Harmony Dental Arts

December 2, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — admin @ 8:12 pm

Dental implants are becoming extremely popular as a replacement for dentures or false teeth. Dentists all over the country are well versed in installing dental implants, so it is becoming as common place as a root canal. If you are considering having dental implants put in, you may need some additional information before you get started. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this procedure.

FAQ #1 About Dental Implants: What are dental implants? A dental implant is a permanent holding structure for false teeth. It involves the installation of a screw into the jaw bone.

FAQ #2 About Dental Implants: Does the process hurt? Because dental implants are installed while the patient is under anesthesia, patients do not feel anything. Some patients experience some discomfort once they come out of the anesthesia, but it is minor discomfort and does not last very long.

FAQ #3 About Dental Implants: Do I need to find a specialist to perform the procedure? Most general practitioners are experienced with implants. Just because a dentist is certified to perform the procedure does not mean that he is experienced, so make sure you ask for references regarding a dentists experience with dental implants.

FAQ #4 About Dental Implants: Can I put the teeth into the implant immediately after the procedure? No. It is usually recommended that the teeth not be anchored to the implant for about four months after the procedure.

FAQ #5 About Dental Implants: Will insurance pay for this procedure? Most of the time, insurance companies consider implants a cosmetic procedure and will not pay for them. However, some companies will cover parts of the implants, so make sure you check with your insurance company.

FAQ #6 About Dental Implants: Do I have to pay for the entire procedure upfront? Most dental offices will provide payment plans for significant work like implants.

FAQ #7 About Dental Implants: How do implants differ from dentures? Dentures are held in place by adhesive, which does not necessarily hold the dentures in place very well. Implants are a strong, permanent anchor that keeps the false teeth in place.

FAQ #8 About Dental Implants: How long will implants last? Implants, if put in correctly, should last the rest of your life.

FAQ #9 About Dental Implants: How much do implants cost? The cost of implants varies significantly from patient to patient. The cost will depend on where in your mouth they need to be placed, and how many need to be put in. Most dentists will give you a free consultation for dental implants. Ask your general dentist about his or her experience with implants and then ask for an estimate. If your general dentist is not experienced with implants, ask him or her for a recommendation.

FAQ #10 About Dental Implants: Is there any maintenance associated with dental implants? Most of the time, implants are permanent and will not need any other significant procedures as long as the gums and mouth are properly cared for.

November 21, 2009

Tips for Finding a Cosmetic Dentist

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Tips for Finding a Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry is gaining in popularity among dentists.  While insurance does not pay for most cosmetic dentistry work, people are willing to pay for work to improve their teeth and smile.  Increasing numbers of general dentists are taking classes to improve their cosmetic dental skills and they are expanding their practices to offers cosmetic dentistry services.

Typically, most dental work is significant in the time it takes and the money it costs.  Cosmetic dental work includes teeth whitening, replacement of gold fillings with white ones, veneers that permanently recover the teeth, implants that artificially replace lost teeth, or bonding to fix chipped or broken teeth.  Because this is a highly specialized field, it is important to find a reputable, experienced cosmetic dentist before you consider having any of this work done.  Consider these tips as you search for a cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic Dentist Search Tip #1: Ask people about their dentists.  One of the best ways to find a good cosmetic dentist is to ask people you know about their experiences with cosmetic dental work.  If you only need teeth whitening, then you won’t need to look very far to find a dentist with this kind of experience.  But if you are interested in having porcelain veneers done on your teeth, they you might want to find someone who has had similar work done to find out about their experience with the dentist that did the work.

Cosmetic Dentist Search Tip #2:  Call the dentists you are considering.  Once you have narrowed down a list of potential dentists, call them.  Ask them about their hours and their terms of payment.  Find out whether or not you will have to pay for a consultation.  Then, ask them about the dentist’s experience with the kind of work you would like to have completed.  Determine which dentist you feel most comfortable with and set up and appointment.

Cosmetic Dentist Search Tip #3: Do some research on your own.  One of the steps that people skip in having major work done on their teeth is doing research of their own.  While the Internet is not always accurate, see if you can find some good articles and photos that explain the kind of work you are interested in having done.  If you educate yourself about the steps that the dentist will need to take to get the smile you are looking for, you will be able to better choose the right dentist for your needs.

Cosmetic Dentist Search Tip #4:  Get a consultation.  Once you have chosen a dentist and educated yourself, you need to go get a consultation.  Most cosmetic dentists will do this for no cost.  Once you hear the dentist’s recommendations, you can compare that with the research you have done to find out if you are comfortable with having this dentist do the work.  Usually, the cosmetic dentist can give you an approximate cost of the work on during that visit.  If you aren’t comfortable with the dentist or the recommendations, do not hesitate to obtain additional recommendations.

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