Category: Dental Implants

Caring for your periodontal needs is essential, especially if you have gingivitis or periodontitis. However, it can be intimidating to hear about common periodontal procedures such as scaling and root planing or osseous surgery. Yet it is important to know that a few forward-leaning periodontists focus on practicing minimally invasive periodontics in Bloomfield Hills, MI to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible during your office visits.

Understanding the Minimally Invasive Periodontics Philosophy

What does the term “minimally invasive” mean in terms of periodontics? The descriptor refers to a very conservative approach to treatment.

Consider a patient who has developed gum recession. Periodontists have a few options to help the patient. A periodontist who believes in practicing minimally invasive periodontics will suggest the treatment that is gentlest on the patient.

For instance, the tunneling technique is a minimally invasive solution to restore the gums to a healthier level. If a patient is not a good candidate for the tunneling technique, the periodontist will recommend another treatment that is going to cause the least disruption to the patient’s teeth, gums, and body system in general.

As you might imagine, the benefits of minimally invasive periodontics are widespread. Patients feel more relaxed during their procedures, their bodies heal faster, and the tissues have a lowered chance of developing scar tissue. At the same time, the underlying condition—whether early-stage gum disease or a gummy smile—is treated in the most appropriate, physically kind way.

Where Does Minimally Invasive Periodontics Fit in With the History of Periodontics?

For decades, periodontists had limited periodontal treatment methods to choose from to help their patients find relief. And as noted in one published abstract, periodontists have only been moving toward more minimally invasive treatments for the past 50 years. Before that time, periodontists often applied more radical gum disease treatments that occasionally left patients with fewer teeth. Plus, those treatments did not always keep the gum disease from recurring.

By the 1980s and 1990s, minimally invasive dental practices started to become more talked about at the medical school level. The thought process was simple and straightforward: Could superior outcomes for dental patients be achieved without causing unnecessary physical (or, in the case of patients with anxiety, psychological) trauma? As it turns out, they could and can.

How Does Our Practice Approach Minimally Invasive Periodontics?

If you were to take a poll of periodontists around the country, you would find that few have fully embraced minimally invasive periodontics. Instead, they continue to perform treatments that work but leave the patients with more bruising, swelling, and chance of post-treatment discomfort. Yet some pioneering periodontists like Dr. Lauren Anderson are leading the way in making minimally invasive approaches a mainstay of periodontal practices.

Dr. Anderson has a wealth of experience in the field of periodontics and concentrates on studying the newest techniques to bring to her patients. Her belief is that as more modern, safe, and minimally invasive approaches to treatment become available, those approaches should be made available to patients. As such, she takes the time to learn about the latest minimally invasive periodontics solutions and offer them to her patients.

A good example is a technique for surgeries referred to as the “MIST” protocol. “MIST” stands for “minimally invasive surgical therapy.” During a MIST treatment for gum disease, the gum is not opened all the way. By using smaller tools and microsurgery principles, Dr. Anderson can give the patient exceptional, dependable results without aggressive manipulation of the soft tissue.

It is worth mentioning that technology has helped make the MIST protocol and other minimally invasive periodontal treatments a reality. Lasers, tiny equipment, and other items that would not have been available decades ago are now available to periodontists.

Choose a Periodontist Who Believes in Minimally Invasive Periodontics in Bloomfield Hills, MI

If you believe you need the help of a periodontist to diagnose and treat your gum disease or other issues related to your mouth and gums, consider making an appointment at Anderson Periodontal Wellness. Our practice in Bloomfield Hills, MI has been built around the concept of leaning into minimally invasive approaches to give patients better outcomes and experiences throughout the gum disease management process. Contact our team today by calling (248) 480-4910!

Dental patients who consider replacing their missing teeth with dental implants frequently ask one question right away: Will the procedure hurt? This makes sense. No one wants to experience pain during any dental treatment. Patients always become relieved when they hear that receiving dental implants can be a comfortable process when handled by a well-trained periodontist!

It should be no surprise that education and experience make all the difference. The more advanced a periodontist’s background and credentialing, the more insight and ability the periodontist can bring to each case. A confident periodontist knows not just the basics of placing dental implants but how to use advanced protocols and equipment to ensure the patient’s ease.

How Dental Implants Are Implanted

Although a well-respected periodontist will tailor every dental implant procedure, all single dental implant processes follow a similar pattern.

First, the patient receives the appropriate sedation method. Once the patient is sedated, the periodontist uses sterilized dental tools to make space below the gums and in the bone for the implant. Then, the periodontist places the screw-shaped implant into the bone, ensuring a tight fit.

When the implant has been placed, the surgical site is treated to promote healing. In a few months, the implant will be ready to receive the final restoration. (In some cases, dental implants can accept the load of a temporary restoration right away, giving the patient functioning teeth immediately after placement.) From pre-surgery to post-op, the patient’s needs, ease, and health remain top-of-mind. This improves the likelihood of an excellent—and comfortable—outcome.

Modern Methods to Ensure a Pain-Free Dental Implant Surgery

Sedation is not the only way to reduce discomfort! Well trained periodontists make use of 3D technology to speed up placement time, improve placement precision, and make the procedure more minimally invasive – even though it is still surgical. Oral exams augmented by digital scanners and 3D CT scans take only a few minutes but allow a periodontist to gather a wealth of data. The data helps the periodontist bypass nerves during surgery and make better surgical choices. How? It is sent to a lab where a surgical guide is created. The guide is customized to the patient’s mouth and lessens the “human error” factor.

This high degree of precision and planning can be so successful that some patients choose to forgo dental sedation in favor of local numbing agents.

However, for dental patients who still are worried about any potential pain, sedation helps keep a patient from experiencing pain or anxiety during their dental surgery. For those patients, here at Anderson Periodontal Wellness, we carry oral sedative and IV sedative options in house.

Feedback on Painless Dental Implant Surgery From the Patient’s Point of View!

Having a periodontist tell you that receiving dental implants is comfortable is one thing. Hearing it from a patient who has undergone the procedure is another.

We have had the privilege to place dental implants for many patients at Anderson Periodontal Wellness. In the case of Susan, she could only use her front teeth and was having sinus troubles after undergoing dental treatment with a different doctor. She came for a dental implant consultation with periodontist Dr. Lauren Anderson because other doctors had told her she had few choices.

After meeting with Susan, Dr. Anderson believed that dental implant surgery was a feasible solution. The key was to regenerate the anatomy Susan had lost. This meant a sinus lift to recreate the missing bone. When the bone was strong again, Dr. Anderson placed Susan’s dental implants to give her a functional bite and beautiful smile.

Susan’s recollection of her comfortable, personalized journey includes nothing but praise: “Because of Dr. Anderson, I have teeth. And I’m forever grateful to her. I would do nothing but recommend anyone I know to her. And I’ll just pass the word that she’s the best in town.”

Learn More About Painless Dental Implant Placement in Bloomfield Hills, MI!

Have you hesitated about talking with a periodontist about your dental concerns due to worries about potential pain during or after dental implant placement surgery? Our team invites you to meet with Dr. Anderson. Contact our office in Bloomfield Hills, MI by calling (248) 480-4910 or filling out an online form. We would be happy to discuss your case and give you the honest feedback you deserve to make the best oral healthcare decision.

If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants are often the preferred method for replacing them. Dental implants are a permanent solution, able to restore function for eating with natural and attractive replacement teeth. The ideal candidate for implants is an individual in good physical health with minimal bone loss and no past oral infection or underlying disease. But what if your situation is less than ideal, and you have been told that you don’t qualify for dental implants?

Choose a specialist like our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Lauren Anderson, for your treatment. Her advanced training as a specialist uniquely qualifies her to treat patients who present more complex cases. You can experience a new life with dental implants, and it starts with a consultation at Anderson Periodontal Wellness!

What Does it Mean to Be a Specialist?

A specialist is a dentist who has completed additional years of focused education in a certain field of dentistry. After receiving her D.D.S. degree from the University of Michigan, Dr. Anderson spent three additional years of clinical training in Periodontics to specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral conditions, advanced bone grafting techniques, and dental implants. Her expertise as a periodontist qualifies her to treat patients with advanced periodontal disease, extensive bone loss, and failing dentitions.

When Is a Specialist Needed for Dental Implants?

While many general dentists now place dental implants, only certain specialists like Dr. Anderson have achieved a level of training and experience that truly qualifies her to complete your treatment. This is especially important if you have had oral infections in the past, currently have gum disease, or have lost gum tissue and bone because of infection or missing teeth.

It is common for patients in your situation to need additional preparatory treatments, such as bone grafting and periodontal therapy before they can qualify for dental implants. Just like a patient with heart disease routinely visits a cardiologist so should you visit a dental specialist if you have more complex oral health concerns. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Anderson is the go-to expert for all these treatments and the ideal choice for your care.

How Dr. Anderson Qualifies You for Implants

Any physical or oral health problems you’re experiencing increase the risk of implant failure, especially if you don’t receive treatment from a qualified specialist like Dr. Anderson. With her extensive training, she has what it takes to address underlying conditions, treat problems when necessary, and create a healthy oral environment needed for long-term dental implant success. Using digital technologies and minimally invasive techniques, she can then expertly replace your missing teeth. For such a lifelong investment as dental implants, choose the expert for your care!

Interested in a Second Opinion?

If you’ve been told in the past that your condition disqualifies you from getting dental implants, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anderson! It may be possible you can become a candidate with specialized care at Anderson Periodontal Wellness in our office in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Reserve your appointment now by scheduling online or calling (248) 480-4910.

If you’re ready to invest in dental implants, it’s important to know how to properly care for them once your treatment is concluded. Dental implants don’t need special maintenance outside of your normal hygiene routine, but there are additional steps dentists recommend you can take in your everyday life. Knowing exactly how to care for your dental implants and your smile can help ensure the longevity of your investment.

Brush and Floss Daily

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is how you remove the bacterial plaque from your teeth. If oral hygiene is neglected, plaque hardens into tartar and releases dangerous toxins that lead to gum disease. Especially when you have dental implants, not maintaining good oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, a condition like gum disease where bacteria infect the gum tissues and bone surrounding a dental implant. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste and floss once a day to help ensure you don’t experience dental implant failure!

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Consuming a well-balanced diet helps provide your body and mouth with the nutrients to remain healthy, in addition to helping boost your immune system. A healthy diet includes foods rich in vitamins and minerals, proteins, fiber, and calcium, with limited sugars, carbs, and starches. Within your diet, it’s recommended that you also avoid hard and sticky foods so as not to harm your dental implants. Though rare, there is always a risk your dental implant can become damaged when biting and chewing these types of foods.

Minimize or Quit Smoking

Numerous scientific studies provide evidence for a link between smoking and an increased risk for periodontal disease. Nicotine in cigarettes reduces blood flow to the soft tissues and weakens the immune system. This makes it more difficult for the body to heal after surgery and for the bone and implant to integrate. Cigarette smoke can also burn tissues inside the mouth and block salivary glands, increasing the risk for dry mouth and the development of gum disease.

Visit a Periodontist Regularly

Routine visits to the dentist or periodontist are an easy way to ensure your dental implants and smile are in good health. Dr. Lauren Anderson, a board-certified periodontist, recommends preventive appointments after dental implant treatment. As an expert in dental implants, she has the expertise to catch problems or symptoms early and provide personalized treatment to restore your periodontal health. She holds active memberships in numerous organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology (Diplomate) and the American Dental Association, to ensure her care is personalized, efficient, and cutting-edge.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re interested in dental implants or are concerned you may have peri-implantitis, contact Dr. Lauren Anderson at Anderson Periodontal Wellness today by scheduling your consultation today in our office in Bloomfield Hills, MI, (248) 480-4910

One of the common causes of concern for individuals who wear dentures is how unstable their smile becomes over time. An inconvenience at best and debilitating at worst, loose dentures that slip during eating and speaking can make daily life unbearable. Thankfully, our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Lauren Anderson, offers a solution with dental implants.

Why Dentures Become Loose

While dentures are a time-tested replacement for no teeth, they do not address the jawbone loss that occurs when natural teeth are lost. This change in the jaw ridge’s size is what leads to loose, ill-fitting dentures. Patients in this situation may find it increasingly difficult to function in everyday life and often live in a constant state of worry that their dentures will slip or fall out when they least expect.

How Dental Implants Help

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to function as imitation tooth roots. They are currently the healthiest and only permanent way to replace missing teeth and stabilize dentures. Biocompatible dental implants integrate with the natural jawbone, resulting in a sturdy and strong foundation for a denture to be attached. Using either two or four dental implants strategically placed around the jaw, dentures can be attached using a ball-retained or bar-retained system.

Benefiting from Denture Stabilization

Implant supported dentures that remain secure in a patient’s mouth provide greater function for biting and chewing foods as well as help improve speech. Fixed to dental implants, dentures no longer need reliance on pastes or adhesives to stay in place. This solution improves oral health as well, by reducing irritation and mouth sores caused by loose dentures and providing healthy jawbone stimulation. A more secure smile improves a patient’s overall health and confidence as well.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Anderson is an expert in dental implants and uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. As a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, she remains current on advancements in implant dentistry to provide comfortable surgical care for her patients. If you’re struggling with loose, ill-fitting dentures and are interested in dental implants, schedule your consultation today in our office in Bloomfield Hills, MI, (248) 480-4910

If you are missing one or more teeth, you have many options for replacing them. You’ve heard of the benefits of dental implants but are concerned about how much more they cost than other solutions like partials or dentures. Is there a reason for the higher price tag? And are the benefits of dental implants worth the upfront fees? Understanding exactly what goes into dental implant cost is one way you can make a more informed decision on which tooth replacement solution is right for you.

Dental Implants Are an Investment

If you’re concerned about the upfront cost, it is best to consider dental implants as a long-term investment in your smile rather than an expense. Your alternatives to dental implants, bridges and dentures, generally only have a life expectancy of 10-15 years, at which point they will need to be repaired or replaced. Over time, this ongoing maintenance will be costlier than choosing dental implants, which are designed to last decades. They will permanently restore your long-term health, function, and smile aesthetics.

Cost Varies on Your Situation

How many teeth you are missing will affect the overall cost of your treatment. However, any number of dental implants can be placed during one surgical appointment. So the cost of one dental implant will not double or triple with additional teeth you may be missing. The cost will vary if you need additional procedures such as bone grafting or tooth extractions. You’ll also be receiving the highest quality materials, which does increase cost, but further ensures your dental implants last the rest of your life!

Surgical Experience Matters

You may find cheaply priced dental implants during your research but be wary of these “too good to be true” deals. Most likely, the implant dentist is inexperienced or uses cheap materials, which could lead to dental implant failure! Our doctor, Dr. Lauren Anderson, is a board-certified periodontist, which means she has achieved a level of specialized training and experience to be considered an expert in dental implants. As a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, she remains at the forefront of new advancements in implant dentistry, including technology, techniques, and materials. Choosing Dr. Anderson for your care will mean your dental implant treatment cost will be higher than that of a local dentist. But it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your treatment will be highly personalized, with predictable and long-lasting results.

Want to Learn More?

Dr. Anderson can discuss the benefits of dental implants and what they can do for you in a personalized consultation at Anderson Periodontal Wellness. Reserve your appointment now by scheduling online or calling (248) 480-4910.

While most patients are familiar with dentures, there are still lots of questions surrounding dental implants despite them having been used for decades. Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth as they restore oral health, function, and aesthetics. Despite all their advantages, there are many questions patients have, and rightfully so. Dental implants require an advanced level of surgery, which is much more complex than other tooth replacement options. So, understanding the treatment and finding the right doctor is paramount. We’ve come up with a few of the most common questions patients ask about dental implants:

1.) What Exactly is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are lifelike tooth replacement solutions that restore aesthetics, functionality, and overall health to the patient and their mouth. There are a wide range of implant options, which allows them to replace single, multiple, and even full arches of missing teeth. With proper care and routine dental appointments, many patients can see their implants lasting them for a lifetime.

2.) How Much do Implants Cost?

Initially, dental implants may seem more expensive than other tooth replacement options, like dentures or bridges. However, over the course of a lifetime, and considering their health benefits and stability, dental implants often end up being a cheaper option. The cost of dental implants is hard to determine without an in-person examination as many factors contribute. Each patient is unique and depending on their needs, wants, and goals, the cost of implants will be affected.

3.) Does Implant Surgery Hurt?

Dental implants do require an advanced surgery be performed to ensure they are firmly implanted into the jaw bone. However, doctors will offer sedation options to make this treatment easier. With sedation, discomfort can be blocked during surgery and patients are able to feel less anxious about their treatment overall. Many patients report feeling just a slight pressure at the site of implant surgery.

4.) How Long do Implants Last?

One of the greatest parts about dental implants is the fact that they can last a lifetime! Thanks to their integration with the jaw bone, implants are firmly held in place, just like a natural tooth. It is important to continually perform normal at-home hygiene habits to ensure that disease or infection does not develop. Implants themselves are resistant to bacteria, staining, and cavities, but other oral health structures are not!

Have More Questions?

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.

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.

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.