuss sedation options.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation in the gums. It commonly occurs because a film of plaque, or bacteria, accumulates on the teeth. It is usually fully reversible and relatively easy to treat, but untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the loss of the attachment, including bone, that holds your teeth in your jaw. It is the type of gum problem that results in adults losing teeth. Fortunately, a high percentage of people can control their periodontitis to the point where they keep most or all of their teeth forever.

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontitis is usually caused by bacteria. Bacteria accumulate if you skip cleaning appointments or don’t clean your teeth well at home. Grinding, misalignment of teeth, systemic diseases, pregnancy, and many other factors can cause or contribute to periodontal (gum) disease.

What are those numbers about pocket depths?

When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming “pockets” around the teeth. These numbers are measuring how deep the pocket is.

What is osseous surgery?

Osseous surgery is gum and bone surgery. We surgically flap your gums back and scale the tooth and roots to eliminate bacteria. This procedure is sometimes used to correct gum diseases or to make teeth look more attractive. Osseous surgery is a common procedure done to disinfect the teeth, leaving a healthy, manageable mouth.

Will my insurance cover my periodontal treatment?

Dental insurance nearly always covers parts of periodontal treatment. This is something we will inquire about at your initial exam. We will estimate what insurance should cover for all procedures.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Symptoms of periodontal disease can include bleeding of the gums, tooth mobility, gum discomfort or pain, or red or swollen gums. However, sometimes you can show little to no symptoms until it becomes more severe. This is why it is so important to go to a dentist regularly to obtain corrective treatment as early in the disease progression as possible.

Can some medications contribute to periodontal disease?

Some medications can cause dry mouth or bone loss. Determining if your medication is a complicating factor with your periodontal problems is something you and the doctor will determine.

When will I go back to my general dentist?

We work very closely with general dentists. Our role is to get you back to oral health then, depending on the type of gum problem you have, send you back to your general dentist or continue to manage your problem with your general dentist.

What do I do if I have an emergency after hours?

If you have an emergency after hours, please call our office. On the answering machine, we provide a few emergency phone numbers.

What is the average cost of dental implants?

In short – it depends. Every case is unique and different treatment plans call for different procedures in order to place an implant. In some cases, the bone and gum tissue are already healthy and immediately ready for an implant. In other cases, an extraction and bone graft may be necessary before an implant can be placed. The easiest way to get an estimate for the cost of an implant is to schedule a consult appointment with Dr. Arastu.

What is the dental implant process like?

Getting a dental implant involves a few steps. Each treatment plan is unique to each patient. In general, the following stages are the steps involved in dental implants.

First, you will meet with Dr. Arastu to discuss your options and finalize a treatment plan.  This first appointment may include x-rays of your jaw to determine if the site is healthy enough for an implant. If necessary, Dr. Arastu may suggest a procedure to prepare the site for the implant.

Once the implant site is ready for implant placement, you will schedule your procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Arastu places the implant directly into your jawbone and sutures the gum tissue closed over the implant. After the implant is placed we allow the site to heal for anywhere between 2 to 6 months. During this healing period osseointegration occurs as the bone fuses directly to the implant.

After Dr. Arastu has determined that the bone has sufficiently fused to the implant we will schedule you to come in for a secondary surgery to uncover the implant. During this procedure a small abutment will be attached to the implant that helps shape the gum tissue above the implant in preparation for your final replacement tooth. We will also take impressions of your jaw during this procedure. We use this impression to create your final restored tooth or teeth.  There is as 2 week healing period after the uncovering procedure.

Two weeks after your uncovering you will have an appointment to place your final restoration. During this appointment the healing abutment will be replaced by a final abutment and custom crown, bridge or denture. The custom restoration is designed to look and function just like your natural teeth.

How long does it take to get an implant?

From start to finish, the average time from initial consultation to final restoration is between 3 and 8 months. The majority of this time is the healing period following implant placement. The healing period is to allow for maximum osseointegration of the implant into the jawbone. The stronger this fusion between implant and bone, the longer your implant will last and the stronger your dental implant will be.

What is osseointegration?

Osseointegration is the fusion of your jaw bone to the dental implant. This usually takes about 3 to 6 months after the implant is placed.