FAQ & Patient Education
How Do I Know If Dental Implants Are Right For Me?
Dr. Berdy will examine your mouth, take the necessary x-rays and models of your mouth to study your mouth. He will then advise you as to the best way to replace your missing teeth.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Enough Bone To Support A Dental Implant?
When a tooth is lost, the bone and gum that supported that tooth will shrink and disappear over time. Improper fitting dentures and partial dentures will hasten this bone and gum loss. A procedure called ridge augmentation is used to rebuild lost jawbone and gum. Once the lost bone and gum is rebuilt, a dental implant can then be placed in the newly formed bone.
Why Should I Bother To Replace A Missing Tooth (Or Teeth) Since It Doesn’t Show?
When lost teeth are not replaced, other teeth are used to do the work of the missing tooth (or teeth). This may cause a change in your bite, increase stress on the jaw joint, or cause the remaining teeth to shift or drift, (further complicating your problem). These changes do not occur right away, but happens slowly over time. Your face may change in the appearance and wrinkles may occur when teeth are not properly replaced.
Why Should I Have Dental X-Rays?
Dental x-rays are pictures of your teeth and surrounding bone, taken at a specific time. They are used to assess the health of your teeth, surrounding bone, and adjoining anatomy. Dental x-rays must be clear and current for proper diagnosis to be made. When old x-rays are compared to new ones, changes may be detected that are not readily apparent when just looking at one x-ray.
What Are Periapical X-Rays?
Periapical x-rays are films taken of the teeth and surrounding structures to show what’s underneath the root and supporting structures are seen. Dr. Berdy is able to detect abnormalities, cavities, and infection occurring around teeth and the roots of the teeth(abscessed tooth), or bone loss.
What Are Bite Wing X-Rays?
Bitewing x-rays are films taken of teeth that are best for detecting cavities-especially in between our teeth, which are hard to see or detect with our naked eye.
What are Panoramic X-rays?
Panoramic x-rays are films showing a broad overview of the entire mouth. It gives information about the teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses, and other hard and soft tissues of the head and neck. This film is not as precise as bitewing or periapical x-rays in detecting cavities and periodontal disease. This x-ray also helps with evaluating jaw joint problems; patients requiring full or partial dentures, dental implants, or braces; and lastly, those who may have oral cancer or tumors of the jaw. In some situations, if a patient can’t tolerate the other types of films(sever gaggers), this x-ray is very useful.
What Are Dental Cat Scans?
Dental cat scans are radiographic examinations that use advanced technology to create multiple images of sections of the region being examined. The detailed images will show your teeth, bones and soft tissue including the sinuses, and jaw joint. Viewing a three dimensional x-ray improves our diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. We can then provide optimal dental care.
What Is A Periodontal (Gum) Pocket?
A periodontal pocket (commonly called a pocket) is an area of infection that occurs where the gum and tooth meet. Often a periodontal pocket is undetected by the patient, since there may be no outward sign that infection is occurring. As the infection progresses deeper, you may notice bleeding when brushing and flossing around a tooth. A loved one or friend may tell you that you have bad breath. Also, you may notice pus draining around the neck of the tooth. Occasionally, your gums swell. As the infection progresses, it may spread to other teeth or affect your overall health. Teeth may become loose or fall out.
How Do I Maintain A Healthy Mouth and Gums?
Good oral hygiene is essential, as is a diet that is sugar-free. Other factors can increase your risk, severity, and speed at which periodontal diseases develop:
- People who smoke or chew tobacco.
- Clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Poor diet.
- Bridges that no longer fit properly, malocclusion (misaligned teeth), or fillings that have become defective.
- Systematic diseases can lower resistance to infection.
- Many medications can cause gum tissue to be more sensitive to the toxins in plaque and accelerate growth of some bacteria.
How Frequently Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned And Checked?
This varies with each individual. If you form a lot of tartar on your teeth, you may have to have more frequent professional cleanings.
What Kind of Toothbrush/Toothpaste Should I Use?
Toothbrushes vary in sizes and shapes, but the most important factor is that the toothbrush is used frequently (in the mouth!)
