Third Molar Surgery:
We take great
pride in the way we treat patients who require third molar (wisdom
teeth) surgery, most of whom are in their late teens or early
twenties. For many, it is their first time experiencing a surgical
procedure, so we make every effort to consult with the family
first. By doing this, we can explain the basics of the surgical
procedure to help relieve the patient's apprehension, and answer
any questions they may have about the surgery. We thoroughly examine
each patient's medical history and conduct a detailed examination
of the patient before surgery.
These cases
can be performed in our office, offering one of several anesthetic
options (local, IV sedation or general anesthesia). We use a combination
of monitoring equipment, including an EKG and Pulse Oximetry for
our sedation and general cases, and adhere to strict guidelines
and protocols as set forth by the state for licensure. We also
have a highly trained staff with many years of experience to assist
in all areas of treatment. Patients who have difficult impactions,
or are medically compromised, can be treated in our own outpatient
surgery center.
Overall,
we have found that patients in the younger age groups best handle
third molar surgery. In general, they tend to tolerate the expected
post-operative pain and swelling better, returning to normal activity
within three to four days. All patients are seen back in the office
no later than one week post-op, and again as many times as needed
until stable healing has occurred. A doctor is on call 24 hours
a day, seven days a week, to treat any problems or questions patients
or their families may have.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants are state-of -the-art treatment and have provided a tremendous improvement in the quality of life of many of our patients. Implants can replace a single tooth or any number of missing teeth. They can be used successfully with crowns (caps), bridges (several caps), or dentures to prevent slipping, looseness, or sore spots.
Dental implants typically have about a 95% success rate and are literally changing the lives of many of our patients. In some cases, we can avoid cutting down more teeth to fill in a space from a missing tooth. For other patients implants mean being able to enjoy foods that they avoided because of missing teeth or loose dentures.
- Will I be without Teeth?
Unless extensive grafting is necessary, you will never be without cosmetically acceptable teeth. Some patients may need to keep their dentures out for the first week or two following implant placement. Other options are available and need to be discussed with your restorative dentist.
The point is, there are many possible solutions to a problem. We want to help you achieve the best result possible.
- What are the benefits?
Eat whatever you like: Implants improve your health with the ability to chew a wider variety of foods.
Smile with confidence: Ugly or missing teeth detracts from your appearance. Implant supported restorations can help increase your self-esteem.
Express yourself: Implants increase the retention and stability of your restorations. They preserve your facial structure and decrease the likelihood of loss of jaw structure.
Improve or correct speech problems: Implants stop movement of partial or full dentures that cause most speech difficulties.
Food tastes better: Patients have told us that their food actually tastes better after having implants.
For more information, see Dental Implants
Dental Implants and
Insurance:
Although
dental implants offer superior treatment results, they are not
considered a basic dental service. This means that dental insurance
companies rarely provide benefits or coverage for dental implant
treatment or for most cosmetic, occlusal (bite), or other elective
services.
Despite
the fact that implants are a valuable dental service that can
greatly enhance the quality of life, most dental insurance companies
do not feel that they should have to pay for these services, so
they are rarely included in employee benefit packages.
Keep in
mind that your long-term health and comfort is not the main goal
of most insurance companies. Remember, insurance companies are
not dedicated to providing optimal care, but to fulfilling their
contracts. The difference in quality of life that dental implants
can provide is a personal choice.
Accreditation:
For information on accreditation, please click here.
Financing:
With the
improvements in services that we can provide patients, and the
increasing limitations of insurance coverage, we have affiliated
our offices with two different third party financing companies.
There is no cost to apply for credit under these programs, and
we can tell you what your monthly payments would be before you
leave our office. If you are at all interested in this option
of financing, please ask us for a credit application at the time
of your appointment.
The ability
to provide third party financing has allowed many of our patients
to make the choices in their care that would otherwise be limited
by insurance coverage.
Other Important Information
