Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

What should you do if someone gets a tooth knocked out?

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common. Because of the specific needs of the dental structures, certain actions and precautions should be taken if someone has received an injury to his or her teeth or surrounding dental structures.

• If a tooth is “knocked out”, it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the injured person should come to our office as soon as possible or go immediately to the Emergency Department of a local hospital.
• Never attempt to “wipe the tooth off” since remnants of the ligament which hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth.

Why choose dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing. Dental implants involve none of these complications.

Do implants need special care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Are you missing one or more teeth? Are you lacking confidence because of your teeth or smile? Do you want natural-looking replacement teeth? Does wearing a denture restrict your ability to eat and smile comfortably? Dental implants can replace missing teeth for people of all ages, young and old. Nearly everyone is a candidate for dental implants, and there are very few medical conditions that would rule out dental implant treatment.

What types of medications are administered?

During dental and oral surgical procedures, local anesthesia (Novocain) is administered to block sensations. However, the anxiety that some people have can be controlled by administering sedative drugs, such as Valium-type medications. A sedated patient may remember the procedures, but will be more relaxed. Additional medications such as agents similar to pentothal are sometimes used to cause anesthesia, which places the patient more deeply asleep.

How is the medication administered?

The sedative and anesthetic medications are typically given intravenously (IV). Since the effects are so rapid by this means of administration, your doctor can precisely give the correct amounts of the medications to make you relaxed and comfortable. Also, if more medications are needed during the procedure, the IV allows easy administration of additional medications.

Is anesthesia safe?

The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and his commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit.In most states a special permit is required to administer intravenous medications. In order to qualify, your doctor had to provide evidence of advanced training in anesthesia and often a site visit is required. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is also mandatory.

How am I monitored during the procedure?

Depending on the depth of the sedation and anesthetic being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors are used. These vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs, to the use of pulse oximeters which through a light sensor measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. Sometimes an EKG may be used as well.

The doctor along with at least one trained member of the staff will always be with you and closely observe you throughout your treatment.