1. What Are Dental Implants?

Periodontists also have special, advanced training in Dental Implantology and perform dental implant surgery on a routine basis.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that a periodontist places into your jaw bone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are natural looking replacements for missing teeth. The implant itself is a biologically compatible titanium screw that bonds to your jawbone. This implant provides an anchor for your general dentist to place crowns, bridges or other restorations. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Dr. Carpio is an expert in the placement of dental implants. Dental implants begin with an evaluation by your general dentist who will decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

For more detailed information, please visit our Dental Implants page.

2. Do Implants Work As Well As Natural Teeth?

Dental implants function as good as healthy natural teeth. They also are much more functional than removable teeth, (e.g. partial dentures or full dentures). Patients often comment that dental implants are so natural in appearance and function that it is like having their natural teeth back. Today’s advancements make implants function within 90% of the efficiency of natural teeth in terms of both bite and feel.

3. Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?

You are an ideal candidate for a dental implant if you are in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support a dental implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since Dr. Carpio is an expert in dental implants who specialize in precisely these areas, she is the right person to be part of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have your teeth replaced with dental implants. Your general dentist and Dr. Carpio will work together to achieve the smile and oral health you deserve.

4. What Is Dental Implant Treatment Like?

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a team effort between you, your dentist and the periodontist. Dr. Carpio and your primary dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant(s) should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, Dr. Carpio will prepare a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. You can access our section on Dental Implants for more information about the treatment options described below.

• Replacing a Single Tooth:If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. This would avoid fabricating crowns on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth as is in the case with a bridge. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root.
• Replacing Several Teeth:If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.
• Replacing All of Your Teeth:If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them.
• Sinus Augmentation: Implant success depends on the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the maxillary sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing sufficient bone for the placement of dental implants.
• Ridge Modification:Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone width or height in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.

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1. What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (also known as periodontal infection, gum disease or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the tissues around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria that gets deep into your gums and causes tissue inflammation. Periodontal disease can be painful, uncomfortable, and can cause bleeding gums. This infection spreads from the gums into deeper tissues, and starts destroying the bone which supports your teeth, and it can also destroy other surrounding tissues. If left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be harmful to one’s oral health, cardiac health, and general well being. Periodontal disease must be treated by a qualified periodontist as soon as possible.

2. What Are The Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease?

The symptoms of periodontal disease begin to appear as the disease worsens. Early on, an individual may see no signs, or only minor signs of the infection. The severity of gum disease will determine what signs and symptoms of periodontal disease appear. Below are a few frequently reported signs and symptoms associated with periodontal disease:

• Swollen, red, painful, irritated gums are associated with gum disease.
• Spaces between teeth may appear.
• Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold.
• Teeth can become loose or shift.
• Bad breath.
• Tooth loss.
• Formation of deep pockets around the teeth.
• Gum recession causing unnaturally long looking teeth.

3. Why Is My Dentist Referring Me To See A Periodontist?

If your dentist has referred you to The Periodontal-Implant Institute it is because you need to see Dr. Carpio for periodontal treatment. Periodontists have advanced training in the treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.

Periodontal disease acts as a continuous infection in the patients’ body, which not only harms the individual’s oral health, but it also affects the individual’s general health in a number of ways. Long lasting periodontal infection increases the progression of gum disease. Causes for periodontal disease vary, but below is a short list of potential causes many of which can cause a sudden increase in the severity of the disease:

• Dental Plaque is one of the primary causes of bleeding gums and gum disease.
• Poor Oral Hygiene can cause gum disease and issues with bleeding gums.
• Stress can worsen gum disease, including clenching and grinding your teeth.
• Improper dietary habits can facilitate gum disease.
• Smoking can perpetuate issues with periodontal infection and bleeding gums.
• Age plays a significant role in periodontal disease severity.
• Genetic factors play a role in the formation of gum disease.
• Certain illnesses may be responsible for gum disease, and gum disease may be responsible for certain illnesses.

Two Major Factors Leading to Gum Disease include: