An implant is a small post made of titanium that is used to replace the root of your tooth. Implants are inserted into the jaw to bone and become completely connected with the jaw bone in three to six months to form a strong foundation for the artificial teeth. Eventually, small healing abutments or posts are attached to the implant and will protrude through the gums. Later, a prosthesis that resembles a natural tooth is fabricated by your general dentist and attached to the final abutment.

The average adult has 32 teeth but the average mouth can only accommodate 28 teeth. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually need to be removed because of overcrowding in the mouth. It is often painful when wisdom teeth attempt to erupt in the mouth. They can cause gum and bone problems, infections and damage the teeth in front of them.

There are several types of anesthesia that can be given depending on your level of comfort. The first is local anesthesia, which will numb the area. The second form is nitrous oxide sedation with local anesthesia. The nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe through your nose. It gives a floating in space feeling. The third is IV sedation with local anesthesia. This is administered through an intravenous injection into your arm. With the IV sedation, you will be partially conscious and somewhat aware of your surroundings. The fourth type of anesthesia is general anesthesia. General anesthesia is also administered through an intravenous injection into your arm. With general anesthesia, the patient will be unconscious and, in most cases, will not remember the surgical procedure. Local anesthesia is usually used so that the patient awakes with no significant pain.

If you desire IV sedation or general anesthesia, you cannot have anything to eat or drink (not even water) for 8 hours prior to your appointment. YOUR SURGERY WILL BE CANCELED IF YOU EAT OR DRINK. If it is necessary for you to take medication prior to surgery, please contact the office for instructions. We do want you to brush your teeth at home prior to your arrival.

You should wear comfortable clothing. You should avoid anything tight or restrictive and wear a short-sleeved shirt open at the neck. Tennis shoes or loafers are recommended. Leave jewelry at home. Do not wear contact lenses. Dark fingernail polish should be removed at home on at least one finger.

NO. The intravenous medication stays in your system for up to 24 hours. Your motor skills are greatly affected. It is not safe to drive or operate machinery until 24 hours after surgery. NOTE: We will require that an adult come with you on your surgery day and stay at the office during your surgery and be able to drive you home.

Yes, appropriate prescriptions are written after your surgery and will be sent home with you. You may have them filled at any pharmacy you choose.

Laser stands for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. The laser, which emits bursts of radiation, vaporizes skin cells, which in turn are absorbed by water in these cells. Biopsy, lesion removal and skin resurfacing procedures involve no blood loss and are treated under local anesthesia or light sedation during laser surgery.

As a courtesy to you at the time of your exam, we will verbally contact your insurance to determine what benefits are available through your plan for the procedure you are having done. We will then provide you with a co-payment estimate that will be due on the date of service. This is only an estimate. Any amounts not covered by insurance will be billed to the patient. For your convenience, our payment options are cash, check, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. We also offer Care Credit.

A panoramic radiograph allows the doctor to have a complete view of your teeth, as well as the nerves and surrounding tissue. This is an extremely important tool that aids the doctor in planning your treatment. We take a panorex for you if one is not provided upon arrival at the office. Please check with your insurance carrier to determine frequency limitations.