Q. Most of my teeth are loose and I have been advised to have all of my teeth removed and have dentures made.  Is it possible to have all my teeth removed at the same time?
A. Yes sometimes it is possible and actually preferable to have all teeth removed at the same time provided there are no medical contraindications.

Q. What is conscious sedation?
A.  This is a procedure where the doctor administers medication into a vein in the arm.

Q.  Can any dentist administer this type of sedation?
A.  Only dentists who have had special training and are certified by the state are allowed to administer this type of sedation.

Q.  Will I have a lot of discomfort after I have all of my teeth removed?
A.  You may have some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, however, the doctor will give you medications to help keep this to a minimum.

Q.  How do I keep my new dentures in?
A.  A very soft material is placed inside the dentures.  This soft material molds to the shape of your mouth and helps hold them in.

Q.  Will I need to use adhesive?
A.  Most of the time the soft material that is placed inside the dentures will make it unnecessary to wear adhesives. 

Q. How long will I need to wear this soft material inside my new dentures?
A.  Usually one to two months, or until the gums have completely healed and have stopped shrinking.

Q.  Will I need my dentures relined?
A.  Yes, After the gums have completely healed the soft material will be replaced with a permanent liner.

Q.  Will I have to go without my teeth for several days while I have my dentures relined?
A.  No. We have an in house dental laboratory so we can reline your teeth in one day.

Q.  Can I drive myself or do I need someone to drive me to the appointment when I have my teeth extracted?
A.  You will need to have someone drive you home on the day you have your teeth extracted if you have IV sedation.  This will be discussed at your consultation appointment.

Q.  How long should I take off work when I have my teeth extracted?
A.  If possible, you might want to take off work the day after you have your teeth extracted although this is not mandatory.

Q.  Will I need my dentures relined?
A.  Yes, After the gums have completely healed the soft material will be replaced with a permanent liner.

Q.  Will I have to go without my teeth for several days while I have my dentures relined?
A.  No. We have an in house dental laboratory so we can reline your teeth in a matter of hours while you wait.

Q.  Can I drive myself or do I need someone to drive me to the appointment when I have my teeth extracted?
A.  You will need to have someone drive you home on the day you have your teeth extracted if you have IV sedation.  This will be discussed at your consultation appointment.

Q.  How long should I take off work when I have my teeth extracted?
A.  If possible, you might want to take off work the day after you have your teeth extracted although this is not mandatory.

Q. How is it possible to get teeth the same day that implants are placed?
A. Prior to having implants placed, the dentist makes impressions of the jaws and fabricates a temporary bridge that is fitted to the implants immediately after they are placed.

Q. Is there a lot of pain associated with having dental implants placed?
A. Fortunately, most people experience very little pain when they have implants placed. In many cases over the counter medications keep the patient comfortable during the evening following implant placement. The patient is given a prescription for a more powerful pain medication just in case he or she needs it.

Q. Do you have any payment plans to help with paying for implants?
A. Yes. There are several plans available. Some plans are interest free if you want to pay off the amount within 18 months or less. Other plans allow a lower payment up to 60 months with a reasonable interest rate.

Q. How soon can I eat with my new implant supported teeth?
A. You can eat immediately, however, it is important to eat soft foods for the first several weeks to allow the bone to start growing to the implants.

Q. Do you think implants improve quality of life?
A. Absolutely. In fact, studies on people who have received implants show a tremendous increase in their quality of life and self esteem, not to mention the health benefits of being able to eat again.

Q. How long does it take to get an appointment for a free consultation to see if I am a candidate for dental implants?
A. The doctors reserve time each day for consultations so you can usually get an appointment within one to three days.

Q. Do you have any testimonials from patients who have received implants from your clinic?
A. Yes. If you will call our office and give us your address, we will be glad to send you testimonials from very happy patients.

Q. Can implants be placed in both jaws?
A. Yes. Some patients have implants placed in both the upper and lower jaw with permanent bridges in both.

Q. How many implants would I need?
A. Depending on the amount of bone you have, you may have anywhere from two implants in the lower jaw to help stabilize a lower denture, to four, six or even in some cases eight in the upper jaw so that a permanent bridge can be placed.

Q. What happens if I should move to another state after I have implants placed in your office?
A. You would be referred to a dentist in your area who places and restores implants. The doctors at the Dental Implant Center work closely with Noble Biocare, the largest international dental implant company in the world. They will provide us with the names of dentists in most areas.

Q. I would like to have dental implants but I cannot afford to spend very much money at this particular time. Is it possible to have one or two implants placed at a time?
A. It is possible to place implants at any pace you desire. The most desirable way is to be sedated one time and have all the implants placed at the same time.

Q. What are the most significant changes in Implant dentistry in the last five years?
A. New Implant design and improved attachments allows dentist to restore patients chewing abilities more simply, faster and lest costly than before.

Q. Why should I have 4, 6 or 8 implants if 2 will do the job?
A. If you have 4-8 implants, you may have a permanent bridge (a bridge that you cannot remove but the dentist can remove). This is the closest thing to natural teeth. Two implants can make a dramatic difference in one’s ability to chew, speak and laugh, however, you still have an appliance that is removable.

Q. If I start out with 2 implants, is it possible to add more implants at a later date and still have a permanent bridge?
A. Yes, provided that there is sufficient bone to place the additional implants.

Q. Would it be possible to have dentures made now and add implants later, and if this is possible would my dentures have to be remade after I get implants?
A. You may have dentures made now and have implants at a later date. Many times the recently make dentures may be used in the final prosthesis.

Q. I’m seeing ads in the newspaper and TV about “teeth in an hour”. Will you explain what
A. With the new advances in implant technology, it is now possible to come into the office with no teeth and leave the office with permanent teeth. This process my accomplished, in some instances, in about an two to three hours.

Q. How is this possible?
A. With the use of CT Scans of the jaws, and a special technique to place the implants in a very precise manner, it is now possible to fabricate a permanent bridge prior to having the implants placed and seat the bridge as soon as the implants are placed.

Q. Do you recommend this procedure?
A. Yes, but having done a large significant number of half mouth and full mouth implant supported bridges, I recommend starting out with a temporary bridge rather than a permanent bridge. This allows you, the patient, to suggest changes regarding how the permanent teeth will look. If the permanent bridge is placed at the time of implant placement, it is very difficult to make changes to the bridge.

Q. How do I know my implant-supported teeth will look natural?
A. This is a very good question and many people express this concern. First of all, all patients are encouraged to bring in photographs of them selves when they had their natural teeth. The first step in the process is (if the patient is presently wearing dentures) to begin the process of making new dentures. Initially the teeth are set in wax so the patient can look at them and make suggestions for change if so desired. We spend all the time necessary to make the teeth look as natural as possible. Once the patient approves the arrangement, color and shape of the teeth, a guide is made from this tooth set up that directs the surgeon in the placement of the implants. It is important to understand that every ones face is shaped a little differently, although most fall within 4 different categories: ovoid, square, tapering and square tapering. For example, a person with a square face will never look completely natural with upper front teeth that have an ovoid shape; therefore selection of the teeth that fit the face is extremely important.

Q. I presently wear dentures and would like to have implants, but I can’t afford $15,000.00-$20,000.00. for implants. Is there any less costly way to get some help, especially for my loose lower denture?
A. Yes. With the new advances in implant components, it is now possible to have implant supported teeth with significantly less cost. Sometimes it is even possible to use a patients existing denture to even further reduce the cost.

Q. How do these new implant components work? A. The female portion of the implant component is screwed directly into the implant and the male component is processed into the denture. The denture then “snaps” into place.

Q. Do these components wear out? A. Some of the recent research shows that a denture may be removed and replaced up to 100,000 times before they have to be replaced. Keep in mind though, that each patient is different. Some patients with a strong bite or a clinching problem may not have this great of a result.

Q. Is it very expensive to replace the components and do I have to go without my teeth?
A. Depending on the number of components that need to be replaced, It generally costs $50.00 - $ 100.00 and takes only a few minuets while you are in the dental office to get them replaced.