FAQs

The vast majority of patients who desire dental implants are good implant candidates. Implants allow you to have teeth that function, feel and look like natural teeth. Check out a few of the implant cases on this website and give us a call. Dr. Winston has been surgically placing dental implants successfully since 1984.

Missing teeth can contribute to many other problems, including the loss of more teeth. Increased risk of decay and gum disease, a shift in remaining teeth, bite problems, TMJ pain, and cosmetic problems with the loss of facial support are some additional consequences that can occur.

Digital X-rays offer a number of benefits in comparison with traditional radiographs. They’re convenient, good for the environment and safe. They also offer the patient a chance to see his or her oral health more clearly. Digital X-rays emit about 80% less radiation than traditional film.

We are not certain we know that. C-reactive proteins (CRP) are produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Blood levels or CRP are also elevated in the presence of disease and cancer and are used as a general screen for these processes. CRP levels are elevated with atherosclerotic disease and those who have elevated levels are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, increased blood pressure and diabetes. A direct cause and effect linkage between periodontal disease and other diseases (including cancer) has not been established, even though all contribute to elevated blood levels of CRP. However, we still strive to eliminate all infections through the body to prevent damage caused by periodontal disease.

Sedation dentistry is an option for patients who feel anxious about dental procedures or the possibility of pain during a procedure. With sedation, patients can have their treatment performed with little to no memory of the procedure. Additionally, the pain that the patient would normally experience can be significantly lessened or even eliminated with sedation dentistry. This can help a patient feel more comfortable during any dental treatment, including making necessary restorations such as fillings, dental crowns, bridges, and implants.

There are different types of sedation that can be used, depending on the patient and their needs. The types of sedation include:

• Oral conscious sedation – This is the most common type of dental sedation that is used. The patient is given a pill to take about an hour before arriving at the office for their appointment. Often, the pill contains amnesic properties that will render the patient to have no memory of the visit. In addition, this type of drug will often lower or eliminate the pain of a procedure.
• Nitrous oxide – This type of sedation is administered through inhalation of nitrous oxide gas. A nosepiece will be placed over the patient’s nose to allow them to inhale the gas. It will produce a feeling of relaxation and euphoria that can help in easing anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other sedative medications for more effective results.
• Intravenous sedation – This is a stronger level of sedation administered intravenously by a certified anesthesiologist. This is the strongest form of sedation and will only be used if other forms of sedation are not effective for the patient.

Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98 percent, making them an excellent option for tooth replacement. They are more comfortable than other dental prosthetics and look like natural teeth. They require no special care beyond good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist’s office. Many people prefer implants to dentures because there are fewer dietary restrictions associated with them than there are with dentures. They also feel much more like natural teeth. Dental implants also last longer than other forms of tooth replacement and require little maintenance. Some people experience some temporary discomfort after their implants are placed, but this discomfort can be eased with over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients find that they can resume their regular activities the day after their procedure. Some individuals may experience slight swelling and minor bleeding for up to a week after the procedure; however, this is very manageable and will not interfere with daily life.

Dental implant surgery is performed in two visits, which are spaced about six months apart. During the first visit, the dentist will place the dental implant post into the jawbone. This usually takes about an hour. It is an outpatient procedure, and the patient is free to go home shortly after treatment is completed. For the next six months, the bone will fuse to the dental implant post in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the patient will go back to the dentist’s office to have the abutment and implant restoration placed. This is the final step in the dental implant process and can take anywhere from one to two hours.

Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that occurs from bacteria buildup and plaque on the tooth’s surface below the gum line. The gums become inflamed, and the supporting bone structures weaken over time. If the disease advances, it can lead to tooth loss. It can be treated with improved home hygiene habits and regular cleanings by a dentist. In addition, using oral rinses with fluoride can be helpful in stopping the progression of the disease.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the esthetics of a patient’s smile by changing the color, shape, length, or alignment of their teeth. It covers a wide range of procedures that can be customized to each specific patient’s needs and cosmetic goals. Some common examples of cosmetic dentistry include teeth whitening, dental crowns, Invisalign orthodontic treatment, porcelain veneers, gum contouring, and more.
While cosmetic dentistry can often be performed to improve the appearance of a smile, it can also be used to help restore oral health and improve the overall wellness of a patient. 

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing that occur while the patient is sleeping. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes, and they can occur up to hundreds of times per night. Pauses that last longer prevent the person from getting the oxygen they need, and pausing over longer periods of time can be fatal.
Each pause in breathing is followed by a choking or gasping sound as the patient struggles to breathe again. This cycle of pauses followed by gasps can repeat itself hundreds of times through the night. Because of the lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea, patients are often tired during the day and experience snoring that disrupts their bed partner’s sleep.
Snoring is often one of the first symptoms of sleep apnea, but it can be overlooked or attributed to another cause.
If you have sleep apnea, your dentist can provide you with several treatment options. Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, the first step in treatment is CPAP therapy, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A mask that delivers pressurized air to the patient’s face during sleep is attached to the patient’s nose through a hose. The air pressure keeps the airways open so the patient can breathe normally throughout the night. Patients using CPAP often report feeling more rested in the morning, with more energy throughout the day and fewer headaches.
For those who cannot tolerate or are uncomfortable with CPAP therapy, oral appliances are available. Oral appliances are similar to mouth guards worn at night to prevent teeth grinding. They fit comfortably over the teeth and are customized to fit each patient’s mouth and jaw. By holding the lower jaw forward and slightly down to keep the throat airways open, these appliances increase airflow and prevent pauses in sleep.

An out-of-network provider/dentist is a general dentist who does not have a contract with your insurance carrier. This means he or she is free to set his or her own fees, schedule, and choice of materials. While many patients prefer being treated by a dentist who is in-network with their insurance, some choose to see an out-of-network dentist and pay out-of-pocket for dental care. Out-of-network providers often offer lower rates than dentists who are in-network with your insurance. This is because most insurance plans pay a higher reimbursement rate to in-network providers than they do to out-of-network providers (meaning that the insurance company pays more to the in-network dentist than it does to you). In addition, many dental insurance plans have large deductibles, meaning you pay a larger portion of your treatment costs before insurance starts paying its portion. In these situations, it may be beneficial to pay out of pocket for your dental treatments. Talk with your insurance provider to get a better understanding of the coverage offered to you under the plan. If you’re unsure if an out-of-network dentist is a right choice for you, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced doctors and to discuss your treatment options. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have!

A dental emergency can occur at any time, even on short notice. While you may not be able to predict a dental emergency, you can certainly prepare for it. The most common dental emergencies are as follows:

• Toothache
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Knocked-out tooth
• Lost filling or crown
• Broken orthodontics
• Abscess
• Bleeding
• Broken jaw

Dental emergencies can be painful and should be examined immediately, so call your emergency dentist right away.