Q: Why I am being referred to a periodontist?
A: You may be referred to a periodontist when gum disease or other complex dental issues require specialized care. Periodontists are ADA-recognized specialists trained to treat gum disease, place dental implants, and perform advanced procedures that protect both oral and overall health.
Reasons patients are referred to a periodontist:
Q: If left untreated, can periodontal disease affect my overall health?
A: Yes. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, “Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with several other diseases. For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other diseases in the body. More recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association. Treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.”
Q: What other connections are there between periodontal disease and systemic diseases?
A: Periodontal (gum) disease is linked to many systemic health conditions, especially diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Poor oral health can increase risks for serious medical problems and even shorten lifespan.
Research shows connections between gum disease and:
Q: Is gum disease supposed to hurt? My gums don’t hurt and I’ve had bad gums for years.
A: We are pleased that you are not experiencing any pain, but our motto is “don’t wait until it hurts.” Left untreated, periodontal disease becomes worse over time. The proposed periodontal treatment will never be more conservative, less invasive, or more cost effective than it is today.
Q: Will periodontal surgery solve the problems I am having with my gums?
A: Periodontal surgery may be recommended as a necessary component of treatment, but you will need to take good care of your teeth and gums at home and visit our office and your restorative dentist’s office on a regular basis for professional cleanings.
Q: What other procedures do periodontists perform?
A: We are concerned foremost with your health. However, some of the procedures we perform are intended not only to control disease, but to provide you with a cosmetic benefit. Click here for information about these procedures.
Q: What are some examples of the benefits of cosmetic periodontal procedures?
A: Cosmetic periodontal procedures can improve your smile’s appearance, restore balance between teeth and gums, and protect your oral health. Common treatments address issues like excess gum tissue, gum recession, and exposed roots.
Examples of benefits include:
Q: Why are there advantages of having a periodontist place dental implants?
A: Periodontists are dental specialists with advanced training in implant placement, gum health, and jawbone management. Their expertise helps ensure implants are placed securely and maintained for long-term success.
Key advantages of choosing a periodontist for dental implants include:
Q: What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?
A: In most cases, dental implants are considered the standard of care for replacing missing teeth. The restorative phase of dental implant treatment is completed by your restorative dentist.
Q: Is implant surgery comfortable?
A: Most patients are pleased to find out that implant procedures usually cause only minimal discomfort and may be more comfortable than other dental procedures such as extractions. Prior to and during procedures, oral sedation, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation may be used to keep patients comfortable. Following treatment, over-the-counter pain medication is recommended. Presc
A: While dental implants may cost more upfront than other optionription medicine is also available if needed.
Q: Are implants expensive?s, they are considered an excellent long-term investment because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Most patients find the lasting benefits outweigh the cost.
Reasons implants are a valuable investment include:
Q: How long do implants last?
A: Implants can potentially last a lifetime, although they are subject to problems like inflammation and bone loss similar to teeth. It is not uncommon for the restorative components to wear or chip while the implant (root replacement portion in bone) remains stable. If this occurs, you do not need to replace the implant, just modify, repair or replace the tooth portion, which is done by your dentist.
Q: Are all dental implants the same?
A: No — not all dental implants are the same. There are thousands of implant brands, and quality varies widely. We only choose implants from trusted, proven manufacturers to ensure better long-term results and reliability.
Key differences between implants include:
Be aware that many dentists advertising discounts also use discount implants and components that are less expensive. We don’t believe that when you replace body parts (teeth), that it is worthwhile using products that are “just like” the best manufacturers’ to save money or cut corners.
Q: Will my dental insurance cover dental implants?
A: Dental implant treatment is often beyond the scope of dental benefits. However, we work closely with your dental and medical insurance companies to determine whether any of your specific benefits apply to your dental implant treatment.
Q: Are there alternatives to implants that are less costly?
A: Our philosophy is to treat patients once and treat them right. We have found that dental implants are often the most cost-effective treatment over a lifetime. Dental implants are kinder to adjacent teeth than a bridge or partial denture. Dental implants are also more natural, and they help preserve bone, which helps prevent the appearance of premature aging.
Q: I’ve heard that implant treatment is available in other countries at a much lower cost. Is this true?
A: Yes, dental implants are sometimes offered abroad at lower prices, but quality and follow-up care can vary widely. Many patients choose treatment at our practice in South Florida because we provide reliable results, ongoing care, and the expertise of highly trained specialists.
Why choose dental implants in South Florida instead of going overseas:
Q: How do I know that implants are going to work?
A: We set the stage for success by creating a thorough, customized treatment plan for each patient in cooperation with the restorative dentist. Dental implants have an outstanding success rate. They are designed to last many years.
Q: What is the role of my restorative dentist when I have implant treatment?
A: Your restorative dentist is a key member of the team. We stay in close communication with them throughout your implant treatment. After you complete treatment in our office, the restorative dentist securely attaches the final restorations to the implants. The result is a natural-looking restoration that allows you to eat the foods you want.
Q: What can be done to minimize the risk of complications?
A: While no medical or dental procedure is risk-free, the risk of implant complications can be greatly reduced with experienced doctors, thorough planning, and consistent follow-up care.
Ways we minimize implant risks at the South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry:
Q: What is your policy regarding treating complications?
A: At the South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we stand behind our treatments. While no procedure is guaranteed, we re-treat or refund most unsuccessful outcomes within two years, and offer pro-rated coverage after that, provided patients follow recommended care.
Key points of our complication policy:
Q: How long does it take to complete dental implant treatment?
A: Dental implant treatment typically takes 6–8 weeks for implants to fully bond with the jawbone. In many cases, however, temporary or even permanent teeth can be placed immediately using our TeethToday® approach, so patients never leave without teeth.
Treatment timeline and options:
