PatientFYI: Recent studies continue to suggest a relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD).  Given the considerable health burden associated with CVD, involvement of gum disease in the development of cardiovascular pathologies could have various implications.There is increasing evidence relating infection to hardening of the arteries and stroke events.  Recently, blood concentrations of a certain protein (a systemic maker of inflammation) were shown to predict the risk of a future heart attack or stroke.  Similarly, increased serum levels of this protein have been observed in periodontal patients.  Therefore, a chronic inflammatory burden of periodontal infection may directly contribute to cardiovascular disease, possibly mediated by inflammation including this protein.

What is the Evidence?  Bearing in mind this plausible biological explanation of a relationship between periodontitis and CVD, what evidence supports this association?  A number of studies have evaluated this association found an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) ranging from 20% to 100% associated with periodontitis.

Although future research is required to assess the relationship between periodontal disease, tooth loss and CVD, better oral self-care, regular professional cleanings and an emphasis on the retention of teeth are recommended.

Dr. Guy Mangia: Comprehensive Dental Examination is a service we provide for all new patients and for our adult patients of record every 2 years. Similar to a complete medical examination with your physician, this examination  process is considered the current Standard of Care with the American Dental Association.  During this examination we are able to document and compare the findings that are significant to your oral health.  Being able to compare these findings at a two year interval allows us to detect changes in your dental health that may be subtle to the human eye, resulting in early detection and correction of oral problems.  Of course, we will continue to provide updated examinations at the time of your  periodontal maintenance visit in between your comprehensive dental evaluations.

The Comprehensive Examination and Evaluation consists of six areas of your oral health:

• Head and neck oral cancer examination
• Temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation
• Evaluation of your occlusion( how your upper and lower teeth relate to each other in function)
• Periodontal examination and evaluation of the supporting bone and tissue around the teeth
• Evaluation of current dental restorations, detection of new decay and fractured teeth
• Esthetic evaluation of your smile

We use several diagnostic aids in the comprehensive examination to assist us in our findings and treatment decisions.

• Full  mouth radiographs (as needed)
• A series of digital photographs of your smile and teeth
• Study model casts of your teeth (as needed)
• A current medical history and blood pressure reading
• ViziLite Plus oral cancer screening system

We will take time to listen to your concerns, considerations and desires when it comes to the correction of your oral health problems.  Treatment plan options will be developed and discussed as a result of our clinical findings, our professional judgment and your wants and needs.

At the end of your examination, our treatment coordinator will provide you with your examination results, including a copy of your treatment plan, your periodontal charting, your dental photographs and any support brochures we feel would help you better understand our discussion.  We invite you to visit our web site for further information concerning the dental procedures as well as information about our practice.

www.guymangiadds.com

We feel open communication is vital to the patient/professional relationship.  If you ever have had any questions or concerns about your examination visit, the treatment discussed, the fees presented your estimated insurance benefits or our practice procedures, please call and ask for assistance.  Our mission is to assist you in obtaining optimum oral health.  We know that this mission is dependent on a team of people (including you the patient) working toward a common goal.  We look forward to continuing to assist you in  your mission toward optimum oral health.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here at Dr. Mangia’s office we understand the importance of health as well as cosmetics. Let’s face it, appearance does matter and sometimes a small change can go a long way. Improving your smile can be just the small change you need and veneers are a great way to go. They close gaps between teeth, whiten your smile, and give some length to worn teeth due to grinding. Veneers don’t stain, wear down and can improve your appearance instantly and give you some extra self-confidence. They are a perfect way to take years off your appearance.

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

PatientFYI

Click here to view the embedded video.

Snap-on Smile is a patented, revolutionary dental appliance that requires no prepping, no injections, and no adhesives. It snaps right over your natural teeth. Snap-On Smile is easily removable, completely reversible and is an excellent option for patients looking for a non-invasive, affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry. You can even eat while wearing the Snap-On Smile appliance.

Find a Snap-On Smile Dentist near you today!

Patients looking for a non-invasive & affordable approach to restorative/cosmetic dentistry are excellent candidates for Snap-On Smile. It’s an easy, quick and affordable solution for patients who want to feel better, look better, and function better. Patients using Snap-On Smile report an immediate boost to confidence and self esteem. Most are impressed with the natural look and feel of Snap-On Smile and are grateful for the brief time investment – about two weeks – to achieve such life changing results. All it takes is a brief consultation in your dentist’s office. The process is quick and painless. Your dentist will take photos and impressions of your teeth. You choose from different smile shapes and shades for your Snap-On Smile. In about two weeks, the exclusive lab at Snap-On Smile will create and send your dentist your new appliance for final insertion. Snap it in and wear it home.

Click here to view the embedded video.

PatientFYI’s 3-D Imaging Dentists provide patients the most accurate diagnosis possible for Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, TMJ, Periodontal & Orthodontic Procedures.

Find the best 3-D Imaging Dentists In Your City

A quick and comfortable, 8.5-second, scan produces the most anatomically accurate 3-D images of the mouth, face, and jaw resulting in the highest level of surgical predictability and outcomes for patients.

• 10x Less Radiation than a Medical CT
• Quick, Comfortable & Convenient
• An Immediately Precise Diagnosis

3-D Imaging is available to patients in their Dentist’s office to avoid hospital visits and multiple appointments – resulting in reduced treatment time. Within minutes, Dentists are able to offer patients an immediate diagnosis and treatment plan—all in one visit.

Click here to view the embedded video.

PatientFYI - 3,460 Dentists in New York, NY (New York):  Find Patient Reviews, Payment Specials, Advanced Dental Technologies, and detailed PatientFYI Practice Profiles so you can find the best New York Dentist for you!

See all Dentists in New York

Who are some of the highest-rated New York Dentists on PatientFYI

As of January 1, 2010:

Dr. Irene Grafman: Smile Health Spa!

Dr. Mark Liechtung: Manhattan Dental Arts

Dr. Stuart Schreiber: DDS Group

Dr. Erika Faust: Elite Orthodontics

Dr. Divya Adusumilli: Esthetix Dental Spa

Dr. Jay Fensterstock: Concerned Dental Care of Manhattan

Dr. Dora Breytman: NYC Family Dentistry

What kind of Dental Services do New York Dentists perform

Cleanings & Exams: The results of good preventive dental care are healthy teeth and gums throughout one’s life and the early detection of oral disease. Preventive procedures, such as fluoride applications and sealants, can prevent tooth decay. Regular dental checkups and oral cancer screenings can catch oral cancer at its most treatable stages.

Dental Crowns & Bridges: A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. A bridge may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth.

Teeth Whitening: Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most).

Dental Veneers: Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Dentures: Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.

Extractions: Dental extraction is the removal or uprooting of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are done for a lot of reasons – the most common of which is too much damage to the teeth that renders restoration impossible. Another reason it is done is when a patient has impacted wisdom teeth or is beginning orthodontic treatment.

Fillings: A dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing.

Dental Implants: Dental implants combine the best of modern science and technology – a successful implant requires that all parties involved – the patient; the restorative dentist, who makes the crown for the implant; and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who surgically places the implant, follow a careful plan of treatment. All members of the implant team stay in close contact with each other to make sure everyone clearly understands what needs to be done to meet the patient’s expectations.

Braces & Orthodontics: Braces are worn by both children and adults, not only to improve the attractiveness of your smile, but more importantly to correct improper alignment of teeth that can lead to gum disease and early tooth loss. Properly aligned teeth also make it easier to chew all types of food and eliminate the headaches and pain caused by uneven chewing

Periodontics: Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In the more advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease, called periodontists, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

Root Canals: The purpose of Root Canal Therapy to provide a reatment where the tissues that surround a tooth’s root will maintain a healthy status despite the fact that the tooth’s nerve has undergone degenerative changes. Specifically, we mean that the tissues surrounding a tooth’s root are not affected by bacterial infections and/or irritating substances leaking from those inner aspects of the tooth originally occupied by the tooth’s nerve tissue.

TMJ Treatments: More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the function of the temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint. This happen due to any number of causes and may result in chronic ear pain, jaw stiffness and soreness, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw popping or clicking, and headaches. Sufferers of TMJ disorder may experience either sharp pain or a dull, constant ache.

New York Dentists: Certified Specialties

General Dentists in New York, NY: General Dentists prevent, evaluate, diagnose, and treat diseases of the oral cavity and associated structures (e.g. the temporomandibular joint), as well as maintain the functionality and esthetics of the teeth and associated tissues and structures. They can prescribe medication, x-rays, and devices for home or in-office use. Many oral diseases and abnormalities can indicate systemic, neural, or other diseases. A general practitioner may refer patients to their physician or a specialist for further evaluation, or vice versa for treatment.

Oral Surgeons in New York, NY: An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a specialist surgeon treating the entire craniomaxillofacial complex: the anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull, and all associated structures. Oral surgeons also may choose to undergo further training in a 1 or 2 year subspecialty fellowship training in the following areas: Head and neck cancer, Cosmetic facial surgery(facelift, rhinoplasty, cleft lip and palate repair), and Cranio-maxillofacial trauma (soft tissue and skeletal injuries to the face, head and neck).

Pedodontists in New York, NY: The biggest challenge facing the Pedodontist is the scared and nervous child . and converting the child into a confident patient. Generally, treating a child may take two or three times more time than it will take for the same procedure in an adult. However, it is worth the effort to do so. Pedodontistsmay treat children up to the age of 18, and have the ability to work with children with disabilities.

Periodontists in New York, NY: Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In the more advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease, called periodontist, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

Endodontists in New York, NY: Endodontists specialize and limit their practice to root canal therapy (diseases of the tooth pulp as well as the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth) and root canal surgery. They use their special training and experience to treat difficult cases that are referred to them by general dentists, who opt not to perform these cases. This happens particularly when teeth have narrow or blocked canals, or unusual anatomy.

Orthodontists in New York, NY: Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons . improving the general appearance of patients’ teeth and face for cosmetic reasons. However, treatment is often prescribed for practical reasons, providing the patient with a functionally improved bite (occlusion), proper spacing between the teeth for better hygiene, and health of bone and gums.

Prosthodontists in New York, NY: A Prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Most Prosthodontists receive two to three years of additional training after dental school based either at a hospital or a university. The training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating restorations.

Click here to view the embedded video.

–END–

PatientFYI – 488 Dentists in Irvine, CA (California): Find Patient Reviews, Payment Specials, Advanced Dental Technologies, and detailed PatientFYI Practice Profiles so you can find the best Irvine Dentist for you!

See all Dentists in California

Who are some of the highest-rated Irvine Dentists on PatientFYI

As of January 1, 2010:

Dr. Priyanka Bhalla (9.9 Patient Rating): At Walnut Dental Group, we believe you deserve the best dentistry possible at the most affordable price. That is why we have invested so heavily into incredible time and cost saving technology that maximizes the quality you receive. For example, Registering Online and filling out your health history will save you time and money from the convenience of your own home. While in the office, our digital x-rays and digital patient records dramatically reduce the initial costs of your treatment.

Dr. John Sauter (9.2 Patient Rating): This office offers: A wide range of services, A highly-trained staff, Affordable prices, Orthodontics, A friendly & comfortable environment, Patient Education, A great environment for children.

What kind of Dental Services do Irvine Dentists perform

Cleanings & Exams: The results of good preventive dental care are healthy teeth and gums throughout one’s life and the early detection of oral disease. Preventive procedures, such as fluoride applications and sealants, can prevent tooth decay. Regular dental checkups and oral cancer screenings can catch oral cancer at its most treatable stages.

Dental Crowns & Bridges: A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. A bridge may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth.

Teeth Whitening: Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most).

Dental Veneers: Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Dentures: Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.

Extractions: Dental extraction is the removal or uprooting of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are done for a lot of reasons – the most common of which is too much damage to the teeth that renders restoration impossible. Another reason it is done is when a patient has impacted wisdom teeth or is beginning orthodontic treatment.

Fillings: A dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing.

Dental Implants: Dental implants combine the best of modern science and technology – a successful implant requires that all parties involved – the patient; the restorative dentist, who makes the crown for the implant; and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who surgically places the implant, follow a careful plan of treatment. All members of the implant team stay in close contact with each other to make sure everyone clearly understands what needs to be done to meet the patient’s expectations.

Braces & Orthodontics: Braces are worn by both children and adults, not only to improve the attractiveness of your smile, but more importantly to correct improper alignment of teeth that can lead to gum disease and early tooth loss. Properly aligned teeth also make it easier to chew all types of food and eliminate the headaches and pain caused by uneven chewing

Periodontics: Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In the more advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease, called periodontists, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

Root Canals: The purpose of Root Canal Therapy to provide a reatment where the tissues that surround a tooth’s root will maintain a healthy status despite the fact that the tooth’s nerve has undergone degenerative changes. Specifically, we mean that the tissues surrounding a tooth’s root are not affected by bacterial infections and/or irritating substances leaking from those inner aspects of the tooth originally occupied by the tooth’s nerve tissue.

TMJ Treatments: More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the function of the temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint. This happen due to any number of causes and may result in chronic ear pain, jaw stiffness and soreness, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw popping or clicking, and headaches. Sufferers of TMJ disorder may experience either sharp pain or a dull, constant ache.

Irvine Dentists: Certified Specialties

General Dentists in Irvine, CA: General Dentists prevent, evaluate, diagnose, and treat diseases of the oral cavity and associated structures (e.g. the temporomandibular joint), as well as maintain the functionality and esthetics of the teeth and associated tissues and structures. They can prescribe medication, x-rays, and devices for home or in-office use. Many oral diseases and abnormalities can indicate systemic, neural, or other diseases. A general practitioner may refer patients to their physician or a specialist for further evaluation, or vice versa for treatment.

Oral Surgeons in Irvine, CA: An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a specialist surgeon treating the entire craniomaxillofacial complex: the anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull, and all associated structures. Oral surgeons also may choose to undergo further training in a 1 or 2 year subspecialty fellowship training in the following areas: Head and neck cancer, Cosmetic facial surgery(facelift, rhinoplasty, cleft lip and palate repair), and Cranio-maxillofacial trauma (soft tissue and skeletal injuries to the face, head and neck).

Pedodontists in Irvine, CA: The biggest challenge facing the Pedodontist is the scared and nervous child . and converting the child into a confident patient. Generally, treating a child may take two or three times more time than it will take for the same procedure in an adult. However, it is worth the effort to do so. Pedodontistsmay treat children up to the age of 18, and have the ability to work with children with disabilities.

Periodontists in Irvine, CA: Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In the more advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease, called periodontist, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

Endodontists in Irvine, CA: Endodontists specialize and limit their practice to root canal therapy (diseases of the tooth pulp as well as the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth) and root canal surgery. They use their special training and experience to treat difficult cases that are referred to them by general dentists, who opt not to perform these cases. This happens particularly when teeth have narrow or blocked canals, or unusual anatomy.

Orthodontists in Irvine, CA: Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons . improving the general appearance of patients’ teeth and face for cosmetic reasons. However, treatment is often prescribed for practical reasons, providing the patient with a functionally improved bite (occlusion), proper spacing between the teeth for better hygiene, and health of bone and gums.

Prosthodontists in Irvine, CA: A Prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Most Prosthodontists receive two to three years of additional training after dental school based either at a hospital or a university. The training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating restorations.

Click here to view the embedded video.

–END–

While a General Dentist’s main focus in on your overall oral health, which includes the prevention of tooth decay and restoration when needed, a Cosmetic Dentist will focus on improving your smile’s appearance & function through a variety of advancements in technology; such as teeth whitening, orthodontics, veneers and other reconstructive dental methodologies.

Find the best Cosmetic Dentists in your City & State! 

PatientFYI enables you to quickly learn about almost every Cosmetic Dentist in your city – so you can easily: compare their services & strengths, find out which advanced technologies they use, see any payment specials they are offering, read reviews from their patients that received the same service you want, make sure they accept your dental insurance; and much more! 

Many Technological Advancements in Cosmetic Dentistry

There have been many advancements which empower Cosmetic Dentists to complete intricate dental designs, all while preserving as much of your original tooth structure as possible. While incorporating the patient’s existing tooth structure, cosmetic dentists create the ideal shape according to each patient’s unique physiological make-up. Patient’s often times enhance their appearance and look younger due to the dramatic results of cosmetic dentistry.

Some of the typically methodologies used by cosmetic dentists in optimizing a patient’s smile include the following:

• Teeth Whitening or Bleaching: Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of teeth whitening performed in our Dentist’s office. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most).

• Composite or Resin Fillings: If you have a cavity in a tooth, broken fillings, mercury fillings, or amalgam fillings, this type of dental filling is well worth discussing with your dentist. Mercury fillings or amalgam fillings can easily be removed and replaced with far more attractive colored fillings. These fillings actually strengthen your tooth beyond the level it had with the amalgam fillings.

• Inlays or Onlays: These are Porcelain fillings that cover an area too large for a filling


• Veneers: Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

• Dental Implants: Dental implants combine the best of modern science and technology – a successful implant requires that all parties involved – the patient; the restorative dentist, who makes the crown for the implant; and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who surgically places the implant, follow a careful plan of treatment. All members of the implant team stay in close contact with each other to make sure everyone clearly understands what needs to be done to meet the patient’s expectations.

• Laser Dentistry: If you consider yourself somewhat of an anxious dental patient and are seeking extreme safety and comfort, you might consider looking for dentists who have incorporated laser dentistry techniques into their practices and treatments.

• Invisible Braces: Having a confident smile can change everything. And invisible braces make the decision easy, because you can get a stunning smile without most people even noticing you’re going through treatment.

• Dynamic Braces: Conventional orthodontic braces are tied with elastics, which cause friction and pressure, making treatment slower and less comfortable. Dynamic braces have a unique slide mechanism that reduces pressure on teeth and allows them to move more comfortably to their correct positions. This new approach to orthodontics ensures greater comfort with these braces throughout the treatment.

–END –

Dental Implants:
So you are thinking about having dental implants huh? We are here to make your job easy in this process. There is quite that you and your dentist need to know about this procedure. And if everyone involved is well informed and prepared, the process is very simple and you will enjoy your brand new teeth for a very long time.

I am going to throw in a monkey in the wrench for you first however. Imagine Dr. Average. He has never done or placed any implants. The last time he had taken a course in anatomy was way back in the first year of dental school, and he has been out of school for a good 20 years. Let’s make him one of the doctors who has never done any surgery, meaning, he has never cut the gums, nor has he ever had to put any stitches on anyone. Dr. Average decides that he wants to start doing implants. So he finds an online course for dental implants, or a one day course if he is slightly more motivated, and Monday morning, he is an implantologist and unbeknownst to you, you are his first patient!

So what are the things you must know and learn before you have dental implants. The first thing is are you a good candidate for dental implants? People who suffer from medical conditions that has an effect on the immune system of the body, or inflammatory system, would need to be further evaluated. This is why a thorough, updated medical history is needed. At time, blood lab work up need to be done prior to having dental implants done. Anti inflammatory medications, steroids, pain medications and antibiotics are some of the medications that maybe prescribed to you before and after this procedure.

What else? Well, the big question is why do you need dental implants? Is it because you have broken your tooth? Then the cause of this needs to be evaluated. If not, you can do the same damage to the implants. What if you lost your tooth or teeth due to periodontal or gum disease? Did you know that you could lose the implants due to the same reason as well? Your diet, the PH of your mouth, your stress level, how you eat, chew, how the muscles of your head and neck function, all play a role in determining if you are a good candidate for dental implants or not. And if not, what are some alternatives, and or things that you can do to make you a good candidate for it now?

So what else does your dentist need to evaluate? Your dentist must evaluate the quality of your bone. Some implant companies even provide different types of implants for different types of bone. I will give you an example. Let’s say, you just bought a 2 beautiful 42 inch flat screen TV’s to be mounted on the wall in your house. One, you would like it to go on your living room wall (dry wall). The other, you would like it to go on a thick, old Oak entertainment center. Do you use the same screws or even number of screws for mounting these TVs? The same concept applies to dentistry. There are different types of quality and denseness of bone in the mouth. First of all, without taking CT scans, the only other way that a dentist can evaluate the quality of the bone is when they start to place the implant in your mouth, purely by the way the bone feels. Is this really scientific? You be the judge of that. CT scans today are an important piece of the puzzle to evaluate patients and also to treatment plan dental implants. The next thing is planning the implants. Where should it go and at what angle? These are the questions that the dentist who is going to be placing the crown over the implant (or the denture) will determine. If there are two dentists, a surgeon and a restorative, they must collaborate. Who is the quarter back? The restorative or the dentist who places the crown, not the surgeon.

Unfortunately, this does not happen often. Many times, the surgeons are the ones who determine where they would like the implant to go and then the restorative dentist ends up having to restore a positionally and esthetically compromised implant.

Why do you have to know these things? Because these steps are not followed properly most often.
So where do you start? 
1. Have your medical history be checked thoroughly by your dentist or dentists. Make sure no lab works are needed. Make sure you are a good candidate for dental implants, get rid of all existing causes of damage and pathology, correct bite issues, get gum disease and bite disease and dietary issues under control.
2. Consult the Restorative Dentist first. They must take models of your mouth, determine where they want the crowns to go, have special stents made by the lab.
3. You will wear these stents and have a CT scan of your jaw done.
4. The restorative dentist determines, the position and angulation of the crown that needs to be positioned in your mouth.
5. The surgeon determines if there is adequate bone to position the implant in the proper position and angulation that the restorative dentist had requested. If not, then bone grafting, sinus grafting or other procedures will be needed. The surgeon will evaluate the thickness of your gums as well.
6. The number of implants, type (based on the preference of both dentists and also based on your bone quality), the size and length of implant are all determined by both dentists.
7. The procedure is performed on the CT scan once virtually to make sure not complications in terms of positioning and anatomical structure (such as nerve damage) will happen. The CT scan will be sent to special labs to have a surgical stent fabricated so that the surgeon will duplicate with much accuracy the placement of the implant in your mouth in comparison to the CT scan or virtual version.
8. Once the surgical stent is available, then, you will be scheduled to have your implant(s) placed.

Follow the post op instructions, ice your face and take the proper medications. Very simple….. or is it?

How do you now determine who has the experience? And what does their training mean? I would recommend going to www.PatientFYI.com to evaluate the dentists’ training, to evaluate the courses they have taken, their accolades and educating yourself as to what each course means to you. I would start with a Full Mouth Rejuvenation Dentist first and then you can look for an IMPLANT DENTIST if the first dentist did not place their own implants. Again, make sure they have the same level of expertise in the surgical aspect as they have in the restorative aspect of dental implantology. A thorough examination, treatment planning is the key to success. Do not underestimate the power of preparation.