Why Have Dental Implants Become So Popular?

Tooth replacement has been a very important part of dental treatment for quite some time. Believe it or not, “dentures” or at least some form of replacement teeth have been used for thousands of years. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that actual dental implants were invented. So, what makes dental implants so popular when compared to something like traditional dentures, fixed bridges, or other forms of tooth replacement? Keep reading to find out and contact Same Day Implants if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us.

What Is A Dental Implant?

Dental implants are designed to be the most true-to-life replication of a natural tooth. What this means is that they mimic their look, feel, and durability, while helping to preserve your oral health. Dental implants are developing alongside things like prosthetic limbs that are designed to restore functionality to a hand or a leg for handicap patients. Many people don’t realize how difficult it can be to function and live a normal life after they’ve lost one or more teeth and dental implants have proven to be the answer to this unfortunate and sometimes unavoidable issue.

They’re Effective

The main reason that dental implants are so popular nowadays is that they’re effective and do exactly what people say they do. Many people have a hard time believing that they will ever have a true-to-life replication of their natural teeth until they hear of a friend or acquaintance who had a tooth replaced with a dental implant.

The bottom line is that dental implants function exactly like your natural teeth. They afford you the same biting force, aesthetic, feel, and overall durability. Oftentimes, people who got one or more dental implants forget that they ever had the procedure done and friends and family members can’t even tell the difference between their natural teeth and their implants. All of these things have contributed to the increase in popularity of dental implants.

Success Rate

Another undeniable benefit of dental implants is their high success rate. Many people fear going to the dentist or periodontist and committing to any major procedure because they believe there is a high chance of failure.

Although some medical procedures have low success rates, dental implants are not one of those. According to a study done by the Journal of Dental Research, dental implants have about a 98 percent success rate. And this is including all dental specialists who perform implants including dentists, periodontists, and endodontists. Although many dental specialists can provide dental implants, if you want the highest success rate, you should go to a board-certified periodontist and dental implant specialist.    

Long-Term Results

One of the biggest frustrations about traditional dentures and fixed bridges is that they aren’t a long-term solution to dental issues by any means. In reality, they’re more of a temporary fix and can even cause more problems than they solve in many cases. First and foremost, these options do not provide you with optimal chewing functionality meaning you have to give up a lot of the foods that you know and love. Second, they do not preserve bone tissue in the jaw meaning that the jaw and the face as a whole will start to change shape. Although this can be restored, the longer it’s delayed, the harder it will be. Finally, you won’t have to worry about your smile anymore. Although dentures can look real, there’s a lot of anxiety that comes along with knowing that they aren’t fixed and they can be taken out at any time.

They’re Adaptable

Let’s face it, everyone who goes to visit a periodontist is facing a different situation. Some people lost multiple teeth due to periodontal disease while others lost a tooth due to an injury but have otherwise healthy teeth and gums. It may seem like it would be impossible to guarantee functioning teeth to all these people who are experiencing different issues. However, the dental implant procedure has been refined and improved so much that nearly every person who walks in the door qualifies for dental implants, and sometimes even a same-day dental implant procedure. But this doesn’t mean that the procedure will be exactly the same for everyone. If someone has lost a significant amount of bone tissue in the jaw either due to losing multiple teeth or due to periodontal disease, it will most likely have to be restored through a bone grafting process before dental implants can be applied.

They’re Replaceable

Although replacing the dental implant itself would require an extraction, you’ll be happy to know that the crown of the dental implant is easily replaceable. With most dental implants, the porcelain crown is either screwed on or cemented on. If you ever crack the crown or it splits, you can easily have it replaced with another one without having to go through another surgical procedure. This is in contrast to if you split one of your natural teeth which is oftentimes a medical emergency and can result in a loss of the tooth.

They Improve Appearance

Not only do dental implants restore your appearance, but they can also actually improve it! If you’ve had missing teeth for some time, you’ve probably gotten used to having an uneven or droopy-looking jawline and having to avoid smiling for pictures. What happens when you lose a tooth is the jawbone is no longer stimulated by chewing and biting, so the bone begins to resorb. This is what causes the loss in facial structure. Since this process can happen slowly, you may not notice how bad it’s gotten. Dental implants act as a real tooth by stimulating that area and causing the bone to grow back.

Schedule An Appointment With Us

Our dental implant specialists are always ready to speak with you about your oral health and well-being. In your first appointment, we will speak with you and analyze your oral health to determine if dental implants are right for you. Give us a call today to learn more.

What Causes Bone Loss In The Jaw?

Bone loss is typically the result of one of two things: chronic periodontitis and the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth. When gum disease is contracted, the infection travels further into the periodontal ligament and eventually the underlying jawbone. In the case of a missing tooth due to trauma or tooth decay, bone loss occurs because of a lack of stimulation from the tooth and tooth roots. This begins a process called resorption where bone tissue is lost because it is no longer needed. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at bone loss in the jaw, how it works, and how it can be solved.

What Is It?

Bone loss is something that occurs in the bone that supports the teeth. This bone is known as the alveolar bone which makes up the ridges on which the teeth are embedded. Many people are under the impression that partial or full dentures will help alleviate this issue, but it doesn’t. Unfortunately, dentures only exert a small amount of chewing force — around 10 percent as much according to some sources.

Another thing that can cause resorption is the removal of the molars in the upper jaw. This can cause the sinus cavity to expand. Since the sinus cavity pressure changes, this can contribute to bone loss in the jaw. Several other causes of bone loss include tumors that grow in the face, infection that inhibits the growth of new bone tissue, and by a misaligned jaw or teeth which can affect the way you bite.

Dentures

By wearing away at the ridges of bone, dentures can actually accelerate the rate of bone loss. This is often the reason that many people who wear dentures experience discomfort, sore spots, or difficulty chewing. Although dentures are essentially restoring the crowns of the teeth, this doesn’t mean that the jaw structure will be preserved. Although initially, the jaw will look pretty much the same, over time, the chin will begin to come up closer to the nose and jut out. This new look is almost never favorable and is one of the top reasons people who wear dentures end up getting dental implants instead.

Bone Density

Although bone density may seem like the same thing as bone loss, it’s not quite the same. Bone density loss means for a bone to become more porous. This is much less common than bone loss in the jaw and can result from tooth loss as well, lifestyle choices, disease, and hormonal imbalance.

3D cone beam CT scanners can be used to take 3D images of the jaw and look for any changes in bone density. If the bone in the X-ray is white-colored, it means that it’s dense. These areas of low density can either be avoided when doing dental implants or use techniques that increase the bone density in that area.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is the process that your oral health specialist will use to restore bone to the jaw and prepare it for placement of dental implants. Bone grafting isn’t always needed, but for some patients, it will be needed to ensure that the dental implants will be able to integrate into the bone correctly. Your dentist or periodontist will always look for the most minimally invasive way to do this, but it usually involves taking bone from another part of the body and applying it to the affected area allowing it to grow back gradually. This often takes up to several months for the bone to fully recover.

Sinus Lifts

Another thing to prepare the jaw for dental implants is a sinus lift. When teeth on the upper jaw in the back are removed, the ridge bone begins to resorb resulting in a very thin piece of bone between the roots of the teeth and the sinus. A sinus lift procedure is done by lifting up the sinus slightly and inserting bone material into the space and allowing it to grow. Similar to bone grafting, this will take several months to finish healing before dental implants can be applied.

Fortunately, bone grafting and sinus lifts aren’t always needed for dental implants and it depends entirely on your oral health history and how much bone has been lost along the ridge or near the sinuses. Your periodontist will work closely with you and ensure that you understand what needs to be done before dental implants can be placed.

Schedule an Appointment Today

It’s never easy to make decisions about your oral health, that’s why at Same Day Implants, we aim to provide you with as much information as possible about your oral health and lay out all of your options so that you can make the best decisions possible for your long-term oral health.

How To Overcome Dental Phobia

We’ve covered a lot of information in our blogs here at Same Day Implants, covering everything from periodontal disease and its prominence in the United States to the benefits of same-day dental implants. However, all of this information may be useless if you have something called dental phobia. Dental phobia is defined as an irrational fear of visiting an oral health specialist such as a dentist, periodontist, or orthodontist. Although this condition manifests itself differently for everyone, it all has one result: it prevents people from getting the treatment they need to stay healthy. Here at Same Day Implants, our doctors stress the importance of visiting the periodontist regularly, especially later in life when periodontal disease is more prevalent. Keep reading to learn more about reducing or eliminating dental phobia.

What Is Dental Phobia?

Dental phobia isn’t simply a concept or a theory, it’s an actual condition that affects between 9 and 20 percent of Americans. A similar condition called “latrophobia” is a more general term referring to the fear of all doctors. When someone has dental phobia, they will often put off much needed oral health appointments or treatments for months or even years. And when it does come time to go to an oral health specialist, they often feel overwhelming anxiety or fear of going. This is caused by several things.

Fear of pain

Probably the most common reason for dental phobia is the fear of experiencing pain. Although we all, in some shape or form, experience a fear of pain, someone with dental phobia will avoid seeking treatment as a result.

Personal space

It’s not uncommon for people to avoid the dentist or periodontist because they don’t like their personal space invaded. Some people are comforted by the fact that a trained medical specialist will be helping them, but others do not feel this comfort, even if the doctor is highly qualified.

Fear of disapproval

Many people believe that if their dental specialist finds anything wrong, they will be scolded for their lack of care. Although this could certainly happen depending on the doctor, it’s pretty uncommon, and most dentists and periodontists just want what’s best for your health.

What Can Be Done About It?

Although dental phobia may seem like something that can never be overcome, that is certainly not the case. For most people, it’s just a matter of realizing that it’s not a big deal and that even for the most serious of cases, dental specialists have tried and true sedation methods that will alleviate any pain.

Identify what your fear is

Before you can eliminate your dental fear, you need to understand what exactly is causing it. Simply thinking about it and understanding the root cause of your fear will help you figure out the best way to deal with it.

Choose a qualified dental specialist

The more research you do on your dentist or periodontist, the more comfortable you will feel going in for your first appointment. Be sure to read as much as you can about your doctor and read plenty of reviews to see what kind of experience people had with them.

Don’t go alone

Sometimes all you need to overcome dental phobia is a good friend at your side. Not only is it proven that having a friend near you during a hard time is comforting, but if you try to back out last minute, you’ll have someone to motivate you.

Understand your sedation options

Another great way to ease your anxiety is to understand all of the sedation options available to you. Most dentists and periodontists offer sedation for their more complicated procedures. However, if you’re feeling particularly anxious about your treatment procedure, they will gladly speak with you about any additional sedation you can use, even if it is a smaller and less intrusive procedure.

Focus on the positive

Although it may be easier said than done, try focusing on the positives. It can be easy getting caught up in thoughts about what could go wrong, but instead, think of how much the treatment will help you and improve your oral health. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about!

Consult with your doctor

If the issue becomes bad enough, you may want to consult with your doctor. Although it is normal to experience some anxiety before a dentist’s office visit, it should not be overwhelming. Your may be experiencing systems of general anxiety disorder and may benefit from medication. If you do end up taking medication, be sure to notify your oral health specialist of this.

Learn About Dental Implants

Here at Same Day Implants, we understand that the thought of getting a dental implant can cause anxiety. Speak with us today and we’ll be glad to discuss our sedation options with you.

Financing Options For Your Dental Implants

When it comes to medical bills, many people are faced with the question “how am I going to pay for this?” We all know that money doesn’t grow on trees and as a result, it can be even more difficult to make decisions about your health and future. Fortunately, handing over cash or a check isn’t the only way of handling medical expenses. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at four alternative ways to pay for your dental implants.

Dental Insurance Plan With Dental Implant Coverage

If you know or believe that you’re going to need dental implants in the future, one of the best things you can do is to get a dental insurance plan with dental implant coverage. There are several reasons why this will be beneficial to you.

First and foremost, there is a whole network of dental providers who will accept lower rates for services if you have a PPO dental plan. Oftentimes, these discounts can be up to 30 percent which is a lot more than it sounds like when it comes to medical coverage.

Once you’ve considered network savings, you can take a look at using the benefits associated with it. Your dental implant treatment will likely be broken down into different categories such as the implant, the crown, the extraction procedure, bone grafting procedure if that was needed and so on. Ideally, you’ll want a coverage plan with no waiting periods, but it’s unlikely you’ll find a plan that will cover the full cost of the procedure.

Use Financing Methods

Dental insurance is great, but it’s not all you should be doing to pay for dental implants. Financing options like Care Credit will be helpful in paying for out of pocket costs. Offered by many dental offices, Care Credit is a popular financing option and the rates are usually much lower than normal credit cards and other consumer credit options. You’ll be able to break up payments monthly and find something that suits your financial needs.

HSA and FSA Funds

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you’re in luck. These savings accounts can both be used for dental expenses. Just remember that some of these accounts do not carry over into the next year and some do for a limited time, so be sure to use them before the end of the year if you want to use them.

Speak With Your Dental Implant Specialist

Financing a medical procedure like dental implants can be difficult, but if you stick with it, you should be able to get it done. If you’re confused about something or you’re wondering what other financing options are available to you, your oral health specialist will be glad to provide you with more information.

Contact Same Day Implants

Same Day Implants is your top dental implant provider in Tukwila and the surrounding areas. We provide all types of dental implants including single-tooth replacement, multi-tooth replacement, and All-On-4® dental implant procedures. If you’re struggling to figure out how to finance your dental implants, we are happy to help.

Our periodontists are board-certified and committed to your long-term oral health. Although most people are eligible for dental implants, you may need to go through a bone grafting procedure first in order to restore lost bone tissue in the jaw. If you have any questions or you’re ready to get started, give us a call today.

When Are Same-Day Implants A Possibility?

If you’ve researched dental implants before, you may have heard the term “same-day dental implants.” If you’re accustomed to traditional dental implants, this may come as a surprise to you, considering the fact that just several years ago it was unheard of to have implant surgery and walk out of the office the same day with functioning teeth. Oftentimes, patients would have to visit their periodontist consecutively over several months before the procedure could be performed. So, what has changed in the industry to make this possible? And in what situations are same-day implants feasible? Let’s take a look.

A Brief History Of Dental Implants

The first successful dental implant was placed in 1965 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Branemark. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the practice of osseointegration (connecting living bone tissue and an artificial implant). Although periodontists had the know-how to perform dental implant surgery, they lacked the technology and tools to predict the success rate or to perform the procedure in a timely manner. Oftentimes, implants would be rejected by the body and the periodontist would need to extract them.

Fast forward to today and dental implants have a success rate of 98 percent and same-day implant procedures are becoming more common. There are several major advancements that have made this possible.

Cone Beam CT Scans

Although traditional x-ray scans are helpful in determining the position of teeth within the mouth, they are ineffective in mapping out the teeth from a 3D perspective. However, there’s a difference between a cone beam CT scan and a conventional CT scan. In a cone beam CT scan, a cone-shaped x-ray rotates around the patient’s head to produce several images called views. Since the images are high quality, it’s effective in diagnosing the structure of the jaw, teeth, and sinuses. However, it’s ineffective when it comes to soft tissue like muscles and nerves.

Implant Planning Software

Another major tool your periodontist will use before your implant procedure is an advanced dental implant planning software. This software will allow your periodontist to see full 3D images of your teeth and jaw so the precise location and angle of dental implants can be determined. If you have issues with occlusion, 3D planning software will enable your periodontist to set your new teeth in a way that reinforces a healthy bite.

Bone Grafting

If your periodontist finds significant bone loss in the jaw before the procedure, they will be able to perform a bone grafting in order to restore some of the lost tissue. Not only does this improve the success chance of your dental implants, but it will ensure they remain sturdy and reliable for years to come. Even patients who have lost bone tissue in the jaw may still be eligible for same-day implants.

Who Is Eligible?

Believe it or not, most patients are eligible for same-day implants. Due to state-of-the-art technology, periodontists are able to use non-intrusive methods for both extracting and placing implants. This allows for a much quicker recovery and osseointegration process and prevents any significant bruising or inflammation in the extraction site. Oftentimes, even All-On-4 procedures can be done in a single day, which replaces a full row of teeth supported by four precisely placed implants.

With that being said, if your periodontist sees any reason why the dental implants may fail with a same-day procedure, they may advise waiting for bone tissue to regenerate or perform additional procedures to help the process along.

Speak With A Periodontist Today

If you’re interested in learning more about same-day dental implants, you should schedule an appointment with us today. Led by two of Seattle’s top board-certified periodontists, Dr. Rapoport and Dr. Schuler, we offer comprehensive dental implant consultations in our state-of-the-art facility. Although our aim is to provide as many patients as possible with same-day dental implants, we’ll be honest about your oral health in order to ensure your long-term success. Call us today to get started.  

When Should I Try To Save My Natural Teeth?

When discussions come up about dental implants, one of the first questions to be presented is, “should I try to save my natural teeth before committing to dental implants?” Although it would be nice to give a definitive answer to this question, it’s highly dependent on the condition of the patient, their oral health history, and ultimately, their choice. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at all the factors that go into determining whether you should have a natural tooth replaced or preserved. If you have any questions, be sure to contact Same Day Implants.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a serious medical condition that far too many Americans are faced with, especially in old age. What makes periodontal disease such a concern is that it damages the supporting structures of the teeth, so once it reaches an advanced stage, tooth loss is almost inevitable. However, just because someone has periodontal disease, doesn’t mean they need to get their tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant.

If your teeth and gums are showing early signs of periodontal disease, your periodontist will do everything possible to preserve the tooth before resorting to extraction. One process used to deep clean the teeth is called root scaling and planning that helps to clean below the gum line. This also helps restore your gums and prevent periodontal pockets which allow bacteria to reach the roots of your teeth.

Tooth Decay

Whereas periodontal disease damages the gums and other periodontal functions that support the teeth, tooth decay is what damages the teeth themselves. When food containing carbohydrates stick to the teeth and aren’t removed with brushing or flossing, tooth decay will begin. Although tooth decay can sometimes be reversed, similar to periodontal disease if it progresses far enough into the tooth, the tooth will need to be extracted.    

Physical Trauma

If you’ve ever sustained an injury to your natural teeth, you may be wondering whether you need to have it replaced or not. The answer to this question will depend on the severity of the injury. For example, if there is a verticle crack in your tooth that extends below the gum line or is entirely split, you will most likely need an extraction. However, teeth with craze lines, fractured cups, or chips typically don’t need to be removed.

Speak With A Periodontist

Ultimately, if you’re experiencing one of the conditions above, your best bet is to speak with a certified periodontist who will be able to perform a comprehensive exam and diagnosis. If the damage is bad enough your periodontist may recommend having the tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant. However, if the issue has not progressed too far, you may still have an opportunity to save it. It’s important to contact an experienced periodontist who will give you reliable answers about your oral health. If you have any questions about this process, don’t hesitate to contact Same Day Implants in Tukwila.

Causes Of Bleeding, Swollen, Or Sore Gums

Although most of us have been taught from a young age the importance of maintaining healthy teeth in order to prevent cavities, one thing that’s rarely mentioned is the health of our gums. After all, the purpose of the gums is to not only support and strengthen teeth but to protect sensitive parts of the tooth and jaw from harmful bacteria. Most of us are well aware of the signs of unhealthy teeth which usually comes in the form of yellow teeth or pain coming from the tooth root. However, in this blog, we’re going to look at some of the most common signs of unhealthy gums and what causes them.

Causes Of Unhealthy Gums

The cause of bleeding, swollen, or sore gums is almost always gingivitis. Around 75 percent of people over the age of 35 have this disease which is a less severe form of gum disease or periodontal disease. However, in old age, patients are much more likely to experience severe periodontal disease which inevitably leads to tooth loss.

Although gum disease is the most likely cause of sore, bleeding, or swollen gums, there are several other causes that you shouldn’t rule out:

Canker Sores

Anyone who’s gotten a canker sore knows how painful they can be. Even touching them with your tongue or brushing them with food can be unbearable. However, this pain is not always localized. Sometimes, the pain can radiate across the gums. Although you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of gum disease, it’s best to wait it out until the canker sore is healed before taking action.

Brushing Technique

Just like tooth pain, unhealthy gums usually start with poor oral health routines. When it comes to the actual technique that you use while brushing, be sure to emphasize cleaning along the gum line rather than just the tooth. Although cleaning the tooth itself is important, most of the bacteria will be removed from your teeth from light brushing. There’s no need to brush vigorously, which can lead to the enamel wearing off of your teeth.

Perhaps even more important than brushing the tooth itself is brushing along the gum line. This is where bacteria and food particles most often build up. If an infection reaches below the gum line, brushing will be ineffective and you’ll need to undergo a root scaling and planing procedure which is essentially a deep cleaning below the gum line.

Flossing Technique

Equally important as your brushing technique and frequency is your flossing technique. The first rule of flossing is to do it every day. Unfortunately, many patients will only floss every couple days and wonder why their gums are sore or start bleeding afterward. This is almost certainly a sign that you haven’t been flossing well enough, often enough, or you’re flossing too vigorously. If you’re not used to flossing at all, make sure you ease yourself into it and don’t overdo it. Eventually, your gums will be used to regular flossing and they won’t bleed or get swollen.

Oral Cancer

Although it’s certainly rarer than these other cases, you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of oral cancer. Below are some of the common symptoms of oral cancer:

  • Lumps on the cheek or gums
  • Persistent mouth sores
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw

Many dentists and periodontists will provide patients with a free oral health screening and are generally trained to look out for warning signs associated with oral cancer. However, if you believe you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, be sure to consult with your oral health specialist.

Contact Your Local Periodontist

Periodontists specialize in the gums and all other supporting structures of the teeth. So, if you’re experiencing swollen, sore, or bleeding gums, it’s always best to speak with your local periodontists at Same Day Implants. Our board-certified periodontists will diagnose gum conditions and provide you with the best long-term solution for your condition. In the case of a loose or missing tooth, we are happy to provide same-day implants when possible. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, call us today.

The Importance Of Board Certification

Whether you’re experiencing pain in your gums, you’ve lost a tooth, or you’re simply concerned about your oral health, there’s never a bad time to look into finding the right periodontist here in Tukwila. Not only do you want a periodontist who’s knowledgeable, but you need someone who is looking out for your best interest and is focused on your long-term success. One of the ways to differentiate between a “good” periodontist and a “great” one is by their certification.   

What Is Board Certification?

The American Board of Periodontology (ABP) is one of nine specialty boards recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). The purpose of the ABP is to acknowledge outstanding achievements and proficiency in the field of Periodontology and dental implant surgery. This is done through a process of periodic recertification in order to ensure that the latest standards are always met. A board-certified periodontist is known as a “diplomate” and must have the following achievements to be educationally qualified for certification:

  • Certification as a dentist – A periodontist must have a basic college education and complete dental school to earn either their DDS or DMD degrees.
  • Certification as a periodontist – Accredited by Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a candidate must complete an educational program in Periodontology.
  • Comprehensive exams – A candidate must pass a rigorous and comprehensive exam of periodontal treatment and dental implant surgery to qualify.
  • Recertification every six years – A candidate must continually meet industry standards in order to maintain their certification.

Why It’s Important

Many people are not aware that there is no requirement for a practicing periodontist to remain certified by the ABP. All that is required is a doctoral degree in dentistry or dental surgery and training in periodontics. As such, it’s very important that you make sure you’re always working with a board-certified periodontist so that you’re always receiving the most state-of-the-art treatment as outlined by the board. If you would like to search a database of board-certified periodontists, you can do so here.

Essentially, board certification is a way for exemplary periodontists to stand out in their field of work. Although you can certainly work with a periodontist who is not certified, it is a sign that they either aren’t very experienced or they haven’t put in the time or the effort to become certified. When you work with a board-certified periodontist, you can expect a more accurate diagnosis, better treatment, and better long-term results.

Contact Same Day Implants

Led by two diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Darrin A. Rapoport and Dr. Ralf F. Schuler, Same Day Implants is focused on the long-term oral health of its patients. If you have severe periodontal disease or a missing tooth, you may qualify for a same-day dental implant. In certain cases, full arch All-On-4 dental implants can also be completed in one day. If you would like to learn more about our doctors’ qualifications, you can do so here. If you’re ready to book an appointment, give us a call today.

How Does Periodontal Charting Work?

Your gums play a major role in your oral health by protecting the roots of your teeth and keeping bacteria away from the teeth. However, when gums become unhealthy, they may begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving room for food particles and bacteria to damage the teeth. Unhealthy gums are often the result of poor oral hygiene and can often be prevented.

Periodontal charts, also known as gum charts, are used by dental professionals in order to gather information about your gums and determine if your gums have been damaged by periodontal disease or not. When your oral health specialist performs periodontal charting, they will do several measurements that will show whether your gums have moved. In a healthy mouth, pockets in the gums are usually two to three millimeters or less, whereas, in an unhealthy mouth, they are usually over five millimeters. Additionally, if there is any sign of bleeding, this is almost certainly a sign of gum disease.

Periodontal Measurements

During a periodontal measurement procedure, your periodontist will use what’s called a ‘periodontal probe’ to insert in the area between the tooth and the gum. On the probe itself, there are lines like a ruler to indicate how deep the periodontal pocket is. Each tooth is typically measured six times; three areas on the front and three on the back. As the measurements are made, your periodontist will call them out to an assistant who will write them down and keep them in your dental health record. Let’s take a look at each measurement and see what they mean.

0-3mm: If you have no periodontal pocket or up to three-millimeter pockets, you’re probably doing well with your oral health. Although a small periodontal pocket is normal, if the gums bleed easily, this could be a sign of gingivitis. A professional cleaning and better at-home care will help reverse this.

3-5mm: With bleeding, a 3-5mm deep periodontal pocket is a sure sign of periodontal disease. You may need to set up several appointments with your periodontist to have the gums repaired and the teeth thoroughly cleaned. Even if there is no bleeding, your periodontist will likely recommend a thorough professional cleaning.

5-7mm: At this point, your periodontist will likely start to see both gum and bone tissue damage. Your risk of losing the tooth is much higher at this point and you may not be able to reverse the damage without surgery.

7mm or more: With this periodontal pocket depth, you’ve likely reached advanced periodontal disease. There will almost certainly be bleeding and your periodontist may recommend surgery or extraction of the tooth.

Why It’s Important

Periodontal charting is one of the most effective ways to determine the health of your gums. Although periodontal disease doesn’t progress at the same rate in every patient, measuring pocket depths and recording the information will give your periodontist a better understanding of your oral health. If there is cause for concern, your periodontist may have you come back and have the pockets measured again to see if any progress was made. Ultimately, this procedure will allow you and your periodontist to detect gingivitis in its early stages so that it can be reversed before reaching advanced periodontitis.

Contact Same Day Implants

Periodontal charting is just one of the tools your periodontist will use to better understand the health of your gums. If you notice that your gums are swollen, bleeding, or sensitive, your best course of action is to visit your local periodontist in Tukwila at Same Day Implants. Our highest priority is to provide you with an accurate diagnosis when it comes to your gum health and allow you to choose the best long-term option for you. However, the sooner you visit us for an appointment, the better chance you will have of saving your natural teeth. Give us a call today to get started.

Dental Implant FAQs

Oral health is not something most people take lightly. Most people have memories of being a kid and trying to get out of going to the dentist or being extremely nervous sitting in the dentist’s chair for the first time. As we get older and understand the importance of our oral health, we’re more inclined to pursue our oral health more diligently. Here at Same-Day Implants, our first priority is to ensure that you’re aware of your oral health condition and know all of your options so that you can provide you with the most effective care for your goals. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

It never hurts to start with the basics. A dental implant is a small titanium component surgically placed in the jaw in order to support a prosthesis like a bridge, crown, facial prosthesis, or denture. They act as a permanent replacement for natural teeth.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Most people are candidates for dental implants. However, patients with unhealthy gums or significant bone loss in the jaw may require additional procedures before dental implants are possible. Smokers and those suffering from diabetes may require additional evaluation as well.

What Are The Advantages Of Dental Implants?

Anyone who is missing teeth or is at risk of losing a tooth should consider dental implants. If you’re currently using traditional dentures to accommodate for missing teeth, you should also consider dental implants. Dental implants are the best way to restore the functionality of your natural teeth while at the same time improving facial structure, improving your smile, and restoring confidence.

What Are Same-Day Implants?

Same-day implants, like the name suggests, allows you to get your implants placed in the same day as your initial consultation! It hasn’t always been this way, however. In the past, patients needed to wait weeks or months in order for implants and crowns to be created and placed. Oftentimes, this required multiple visits to the periodontist office. Although same-day implant procedures are not always possible, modern technology has made this possible in many situations.

Are There Risks Involved With Same-Day Implants?

Since same-day implants significantly reduce the amount of time required to get dental implants, you may be wondering if this comes with any additional risks. At Same-Day Implants, we are committed to your success. So, if we see any reason dental implants may fail if they’re set in the same day, we will not go through with it. We are committed to your long-term health and well-being, so we will only perform same-day procedures if it benefits you.

What Types Of Dental Implants Are There?

There are several types of dental implants we offer: single-tooth implants, dental implants for multiple teeth, and All-On-4 dental implants. A single-tooth implant is a single crown supported by a single implant; multiple teeth implants are a partial arch of teeth supported by an implant on either end; and All-On-4 is a full arch of teeth supported by four implants.

Can Dental Implants Be Rejected?

Titanium, the metal used in dental implants, is recognized as one of the best metals for prosthesis due to its biofunctionality and biocompatibility. Titanium alloys do not corrode in the body, but metal ions may slowly diffuse into gum and bone tissue. In rare cases, metal hypersensitivity or outright rejection of the implant may occur. Speak with your periodontist if you’re concerned about this.

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a disease resulting in gum inflammation, bone loss, and eventual loss of a dental implant. This is usually the result of a poorly placed dental implant, however, poor oral hygiene plays a major role in keeping and maintaining a healthy implant long after your procedure. If you’re experiencing swollen or bleeding gums, pain in the gums or jaw, or any other issue with your dental implants, speak with a periodontist immediately.

Contact Same-Day Implants

It’s only natural to have a lot of questions going into your dental implant exam. We understand this and want you to be fully aware of not only the condition of your oral health, but what treatment options are available to you. Give us a call today to get started.