Implant Dentistry Blog

Surgical procedures can be frightening, particularly if you anticipate pain during the procedure itself. But through modern anesthesia, even the most complex oral surgeries can now be performed without discomfort to the patient, right in the office of Dr. Doolin and Dr. Haddad. Dental implant surgery can generally be performed with a combination of local anesthesia, and mild sedation. Novocain, or local anesthesia, is administered directly into the gums through an injection. Novocain inhibits the nerve fibers in the teeth from firing impulses, thereby numbing the area and eliminating pain. Novocain works quickly, though its duration is short and it may have to be administered more than once during the surgery. In addition to Novocain, intravenous sedation is used during dental implant surgery. Intravenous sedation is administered through an I.V., and is quick and easily regulated. Non-invasive monitors are used by the anesthetist to monitor vital signs, and ensure patient safety. This type of sedation helps put the patient in a relaxed, comfortable state, free from the anxiety and fear that can accompany oral surgery. The primary disadvantage of intravenous sedation is the need for an escort home after the surgery. The effects, however, are short lived. If you live in or near Rochester, Michigan, and are considering dental implant surgery, please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry for a free evaluation.

Are you embarrassed to smile because of missing teeth? One procedure to help improve your smile is dental implants. Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your own teeth, and can lead to higher self-esteem, and a more relaxed and comfortable you. Or perhaps you have dentures? Occasional slippage can interfere with a number of functions, from eating, to speaking, or can just be plain uncomfortable. Because dental implants are rooted into the bone, they eliminate interference with speaking and eating, and they are just as comfortable as your own teeth. A bridge may require nearby teeth to be altered, but dental implants are designed to fit in between your existing teeth leading to better oral hygiene and maintaining oral health. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants preserve your existing facial structure eliminating cosmetic worries, and providing support for basic functions like biting and chewing. Best of all, dental implants are durable and permanent. If you live in or near Rochester, Michigan, and are considering dental implants, please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry for a free evaluation.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to repair bone fractures or deficiencies that have failed to heal properly, pose a health risk to the patient, or interfere with dental implants. The procedure is performed by fitting the graft into the bone defect through an incision made over the area needing to be repaired. The graft is held in place with pins or plates, and splinted to avoid unnecessary movement while the bones heal. The graft can be used to make bones wider, higher, or to fill in voids or defects that can be caused by a host of problems, such as losing teeth and periodontal disease. Bone can be taken from an area of the patient's body where it is unessential, taken from a donor, or produced synthetically. If the bone graft is from the patient's body, new bone will be formed by the cells contained within the graft. When the bone graft is taken from a donor, the patient’s cells convert into cells that are capable of forming new bone. A type of scaffolding is created by synthetic bone grafts in which the patient's cells are able to form new bone. Using bones from the patient's body is the most preferable option, but your oral surgeon will best be able to decide which method suits your personal needs. If you are considering dental implants in or near Rochester, Michigan, please contact Rochester Advanced Dentistry for a free evaluation.

If you are kept up all night with problems snoring, you could be seriously endangering your health. This may come as a surprise to you, but snoring is an indication that you might be suffering from more serious health issues. Snoring occurs when your air path gets blocked, making it hard for you to breathe. When you’re sleeping, the muscles in your throat relax a little, causing your airway to shrink. If it shrinks too much, you might not be getting enough air into your body. When this happens, you create a vibrating sound when breathing. This vibration is essentially what we call snoring. Snoring is actually a serious problem. Most of the time, people who snore regularly also suffer from sleep apnea. This is a disorder that can have dire health implications if it is not treated. Sleep apnea obstructs your sleep cycles by interrupting your breathing. When this occurs, your body’s sleep cycles get disrupted. In order to breathe, your body must come out of a deeper sleep cycle and into a more shallow sleep cycle. As a result, you will suffer from sleep deprivation and have a tendency to feel fatigue throughout the day. Sleep apnea has some serious consequences for you. If not treated, it can lead to an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and a multitude of other disorders. Fortunately, this problem can easily be treated. And believe it or not, the place to go for this treatment is the office of Dr. Haddad and Dr. Doolin. At Rochester Advanced Dentistry, we are always looking for better ways to help serve our clients. Recently, we have started treating our clients for sleep apnea. There are many mechanical devices that you can wear while sleeping which will help you sleep through the night. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, please contact us to set up an appointment.

Do you have missing teeth? Then you may also be missing out on other things, like good nutrition and a full social life. Not to worry. Dental implants are a comfortable and secure way to correct the issues related to missing teeth while avoiding problems commonly associated with dentures or bridges.

Some people think dental implants are artificial teeth. This is incorrect. Dental implants are actually metal posts implanted into your jaw to replace the root of your missing tooth. This post is finished off with another piece, called an ‘abutment’, and then a porcelain crown, sometimes called a ‘cap’, is attached to the abutment for a permanent, realistic looking, natural feeling tooth replacement.

Are Dental Implants a Good Solution for Me?

If you suffer from any of these conditions, discuss dental implants with your cosmetic dentist:

• One or more teeth are missing
• Your jawbone is grown completely (i.e., you are an adult)
• There is enough bone in your jaw to secure the dental implant
• Your gums are healthy
• You have no other health conditions that impair healing
• You do not want to or cannot wear dentures
• You are hoping to improve your speech
• You can commit to a process that takes several months to complete

Where Do I Begin?

Your journey towards a more beautiful, more functional smile begins with a thorough consultation with your implant dentist. The next steps are:

• A full set of x-rays and impressions of your teeth
• A discussion of your current health condition and any medications you take regularly
• For individuals who suffer from certain heart conditions or have orthopedic or vascular implants, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed prior to the implant procedure
• A determination of the proper treatment plan for you

You are then ready to begin the implant procedure. Your dentist will go over all of the details you’ll need to know to ensure a successful implant.

There are a few things you can do at home to ensure the success of your implant surgery, including:

• Practicing good oral hygiene
• Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
• Avoiding habits that can damage your teeth (like chewing on hard objects, smoking, or drinking caffeinated products).

If you would like to learn more about dental implants, contact the friendly and knowledgeable Rochester Advanced Dentistry team of professionals and schedule your free consultation with Dr. Kurt Doolin.

The ERA Implant is an FDA-approved implant alternative to those messy powders and paste, designed for stabilization of a removable prosthesis. This provides a higher standard of care for patients currently wearing complete or partial dentures. It’s an affordable alternative for those who can’t afford the more expensive traditional implant. Further savings may be realized by retrofitting a patient’s existing dentures with the ERA Implant System.