Dental Implants

Am I a candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true.  

What Is Treatment Like?

This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. Click for more information about the treatment options described below.

Replacing a Single Tooth If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root.

Replacing Several Teeth If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.

Replacing All of Your Teeth If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.

Sinus Augmentation A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.

Ridge Modification Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!

After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.  

Periodontal Disease

Question: How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?

Answer:  Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.  Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.  Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone.  Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.  Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis.  Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

What are your Periodontal Risk Factors?

Periodontal risk is the interplay of different factors that increase the likelihood of both the development and severity of periodontal disease.  Knowing which factors you have is an important part of preventing and treating periodontal disease. 

Lifestyle Factors

Smoking

Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease,as well as numerous other health problems.  What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease.  Tobacco use is the most significant lifestyle risk factor in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Enrollment in a cessation program increases your odds of success in quitting smoking.

(www.quitnet.org or 1-866-QUIT-YES)

BMI

The second highest lifestyle risk factor is a BMI (body mass index) higher than 30.  Obesity affects hostimmunity and decreases nutrient flow in periodontal tissues, which promotes the development of periodontitis.  Lowering your BMI points can significantly impact your oral health. 

                       BMI=                   Weight in Pounds______   X 703    

                                     (height in inches Xheight in inches)   

Stress

Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems.  Stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.Limiting stress is not always easy but managing your stress through meditation and other stress relief actions is key.

Self Care and Nutrition

Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition and plaque build up can worsen the condition of your gums.  Supplements, especially calcium and vitamins B, C and E, have been shown to both protect and foster healing of gums. Thorough oral hygiene that includes interproximal cleaning is necessary.

Family History/Genetics

The tendency for gum disease to develop can be inherited.  Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.  Professional care along with daily flossing is key as certain genetic tendencies cause an over reaction to the presence of plaque and calculus.

Age and Hormones

Any time the body experiences hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause,the tissues in your body can become affected.  Men also experience hormonal changes as they age which affect their tissues and ability to fight infection.  75% of adults over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease.  Increased self care and more frequent dental cleanings help in periodontal maintenance.

Diabetes

Approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease.  If you are diabetic, you are at a higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease. Those with untreated periodontal disease have a harder time keeping insulin levels stable.  Controlled insulin, diet, and BMI levels is key to management of diabetes.             

Other Immunosuppressant Diseases or Medications

A compromised immune system makes it harder to prevent and treat gum disease. Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medications, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Has anyone told you that you grind your teeth at night? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed. Talk to your Dentist about a protective guard to be worn while you sleep.

  Dr. Kamy Noruzi is a board certified Periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.  A Diplomate is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements.