Common Questions
Questions relating to Periodontal Disease
What is periodontal disease?
This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, please see the section entitled "Consequences".
Close AnswerWhat are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Tooth sensitivity to heat/cold
- Bad breath
- Deep pockets around the teeth
- Spaces between the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Missing teeth
- Gums receding around the teeth (longer looking teeth)
For more information see the section entitled "Consequences".
Close AnswerWhy is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
Patients with periodontal infection have a lowered resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection that can grow in bursts of activity. Some factors that can cause a dramatic increase in the severity of your periodontal disease are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Stress
- Diet
- Illness
Two other important factors are:
- Lack of regular dental checkups.
- Lack of regular dental cleanings.
When your infection has a "burst" of growth, or when there are signs that this is may occur, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment.
Close AnswerHow is periodontal disease treated?
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
For more information on these techniques, see Procedures.
Close AnswerWhy must I start treatment right away?
It is likely that you have been referred to us because your general dentist has noticed an increase in infection activity.
This infection eats away at the bone that supports your teeth (leading to tooth loss). If not treated, there can be a number of consequences. Please see the Consequences section for a list of these.
Close AnswerQuestions relating to Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
We are experts in the placement of dental implants. Dental implants begin with an evaluation to decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
For more detailed information, please see the section entitled "Dental Implants".
Close AnswerDo implants work as well as natural teeth?
I have heard that dental implants are expensive. How much do they cost?
Placing implants before the bone loss becomes severe not only saves money in the long run, but also slows the bone loss process, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
Close AnswerDoes insurance pay for dental implants?
How long does the whole dental implant process take? Will I be without teeth or unable to eat for a long time?
The implant healing period can take from 6 weeks to 8 months depending on the quantity and quality of available bone.
The next phase, which usually starts 2-6 weeks after the first phase, your new replacement teeth are created and fitted. The third phase is usually completed within 4 to 8 weeks. Total treatment time for most implant cases will usually be 3-11 months.
Close AnswerWhen can I resume my normal schedule?
Is the placement of implants painful? How long does it take?
surgery should make the placement procedure pain-free. Depending on the complexity and number of implants being placed, the procedure can take between 30 minutes to 3-4 hours.
Close AnswerHow can I tell if I am healthy enough to have dental implants?
Close Answer
Where dental implants are concerned, are there risks of the body rejecting them?
Close Answer
How long will implants last?
Do implants require special care?
I must have some teeth extracted and I intend to have implants placed to restore my ability to chew. Can a dental implant be placed at the same visit as the teeth are extracted?
Sometimes, infection from a tooth or periodontal disease has destroyed the bone to such an extent that it becomes necessary to do a bone grafting procedure prior to implant placement. If it is possible to place the implant at the same visit as the teeth are extracted, this can save at least three months in healing time compared to waiting for an extraction site to heal before the implants can be placed.
My husband and I retired. We enjoy traveling and are on the road quite a bit. I know I need dental implants, but how can I have them done without staying in one place for several months?
3 days after their surgery. We do recommend staying close to town after this surgery for 21 days to insure that normal healing occurs.
Close AnswerGeneral Questions
What is going to happen on my first visit?
Afterwards, your findings and options for treatment will be thoroughly explained. At that time the doctor will answer any questions you may have.
Our goal is that you leave with a complete understanding of your condition and the treatment needed to restore you to optimum oral health.
Close AnswerHow much will treatment cost and will my insurance cover it?
If you have dental insurance, this may provide full or partial coverage. Our office will contact your insurance company to learn what they will cover.
We feel that finances should never be an obstacle to treatment. For your convenience, we offer several payment options. We also have payment plans to suit your individual needs. Our insurance coordinator will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance questions.
For more information see our Financial Policies or contact our insurance coordinator at (815) 744-7175.
Close AnswerWhat are the medical consequences if I delay treatment?
Recent research has found that patients with periodontal inflammation are more than twice as likely to have heart disease and stroke.
To learn more about the medical consequences of periodontal inflammation, please see the Consequences section.
Close AnswerDo you use the latest equipment and techniques?
Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should be safe as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the section entitled "Procedures".
Close AnswerWhat other treatments do you provide?
- Crown Lengthening
- Gingival Contouring
- Ridge Augmentation
- Dental Implants
For more information on these procedures, please see the section entitled "Procedures".
Close Answer