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FAQ & Patient Comments
FAQ
What is a Certified Specialist in Periodontics?
A periodontist is a general dentist who has chosen to spend
extra training in a recognized university
environment and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the
supporting structures of the teeth (ie bone and gums).
A
periodontist is trained
in a standardized and accredited university environment. Today,
these
programs are three years in length with post graduate
training and a requirement of board certification to practice as
a certified specialist and the ability and honour of being
called a “certified specialist”. Dr. Desai continues to surpass
minimum continuing dental education requirements set by the
province in order to extend her dental knowledge each year at
professional meetings and in the university environment.
What is an implantologist or an implant dentist?
There is no recognized specialty of implantology. The practice
of implant dentistry in Canada or the United States is not
regulated to any one specialty. Any licensed dentist in the
province or state can practice “implant dentistry”. However
there are only 3 approved specialties that have recognized
implant dentistry training in a standardized university
environment. These including: Periodontist, Oral & Maxillofacial
Surgeon, Prosthodontist (teeth/denture placement) on top of
implants.
As
"implantology" is not recognized, anyone can call themselves an
"implantologist" . The term usually refers to a
non-specialized general dentist who includes dental implant
treatment on patients in their practice. In some cases this level of training is
adequate but it is not the equivalent of graduate training in a
recognized specialty environment
Digital Images (teeth xrays on computer)
 Digital
images replace standard xrays in the 21st century. The benefits
are the speed of seeing the xray as well as the sensor is more
sensitive then standard dental films so that exposures can be
almost 70% less. So much so that we do not need lead lining in
the operatory rooms anymore! In addition it is environmentally
friendly as there is no lead film backing or toxic chemicals to
dispose of! The patient can also see the xray image on the
computer monitor just as easily as the dentist can.
Will my Insurance Cover this?
Our staff will assist you in filling out the forms and sending
them electronically to the insurance company in order for you to
expedite your financial reimbursement. We shall report only what
is to be performed and when it was done in a true and accurate
report. The amount you receive from your dental insurance
company depends only on the contract your employer has
negotiated with the insurance company. This dental insurance is
a contract between the insurer and the insured. Thus you are
responsible for full payment of any treatment delivered in the
office. This in turn makes Dr. Desai only responsible to you and
not have a conflict of interest with the dental insurance
company paying her directly.
How long does an implant last?
Dental implants today have a very high success rate. Things that
compromise these success rates are patient health (diabetes,
smoking, HIV, metabolic bone disease) along with poor oral
hygiene or pre-existing periodontal disease still remaining in
the mouth.
Like any mechanical working part (like our cars) there is no
exact way to predict the longevity of an implant but many
researchers are quoting 97% success rates, while bridges have
only 87% success rates for the same 10 year period.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
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Summary of
benefits:
•
Improved appearance
• Improved comfort.
• Enjoy chewing and tasting foods again.
• Convenience.
• Protect remaining natural teeth.
• Improved self esteem
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Dental
implants prevent the appearance associated with lost
teeth and bone |
The 2007 McGill study now proves without a doubt that there is a
97% increase in the quality of life over non implant supported
dentures vs traditional dentures.
Dental implants allow for an increased ability to chew and
function with implant-supported teeth. People with dentures can
only chew food with about 20% of the force of their natural
teeth, people with implants can chew with 85-95% of the force of
their natural teeth. Also a common problem of denture wearers,
particularly those with lower dentures, is the lack of stability
of dentures. The insecurity of loose dentures can be replaced by
an implant supported denture. In the case of upper dentures, you
do not need to have the denture cover the roof of your mouth any
more!
Anyone with dentures knows how important the teeth, gums and
jawbone are in supporting the lips, cheeks and lower face. Loss
of control of these important structures gives an appearance of
premature aging and for many people causes emotional distress
and a loss of self esteem. Implant-supported teeth and dentures
can slow down this aging process and help improve self esteem. So, while functional benefits
are the most obvious, cosmetic and emotional benefits are for
many people as, or more important, than improved chewing.
I have heard that with lasers, now pocket elimination surgery
can be avoided and replaced?
With technology improving everyday (ie computers, implants) it
is only natural to question whether the laser can now replace
periodontal cleanings or periodontal surgery. The laser
most often found in the dental office has not been approved for
replacement of periodontal surgery or periodontal hygiene
treatment. The CO2 or the er-Yag laser most often found in the
dental office has not been approved or proven that hygiene
treatment or periodontal surgery can be replaced YET. Research has not shown
that there is any benefit or improvement over traditional
therapy – in fact it has shown detriment in the amount of root
exposure and gum recession seen by most patients even after one
therapy. It is also not covered by dental insurance companies
compared to dental cleanings or periodontal hygiene.
Is periodontal surgery a cure for periodontal disease?
No. once you have periodontal disease, you are always at risk
for further breakdown. The bacteria which cause periodontitis in
your mouth are still there and only meticulous home care and
regular periodontal visits (as recommended by Dr. Desai) can
keep these bacteria and thus your pockets in check (ie like oil
changes on a car). Excellent home care with postoperative visits
and following a suggested hygiene schedule as recommended will
predict the success of your periodontal surgery.
Does implant or periodontal surgery hurt?
This is one of the most frequent concerns. After surgery, the
most common comment we receive is how comfortable people
were after the procedure. If you follow the postoperative
instructions as directed and take the non narcotic prescriptions
and antibiotics Dr. Desai has suggested and finally apply ice to
the extraoral skin surface of the surgical site, most people
return to work the next day and comment how smoothly things have
gone! The most common complaint is some residual root
sensitivity which lessens usually within 4-6 weeks after
surgery.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Symptoms include: NO REAL PAIN, occasional pressure, food
getting stuck between teeth, loosening teeth, occasional but not
always bleeding red gums, receding gums, bad breath and
diminishing force of biting teeth. In addition to spaces between
your teeth or a change in the way your teeth bite together are
all signs of gum disease. The presence of pain is often one of
the LAST symptoms to appear so don’t count on this!
Why
should I see a periodontist?
Your periodontal disease may progress to the point where only a
periodontist may be able to help you. Periodontists receive
extensive training, including 2-3 additional years beyond dental
school, in order to learn state-of-the-art techniques for
diagnosing and treating periodontal diseases. Dr. Desai
continues to take hundreds of hours of continuing educational
courses per year to stay abreast of the newest techniques in
dentistry, dental implants and periodontal treatment.
Aside from treating periodontal diseases, there are other
reasons to visit Dr. Desai. If you are missing one or more
teeth, and are considering dental implants, your periodontist
can help you decide if they are right for you.
Finally, Dr. Desai can help create proper gum appearance to
improve your smile.
What are the
benefits of seeing a periodontist?
Besides fresh
breath, a renewed confidence in your smile, restored oral health
and a new sense of health and vitality, you'll be able to chew
your food more easily and enjoy foods you avoided because they
were too difficult to eat. With help from Dr. Desai, plus your
own dedication to good oral health, you no longer have to accept
tooth loss as part of getting older and should keep your teeth
for a lifetime.
Periodontal
Disease: What you should know
Periodontal
disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common
infections today. More than 75% of North Americans over 35 years
of age have some form of periodontal disease. Although many are
infected, few know they actually have the disease. In a recent
study, 8 out of 10 people surveyed believed they did not have
periodontal disease, 7 out of 10 exhibited one or more symptoms.
Periodontal diseases are painless until they reach an advanced
stage. If left untreated, periodontal diseases can result in:
• bad breath
• red, swollen and bleeding gums
• tooth loss
In
fact, periodontal diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss
in adults. Despite all these facts, periodontal diseases are
some of the most preventable diseases.
How can I be
tested for periodontal disease?
You should request
a thorough periodontal examination at your next dental visit.
During this exam, your gums will be inspected for color and
firmness. Your teeth will be tested for looseness and checked
for the way they fit together when you bite. In addition, x-rays
may be taken to evaluate the bone supporting your teeth.
A
technique called periodontal probing is the cornerstone of
testing for periodontal disease. In this procedure, a small
measuring instrument is gently placed between your tooth and gum
to measure the depth of the pocket. Periodontal probing should
be part of every complete dental examination. Ask your
dentist and hygienist to show and explain to you the complete
charting at the end of every recall appointment!
What are the warning signs of gum
disease?
• bleeding gums during tooth brushing and flossing
• red,
swollen or tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the
teeth
• persistent bad breath
• pus between the teeth and gums
•
loose or separated teeth
• a change the way your teeth fit
together when you bite
What can cause
gum disease?
The main cause of
gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that
constantly forms on your teeth. In order to keep your teeth and
gums healthy, daily cleaning is required in the form of brushing
and flossing.
If
the plaque is not removed, it hardens into a rough, porous
deposit called calculus, or tartar. Toxins (or poisons) produced
by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums. The toxins
destroy supporting tissues around the teeth. Gums then pull away
from the teeth, forming pockets which then fill up with more
plaque.
As
gum disease progresses, the pockets continue to become deeper
and deeper. Consequently, plaque continues to move further down
the roots of the teeth damaging the bone which support them.
Unless treated, the affected teeth can become loose and
eventually may be lost.
Why do I need
Periodontal Surgery?
If Dr.
Desai has determined that the tissues around your teeth are
unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical therapy, then
periodontal surgery is the treatment of choice.
What about
healing time?
If you
follow Dr. Desai’s instructions, you can generally expect to
enjoy your normal routine the following day. Talk with Dr. Desai
about any special post-operative considerations you may have,
such as exercise, diet or post-surgical medications. This should
help minimize any disruptions to your daily activities.
What types of
treatment are available?
The
type of gum treatment you receive very much depends on the stage
in which it is caught. If Dr. Desai makes the diagnosis in the
early stage of disease, proper brushing and flossing along with
scaling and root planing may be all that is required. If, on the
other hand, the disease is more advanced, you may require
further treatment.
What is Scaling
and Root planing?
Scaling and root
planing is the non-surgical technique that removes plaque and
tartar from below the gumline using specially designed
instruments.
Other techniques may be used to treat your disease. If your gum
recedes, thus exposing the root surface, a gum graft is
necessary to prevent further recession. Recession can lead to
tooth sensitivity and root cavities in the future if it is not
treated.
If
you have substantial bone loss around some of your teeth, Dr.
Desai may use special bone growth techniques to replace bone
lost to periodontal disease.
PATIENT COMMENTS
a) Joan ........
"Dear Dr Desai, Please accept this basket which contains a few
of my favourite things as thanks for all the TLC and treatment.
I was VERY impressed by the way your practice runs with an
exceptional level of professionalism and attention to detail
without losing the personal touch. The tone of the office
instills confidence. This tone is comprised of many small things
but was particularly impressed with the phone call to see how I
was after the procedure, the phone call to remind me to stop the
Aspirin, the printed material which let me know what to expect
and was mine later when I couldn't remember what was discussed
and the flexibility in scheduling. I have told many people how
impressed I am. Kamloops is lucky to have such high quality of
servies. Thank you again!"
b) Mike
........
"I
am sooo happy with the implants, the upper and lower dentures
and the whole end result - that I would gladly act as a
reference to anyone needing encouragement. My quality of life is
so improved that it was worth every cent invested. I would do it
again in a minute. If I did not have the money I would find a
way to borrow it."
c) Brian
.............
"While still in my teens, a few years after I lost my two front
teeth, I heard the story of a person who had recently been
experiencing pain under his dentures. A visit to his Doctor
revealed that he had a complete set of new teeth coming in. For
a number of years afterwards, I thought of that miracle, but I
never imagined that it could happen to me. Until about three
years ago, I had never heard of implant surger. Dr Desai, I
would like to thank you and ALL of your staff for the excellent
manner in which I have been treated. Thank you."
d) Jenny .........
"Thank you so much for re-arranging the scheduler and for going
the extra mile to accommodate my needs. You are great! Thanks
again!"
e) Ron ............
"I
would like to compliment you and your staff on the cheerful,
caring, upbeat atmosphere in your office as it made a big
difference to me. The confident, positive, professional manner
of everyone turned an otherwise uncomfortable experience into a
positive event in my life. Many thanks!"
f) Kim ............
"In appreciation, I want to thank you and your staff for your
skillful and considerate attention. As you stated, the
experience was almost a "piece of cake"! "
g) J ...........
"Thank you for your fine work - I do enjoy my "new" teeth! May
you have a wonderful holiday with your family - I'll do my best
to see you again in the spring!"
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