Category: Dental Implants
Tips for Recovering After Dental Implants Surgery
Are you considering dental implants or periodontal surgery? You are potentially choosing a permanent investment in your smile’s health, function, and natural beauty! Reviewing the dental implant treatment process, specifically your recovery after surgery, is always a good idea to help you prepare and know what to expect.
Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Lauren Anderson, provides the highest standard of surgical care at Anderson Periodontal Wellness, her practice in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Using specialized techniques and advanced technology, she offers minimally invasive dental implant treatment that helps encourage healthier healing and amazing long-term results. Dr. Anderson will provide all necessary post-operative instructions and medication after your surgery. To prepare for your recovery, follow these five tips:
Take Prescribed Medication
Dr. Anderson may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to take during the first few days after your surgery. These are designed to minimize inflammation and help fight off infection during your recovery. Take all these medications as directed to minimize these potential health risks.
Use Ice Packs
Some bruising and swelling are normal for the first couple of days after your procedure. Directly after you return home, apply an ice pack in 20-minute intervals (resting for 10 minutes in between) for the first 2-3 hours.
Minimize Activity
Especially for the first day or two after your surgery, be sure to let your body rest to jumpstart a healthier recovery. You’ll be able to return to normal daily activities after 24 hours but avoid strenuous exercise for at least 3 days after your procedure.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Directly after your procedure, you’ll want to eat a small amount of soft food so you can take your medication. Dr. Anderson will determine how long you need to maintain a soft-food diet based on your case. Be sure to avoid hot foods and drinks, and keep your diet as nutritious as possible.
Refrain from Smoking
Studies show that smoking interferes with healing after surgery, so avoid smoking for as long as possible if you cannot completely quit. The first few days after surgery are critical to a healthy recovery, but it is recommended to stop smoking for the next 3 weeks, if not completely.
Schedule Your Consultation
Knowing what to expect can help you make more informed decisions about your oral health. If you want to learn more about dental implants and the treatment process, contact Dr. Anderson in our Office in Bloomfield Hills, MI at (248) 480-4910 today for a consultation.
How Long Can I Expect My Dental Implants to Last?
If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, you’re most likely wondering how long they last. Dental implants have proven to be the best long-term option for missing teeth and a much better alternative to dentures or natural tooth bridges. While there is no guarantee that dental implants last forever, they have consistently maintained a high success rate, with on-going studies showing between 95-98% reliability in a surgical specialists hands. Just as important as expertise of the doctor completing surgery, routine maintenance and lifestyle after treatment are critical factors to long-term success.
Dr. Anderson is a board-certified periodontist with years of specialized training earning her masters in the field and experience in dental implant surgery. Considered an expert in both periodontics and dental implants, she’s the most qualified to provide treatments such as gum disease therapy and bone grafting to restore proper oral health and prepare your mouth for surgery. Using today’s modern and minimally invasive surgical technology, she can better provide successful treatment.
Factors that Influence Dental Implant Success
An important factor in the longevity of dental implants is the quality and volume of bone to provide adequate support for new teeth. Dr. Anderson uses high-quality 3D CBCT imaging technology to accurately evaluate these structures and determine if bone grafting is needed before implant placement. Providing the healthiest and strongest foundation for dental implants better postures their long-term success.
Another influencing factor is gum disease, an infection of the gum tissues that leads to bone loss and exfoliation of the dentition. As a periodontist, Dr. Anderson is an expert in gum disease and will be able to restore health to your gums and bone before placing dental implants if indicated. Her goal is to set your mouth up for long-term success after dental implant surgery. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology like 3D guided surgical procedures, Dr. Anderson reaches the highest level of precision and accuracy.
Late failure of dental implants can generally be attributed to the maintenance and lifestyle habits of the patient. Poor oral hygiene and smoking can significantly contribute to risk of implant loss. Home care and routine professional maintenance are critical to ensuring the gums and bone around the dental implant(s) remain as healthy and strong as possible.
Schedule Your Consultation
Interested in talking to Dr. Anderson about dental implants? Contact Anderson Periodontal Wellness at (248) 480-4910 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anderson for dental implants in our Office in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Why Choose a Periodontist for Dental Implants?
If you want a permanent tooth replacement that can bring back dental function and smile esthetics, dental implants are the right choice. Known for their longevity and natural appearance, dental implants can replace one, several, or all missing teeth, giving you a healthy smile for the rest of your life!
To ensure that your treatment is successful and provides you with these benefits, look for the expertise of a specialist. Meta-analyses and systemic reviews in the field establish the highest success rates when placed by periodontists and oral surgeons. Dr. Lauren Anderson is a board-certified periodontist and diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology with advanced training specifically in dental implants. While some general dentist place dental implants, choosing a periodontist like Dr. Anderson for your treatment has advantages, including:
Experts in gum disease treatment
Gum disease affects the health of the gums and jawbone, and as a common condition among patients, may disqualify them from getting dental implants. Periodontists are the experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and other problems with the gum tissue and bone. These specialists can successfully treat gum disease and ensure their patients have healthy gums before placing dental implants.
Advanced training in dental implants
Dental implants are a surgical procedure, so having treatment completed by a specialist greatly reduces the risk of complications and implant failure. Periodontists like Dr. Anderson are also considered experts in dental implant surgery as earned in her masters training. They are also trained in more advanced techniques for patients who have more complex cases, such as severe bone loss or advanced periodontal disease.
The advantages of visiting Dr. Anderson
A board-certified periodontist, Dr. Anderson has years of advanced training in dental implants. She has also been placing dental implants for years, using minimally invasive techniques and guided implant surgery. Dr. Anderson also offers custom sedation and is certified to administer IV sedation. At her modern, comfortable practice you will enjoy a relaxing and predictable treatment.
Schedule an appointment
Contact Anderson Periodontal Wellness at (248) 480-4910 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anderson for dental implants in our Office in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Immediate Implant Placement with Immediate Temporization: “Tooth in a Day”
Meet our patient DN who presented with an abscessed (infected) #8 (upper right central incisor). It was very important for DN that she left the surgical implant placement surgery “looking the same as when [she] walked in”. Not all patients are candidates for extraction, implant placement and temporary tooth fixation in one appointment, however DN was a great candidate. Dr. Anderson extracted the tooth, addressed the infection so that implant placement was feasible and fabricated a chair-side temporary that mimicked her original tooth DN was accustomed to.
For this sequence to be viable, DN was very careful as to not “load” or use the tooth during the 3 month healing period. DN was pleased that her friends and family could not notice she had periodontal surgery and that the tooth looked “just like the old one”. DN will wear this initial temporary for 3 months prior to receiving the final implant crown with her general dentist.
Reference above for initial, extraction, implant and temporary placement photos. These photos are taken at one appointment, showing the discussed steps. Note the shape of the temporary directly dictates the response and support of the gum.
Please contact Anderson Periodontal Wellness at (248) 480-4910 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anderson in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Dr. Anderson will thoroughly assess your case and determine if you are a candidate for immediate implant temporization.
The Right Questions to Ask Before Dental Implant Surgery
Have you been considering dental implants to replace your broken or missing teeth? You may be wondering what questions to ask before you commit to treatment. While dental implants are considered the “gold standard” in tooth replacement, it is a good idea to research this solution, so you know what to expect. Dr. Lauren Anderson, a board-certified periodontist and masters trained periodontist, is here to answer the common questions patients ask about dental implants. As an expert in dental implant treatment, Dr. Anderson can help you determine if this solution is right for you during an in-person consultation.
- Are dental implants the best option for me?
While there are many options for replacing missing teeth, such as dentures, dental implants have proven to be a life-changing and long-term solution for most patients. Even if your situation requires additional treatments like bone grafting or tooth extractions, you are most likely a candidate for dental implants with expert care from Dr. Anderson.
- Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are made from titanium alloy, a biocompatible material that is incredibly safe and functional, with a 97-98 % success rate. They integrate naturally with the jawbone to provide a permanent and strong foundation for new teeth. Seeking the expertise of a specialist like Dr. Anderson ensures that your oral and physical health is properly assessed so your treatment is customized for the most beneficial, long-lasting results.
- How long does the treatment process take?
The dental implant treatment process varies depending on how severe your case is, the number of missing teeth if additional procedures are needed, and other factors. While the surgery itself lasts less than an hour, your mouth will need to heal for 3-6 months before your final tooth or set of teeth can be restored. You will receive a more personalized treatment plan after a consultation with Dr. Anderson.
- Are you qualified to place dental implants?
Dr. Anderson is a board-certified periodontist who received her masters degree in periodontics and dental implant surgery from the University of Michigan where she spent 11 years of education/training. Along with many years of experience and training, she uses advanced technologies like CBCT imaging and guided implant surgery to offer predictable and long-lasting treatment. This level of expertise coupled with a calming atmosphere and many sedation options routinely delivers exceptional results for her patients.
Interested in learning more?
Reserve your consultation with Dr. Lauren Anderson to discuss replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Contact Anderson Periodontal Wellness at (248) 480-4910 to schedule today.
What Factors into the Dental Implant Cost?
There are many variables that determine the cost of dental implants, yet there are many constants as well. The constants are based on the style of dental implants and replacement teeth you choose, while the variables will be based on your oral and overall health. Getting to know the constants and variables that factor into the dental implant cost can help you get a better idea about which style of restoration is right for you. Take a look at what will factor into the cost of your dental implants.
Weighing the Cost of Parts
It’s important to keep in mind that dental implants will vary by region of the country. Costs may also vary by the number of restorations you receive and the quality of the parts you opt to have. Dr. Lauren Anderson uses a superior implant, AstraTech, an implant with the greatest bone retention over time and unsurpassed clinical research to support success rates in the high nineties. These implants are also a favorite among medical orthopedic surgeons who use AstraTech implants for joint replacements.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of dental implants and their replacement teeth:
Single tooth dental implants – consist of a single dental implant and a dental crown
Implants supported dentures – includes four to six dental implants and overdentures
All on 4 – four dental implants for a row of teeth along with fixed overdentures
Full arch dental implants – six dental implants with premium zirconia bridges permanently affixed
Considering the Cost of Procedures
Along with parts, you’ll also need to take the cost of procedures into account. These are some of the procedures and appointments you’ll need, along with some you may not:
- Implant placement (usually done in one visit at the periodontist’s office)
- Consultations and exams (will take several appointments)
- Post-implant placement follow-ups (will take several appointments)
- Tooth extractions (only needed for decaying or otherwise hopeless teeth)
- Bone grafting (only needed if there has been bone loss in the jaw)
- Sinus lifts and augmentation (only needed if the sinus crowd space in the mouth)
More on the Dental Implant Cost in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Reserve time to talk with a Dr. Lauren Anderson DDS, MS to learn more about your options for correcting your gum recession in Bloomfield Hills, MI by contacting Anderson Periodontal Wellness by phone at (248) 480-4910.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Above and Beyond Conventional Dentures
Most of us have heard about dentures and their imperfections for most of our lives, long before we would ever need to wear them. As time passes and dentures become a real consideration, patients try to hold onto failing teeth as it is hard to commit to wearing dentures for the rest of your life. But dentures have changed. Many of their shortcomings have been offset by dental implants, a permanent teeth replacement solution.
Take a look at implant-supported dentures and learn how they go above and beyond the performance and reliability of conventional dentures.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
While conventional dentures rely on suction, adhesives and frames to stay in place, implant-supported dentures are firmly fastened by dental implants.
Here’s a detailed look at how dental implants anchor implant-supported dentures:
The titanium screw – this screw is inserted in the jawbone, like a natural tooth, where its biocompatible titanium fuses with the bone over time. Four to eight implants are commonly used to support a full denture.
The abutment – placed on top of the screw, and above the gum line, this part serves as a connector for the restoration
The restoration – these are your dentures in the case of implant-supported dentures. Other restorations include crowns and bridges.
Just as conventional dentures come in several variations, implant-supported dentures do as well. Some implant support dentures are snap-on – caps built into the underside of the dentures snap onto each abutment. Other styles use retaining screws, which thread through access points on the top side of the dentures and screws into each abutment underneath.
Am I a Candidate?
Dental implants and implant-supported dentures offer a world of promise to those with missing or failing teeth, yet not everyone is a strong enough of a candidate for these restorations to be viable.
These are some of the elements of a strong candidate for dental implants:
- A need for replacement teeth
- Sufficient jawbone to hold implants
- Motivation to stay true to a treatment plan
- Good general health, favorable oral health
More on Implant Supported Dentures in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Take a moment to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lauren Anderson at Anderson Periodontal Wellness in Bloomfield Hills, MI. We can be reached at (248) 480-4910.
How a Periodontist Can Make You a Stronger Candidate for Dental Implants
It’s exciting- the prospect of having replacement teeth implanted, restoring both function and esthetics to your smile. But just a few simple words, “you aren’t a good candidate for dental implants,” can dash hopes of smiling confidently again and again enjoying foods you could no longer eat after losing your natural teeth.
However, a periodontist can offer you more advanced solutions to regrow lost bone and allow dental implants to be placed. These are some of the things an experienced periodontist in Bloomfield Hill, MI can do to keep your help you become a stronger candidate for dental implants.
The Standard Bone Grafting Process
Your jawbone is made of living tissue. The roots of natural teeth, which are housed in the jawbone, keep the bone stimulated. But when teeth fall out or are knocked out, the area once stimulated by natural teeth begins to deteriorate.
Bone grafting after extraction can help preserve areas susceptible to bone loss and can even regenerate new bone tissue.
After you’ve been giving a local anesthetic, your periodontist will fold back a small flap of your gum to access the area of the jawbone threatened by deterioration. Your periodontist will pack bone particles into the area.
Within a few months, usually about three to six, the graft material will be absorbed and replaced with new bone growth.
Advanced Grafting Solutions
Below are some of the many advanced bone grafting solutions offered at Anderson Periodontal Wellness:
Ridge preservation – the procedure helps save bone after a tooth is lost or pulled. The socket is packed with natural bone particles to minimize bone loss during the healing process. This, many times, prevents the need for more invasive grafting in the future by preserving the natural anatomy.
Guided tissue regeneration – biocompatible membrane is placed over a bone graft, helping your periodontist manage the regeneration of bone and gum tissue.
S.M.A.R.T – much like a soft tissue graft can be tunneled under your gum for root coverage, Dr. Lauren Anderson is trained to perform minimally invasive SMART procedures to reach bone growth through a similar tunnel in the gum.
Block grafting – in extreme cases of bone loss, bone from the side of your jaw or chin can be moved to the area of deficit. This bone can harbor dental implants after 6 – 9 months of healing.
Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) Growth Factors – a supplemental technique that leverages growth factors and new bone material to quicken regeneration time and predictably guide tissue growth.
More on Bone Grafting in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Reserve a time to talk with a Dr. Lauren Anderson DDS, MS to learn more about your options for getting dental implants in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Please reach Anderson Periodontal Wellness by phone at (248) 480-4910.
A look at Life with New Teeth
Losing permanent teeth is often a very difficult process to navigate, one that plays out over years or even decades. As the teeth slowly fail, things that used to give you joy may no longer do so. With full arch dental implants, however, you can have another chance at restoring your smile, one that you can count on. Take a glimpse at what your future could look like with replacement teeth anchored by titanium dental implants.
What Makes Dental Implants a Game Changer?
While conventional dentures rely on adhesives and suction to keep your replacement teeth in place, dental appliances fixed to dental implants will stay firmly in place – even when they’re tasked with getting through “chewy,” “fibrous” or “dense” things.
After proper multi-disciplinary planning, your periodontist will insert titanium screws into your jawbone in the same fashion that natural teeth take root into the same areas of the bone. Time is required for the implants to fuse with the bone. This is known as osseointegration. Once your surgeon has verified stability, your general dentist will affix permanent restorations to the implant posts – the “abutment” will serve as the connector for each implant post and “cap” on your restoration. Dental implants can anchor implant-supported dentures, zirconia bridges and more.
Expand Your Diet
Extensive tooth loss can eliminate food items as simple and as common as sandwiches, steak or fresh veggies. For many people, conventional dentures just “don’t cut it”, quite literally, as this ages-old approach to replacing missing teeth is notorious for slipping out of place when eating and talking. However, with your replacement teeth supported by dental implants, each day is a new opportunity to get reacquainted with foods you used to enjoy.
Be Heard and Understood
Because your permanent replacement teeth will be anchored to dental implants, you’ll once again have the ability to speak with confidence, secure in the knowledge that your teeth won’t shift awkwardly in your mouth or agitate your gums.
More on Dental Implants in Bloomfield Hill, MI
Reserve a time to talk with Dr. Lauren Anderson DDS, MS to learn more about dental implants and your options in Bloomfield Hills, MI by reaching out to Anderson Periodontal Wellness by phone at (248) 480-4910.
Find Your Smile with a Multi-Disciplinary Approach!
Full mouth rehabilitation done right!
Meet our patient JG. JG sought out Dr. Anderson and our team to “improve the look and function of [his] teeth.” The upper right central incisor, “#8” was fractured, the bite collapsed over time, and the gum was of uneven contour. In working closely with JG’s general dentist, a comprehensive plan was developed to reach the chief concern.
Dr. Anderson leveled the gum profile and placed an implant the same day she extracted #8. After ample time healing, JG’s talented general dentist completed the case with full mouth restorations to address the weaknesses in his “occlusion” or bite and an implant crown on the central incisor.
JG is delighted with his results! Not only did his appearance improve to resemble his smile 20 years ago, but his confidence also returned as a result. Most importantly, the occlusion is now stable to protect his bite from collapsing. Happy patient!
If you feel you have a challenging case, contact our office for a consultation with Dr. Anderson and learn about what we can do to help you reach your goals! Reach Anderson Periodontal Wellness at (248) 480-4910.