John M. Coleman, DDS| Cosmetic and General Dentistry
FAQ
What is the dental implant process like?
If you have a tooth or teeth that are missing your dentist may recommend a dental implant. A dental implant is a tooth that is permanently placed in the jaw bone.
Procedures must be followed very carefully to have a successful implant. The implant surgery is done in two stages. First Dr. Coleman will insert the titanium post into the jaw by drilling a hole and inserting the titanium post. He will open up the gum and then suture it closed when the implant is placed in the hole.
After a three to six month wait to allow the jaw bone to heal and make sure that the implant is accepted by the bone, Dr. Coleman will then place the restorative tooth on the titanium post.
Implants are like having a permanent tooth as they can allow a patient who might have lost an anchor tooth to continue being able to have a bridge or just partial dentures. Sometimes implants are the only answer for people who have lost all their teeth and can not wear dentures.
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Are there different types of dental implants?
Root Implant - The most popular form of dental implant is the Root Implant. This type of implant is very effective and mirrors the size and the shape of a patient's natural tooth. Many times, this dental implant will be as strong structurally as the original tooth's root. Once Dr. Coleman applies the local anesthesia, he makes an incision in the gum in order to gain access to the jawbone. The bone is then prepared and the dental implant inserted into the jawbone with care and precision. Finally, Dr. Coleman stitches the gums and, if necessary, prescribes the appropriate medication. During the osseointegration step, which lasts anywhere from 3 to 8 months, the jawbone firmly attaches itself to the dental implant. Once osseointegration is completed, the patient returns to the dental office where the implant is fitted with the new tooth.
Plate Form Implant - Another form of dental implant is the Plate Form Implant. This implant is ideal in situations where the jaw bone is not wide enough to properly support a Root Implant. The Plate form implant is long and thin, unlike the Root Implant, and anchors into thin jawbones. Once Dr. Coleman applies the local anesthesia, he makes an incision in the gumline in order to gain access to the jawbone. The bone is then prepared and the implant is inserted into the jawbone with care and precision. Dr. Coleman then sutures the gums and prescribes the appropriate medication. In certain cases, Plate Implants are immediately fitted with the restoration without waiting for the osseointegration period.
Subperiosteal Implant - The last type of dental implant is the Subperiosteal Implant. These implants are utilized when the jawbone has receded to the point where it no longer supports a permanent implant. These dental implants are placed on top of the bone and imbedded in the gums, but not in the jawbone as with the other types of dental implants. Dr. Coleman applies a local anesthesia, and makes a mold of the mouth and jawbone. From this impression, a dental lab constructs implants to custom fit the patient's jaw. On the second visit Dr. Coleman exposes the jawbone and inserts the dental implant on top of it. Over the next month the gums grow up and around the dental implant. This same type of implant can sometimes be performed in a single procedure with the use of an initial CAT scan of the gumline and jawbone.
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When to start orthodontic treatment?
The American Association for Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Early detection and treatment gives your child the edge: a much better chance for natural and normal development. By working with the natural growth instead of against it, we can prevent problems from becoming worse, and give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Early treatment should be initiated for:
• Habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking
• A constricted airway due to swollen adenoids or tonsils
• Mouth breathing or snoring problems
• A bad bite
• Bone problems (i.e. narrow or underdeveloped jaws)
• Space maintenance (for missing teeth)
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What Foods Should Be Avoided with Braces?
Sticky foods should be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and possible appliance breakage. These foods stick in your braces and remain on your teeth longer. Food or drinks high in sugar content can be consumed, but make sure you have them with regular meals or at one particular time of the day. Make sure you take the time to brush and rinse after you eat or drink these foods.
Certain foods will bend, break or distort wires causing your treatment to be delayed and creating extra visits to the office for repairs. In general remember that hard, brittle, crunchy and sticky foods should NOT be eaten during your treatment. Certain foods may be eaten if prepared in a special way. Whole fruits and vegetables or any raw foods such as celery, carrots and apples should all be sliced and eaten carefully. Hard crusty breads should be broken and eaten in small pieces. Corn may be eaten if it is sliced off the cob.
Do not suck on lemons or limes (the acid in the juice can dissolve tooth enamel) and do not chew or suck on ice cubes. Ice can ruin your appliances and teeth. Keep pencils, pens and other objects out of your mouth.
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