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Nineteen Things You Didn’t Know about Dental Implants

1. What Do Implants Taste Like?

Titanium implants are non-corrosive and do not leave behind any metallic taste. The bridges, or the prosthetic teeth fixed to your implants, are malodorous, meaning they are tasteless. After New Teeth Now, you can fully enjoy the flavor of your food without the lingering aftertaste of infection left by decaying or unhealthy teeth. Our patients often share with us how having the procedure done greatly improves their enjoyment of food.

2. Can You Feel Zygomatic Implants in Your Cheeks?

The region of the cheekbone that supports a zygomatic implant does not have nerve receptors, meaning you won’t feel the implants when they’re in place. Placed by a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, zygomatic implants will not cause any pain. The placing of zygomatic implants is much less complicated for the patient than alternatives that require more surgeries and more visits.

You also won’t feel the implants with your fingers. They are anchored within the tissue of the jaw and the cheekbones. There is no protrusion changing the shape or texture of the face.

3. Can You Go Through a Metal Detector with Dental Implants?

Titanium implants are not magnetic. This means they won’t set off a metal detector. This means you can safely travel through security checks at the airport without sounding off an alarm because of dental work at New Teeth Now.

4. Is It Hard to Floss with Full Mouth Dental Implants?

The difficulty of flossing depends on how the teeth are made. New Teeth Now prosthetics are milled at our dedicated lab in Lakeland, FL. Because each bridge is one sleek and solid unit, there is no need for traditional flossing. New Teeth Now patients use a water flosser to wash away buildup that can collect between the bridge and the gums.

5. Can Dental Implants Cause Tinnitus?

Tinnitus, or the ringing in the ears, is not caused by dental implants or prosthetics. However, any loud or strong vibration near enough to the ears can cause trauma to the cochlear nerve. Since the mouth is close to that part of the body, any dental work that requires instruments can agitate the sensitive anatomy of the ear.

6. Do Implants Change a Person’s Sense of Smell or Taste?

Many patients come to New Teeth Now to cure their periodontal disease once and for all. They often report being better able to taste and smell after the procedure because of the removal of bacteria following their extractions. This is also another benefit of New Teeth Now over dentures, as most dentures and partials will cover a portion of the palate, greatly reducing a person’s sense of taste. 

7. Do Implants Increase a Person’s Chance of Developing Sinusitis or Sinus Infections?

This is an infrequent question in our office. Some patients are concerned that zygomatic implants or maxillary (upper jaw) implants pose a risk of sinus complications. However, when our oral surgeons place the upper implants, they do not breach the sinuses. In short, implants will not cause any new issues with a patient’s sinuses. 

8. Can Zygomatic Implants Affect Vision?

No. While the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) is near sensitive nerves in the eye, zygomatic implants will not affect this area.

In recent years, it has become more common to see general dentists advertise zygomatic implants. Please be aware that this procedure is very sensitive and specialized, and it should only be performed by a qualified oral surgeon. We strongly advise against having zygomatic implants placed by your general dentist. For your safety and to avoid unnecessary complications, zygomatic implants should only be placed by a qualified oral surgeon.

9. Do Implants Change the Shape of Your Face?

Full mouth implants can improve your bite alignment, which can significantly change the shape of the face. You can see how radical this transformation can be in our before-and-after gallery. Single dental implants can also have an impact on your bite, though it’s less likely to make a dramatic difference in a patient’s appearance.

For patients transitioning from a denture to full mouth implants, or any patient with severe bone loss, the New Teeth now procedure can improve the volume and contours of the face. Many of our patients have been excited by this

10. Can I Get Implants If I Have Osteoporosis?

Maybe. This depends on your prescription history. If you have questions about your medical history, give us a call. We can help you determine if you qualify for this type of procedure.

11. Can I Scuba Dive with Dental Implants?

 Yes. Titanium implants are a lightweight, solid metal. They are extraordinarily resistant to pressure changes.

12. Can Professional Athletes in Contact Sports Get Dental Implants?

They can. If you are experiencing regular tooth loss or your sports activities are the direct cause of having dental implants fail (from blunt trauma, for example), then that would be a separate concern. You can’t get a new dental implant at the same site every few months. But as a general rule, a fully healed and integrated dental implant is a safe option for contact sports. Take care to protect your dental health by using the recommended gear.

13. Can You Go to Outer Space If You Have Dental Implants?

 Yes. If you have an opportunity to go to outer space, your dental implants won’t stop you.

14. Are Dental Implants Sensitive to Hot or Cold Food and Drink?

There is no increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink caused by dental prosthetics. The prosthetic has no nerve connectivity, and the thermal conductivity of zirconia is very low, meaning changing temperature does not travel quickly through the material.

15. Can You Feel Implants When Riding a Roller Coaster?

Can you feel your natural teeth when you are riding a roller coaster? The same rules apply. Dental implants will heal and fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. A healthy implant won’t wiggle around or rattle any more easily than a healthy tooth would.

16. Do Dental Implants Have Fake Gums on Them?

Some do. At New Teeth Now, the upper and lower bridge fixed to your implants will include prosthetic gum. This gives your final teeth a much more comfortable feel and a more realistic look, as the gums are specially crafted to fit above the unique anatomy of your gum ridge. Not to worry. No one can tell they aren’t your natural gums.

17. Do You Ever Need a Root Canal If You Have Full Mouth Dental Implants?

No. You no longer have natural teeth. A root canal procedure is intended to preserve the function of natural teeth.

18. Can Dental Implants Change the Sound of My Singing Voice?

This is possible. To have anything new permanently placed in your mouth can cause you to sound differently than you did before. New Teeth Now is much sleeker and less obstructive than other options such as dentures. However, it is non-removable.

In the embedded video below, Dr. Kirkpatrick answers in greater detail the question, “How common are speech difficulties after full mouth dental implants?”

19. What Is the Cut-off Age for New Teeth Now?

You must be 18 years or older to qualify for the New Teeth Now procedure. Over the years, we have seen a mix of adult patients of all ages and backgrounds. Young adults in their mid-twenties and early thirties will often first connect with us on social media to find out if New Teeth Now is right for them. It’s also not that uncommon for an octogenarian or an even older patient to qualify for New Teeth Now, because, like anyone else, they deserve to better enjoy their favorite foods.

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Oral Surgeon vs. General Dentist

What’s the difference between going to a general dentist or to an oral surgeon to have dental implants placed? While it may be more convenient and, at first, more inexpensive to receive implants from a dentist, an oral surgeon has years of education and experience at performing surgical procedures. A surgeon is also the only implant provider licensed to have general anesthesia administered in their facility. If a case becomes complex, which is especially common for dental implant procedures involving severe bone loss, then the dentist will eventually refer their patients into the care of an oral surgeon.

Why Education Matters

There is a big difference in the level of training required to be an oral surgeon, a periodontist and a general dentist. Across the gamut, the oral surgeon is the most qualified to perform complex dental implant procedures, as they have had the most education to prepare them for the procedure. Our oral surgeons have…

Graduated from dental school

Completed 4-6 years of training in residency

Board-certified or board eligible status

To become an oral surgeon, the doctor must complete an additional four-to-six years of training after dental school. On the other hand, a general dentist can be certified to place dental implants at a weekend course. The latter represents the minimum requirement among dental implant providers.

The next level of expertise for oral surgeons is board certification. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, or ABOMS, will certify a surgeon only after they’ve demonstrated their competence through a history of surgical cases and extensive oral and written exams. When a surgeon is board certified, it is truly a badge of confidence that proves to the patient that they are in capable hands.

If you are working with an oral surgeon who is not yet board certified, it is also appropriate to find out if they are board eligible. A board-eligible surgeon is on the path to becoming certified. Like their board-certified peers, they value positive patient outcomes, quality care and ongoing self-improvement.

Experience and Education Are Not the Same Thing

While education is an excellent assurance that you’re in good hands, nothing is a better indicator of quality than a history of very happy patients.

As previously mentioned, board certification includes proof of successful case history. In addition to that, you should research real patient feedback to learn how they feel after receiving service from their provider. In most cases, you can request to speak with a former patient.

Not every board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon will specialize in the same procedure. Some will not specialize in dental implants at all. The oral surgeons at New Teeth Now are specialized in a procedure that they have developed together over decades of real patient care.

Another great way to gauge an oral surgeon’s ability is to review their online testimonials. Do they position their patients first in their communication? While it is normal to have some negative reviews online, how does your surgeon respond to a negative review?

Will You Still Need Extractions?

Only an oral surgeon is licensed to have general anesthesia administered in their office. This offers a big advantage for patients who will need teeth extractions before their procedure.

Under the care of an oral surgeon, a patient who qualifies for New Teeth Now can have any remaining teeth extracted while they’re asleep under the supervision of an entire team of anesthetists. This is both a very safe approach to restoring the patient’s oral health, and a far more comfortable one from the patient’s perspective.

New Teeth Now does not charge additional fees for extractions, which means that having teeth removed beforehand is an unnecessary expense. It can also be an avoidable traumatic experience.

What Happens If Something Fails While Having Your Full Mouth Restored by a General Dentist?

Unfortunately, dental implant failure can happen. It is very rare at New Teeth Now. Unexpected complications are also likely to arise during or after a dental implant procedure. The oral surgeon is best equipped to help a patient recover from complications and failures, which is why at this point the patients will be referred to an oral surgeon by their general dentist. Patients who arrive in our office after going through this process will often lament, “Why did I not come to you first?”

Overview

In review, let’s look at a breakdown of how an oral surgeon compares to a general dentist.

ORAL SURGEON

4-6 additional years of training after dental school

Specializes in dental implant placement

Long-term proven success rate with implants

Licensed to administer general anesthesia

Ability to navigate all complications

Wealth of knowledge and expertise

GENERAL DENTIST

Can be certified after a weekend course

Not the main service provided. Typically places a few implants a month.

Not able to administer general anesthesia, and most aren’t certified to administer IV sedation

Will refer to an oral surgeon for complicated cases

We strive for the highest level of quality in the industry. For that reason, a New Teeth Now oral surgeon must pass their oral and written board-certification exams, or be board eligible and working toward board certification.

Other Considerations When Choosing Your Implant Provider

Patients cite three priorities when researching dental implant providers. They are normally ranked in this order:

Quality

Cost

Convenience

Quality is a consistent priority for patients who choose New Teeth Now. How much of your health and safety are you willing to sacrifice in exchange for a shorter drive or a bargain? When researching their options, patients can find it difficult to recognize quality.

You might assume higher fees are proof of better quality, for example. This is not always the case. Paying more for dental implants will not guarantee better quality surgical care, and vice versa. At New Teeth Now, we pride ourselves on offering the fairest possible price without sacrificing high standards of quality care.

Being transparent with our patients about what they can expect at every point in the New Teeth Now process is our testament to quality. Having only the best staff and surgeons working together for is how we inspire confidence in our patients.

How else can patients feel confident they won’t be sacrificing quality when choosing their implant provider?

Treat Your Consultation Like an Interview

While being a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a reliable badge of quality, it is still important to get to know all of the people who will be involved in your procedure. What are their values and goals? How do they communicate with their patients, both past and present?

The perfect approach to vet a provider’s services is to ask great questions when you’re first getting to know each other.

After you make an appointment to discuss the procedure, get prepared for that in-person consultation. If you can, bring a list of questions that address your biggest concerns and dreams. What motivated you to schedule a consultation. We want to know!

The consult is an opportunity to learn about the procedure, and also to get a feel for the office and the professionals who will be there with you throughout the entire process.

At New Teeth Now, much of the consultation will be dedicated to giving the patient time with their oral surgeon. We’ve been told that not everyone prioritizes the patient-surgeon relationship in this way. We ask our patients a lot of questions at this point to make sure they qualify for the full mouth procedure. Our surgeons would prefer you salvage your natural teeth if that’s an option for you.

Need help preparing for your consultation. Here are several questions we’ve received from patients in the past:

Are you an oral surgeon or a dentist?

Will you be the oral surgeon providing my care?

Are you a board-certified oral surgeon?

How long have you been performing this procedure?

What do your patients say about the quality of care in this facility?

Can you put me in touch with a recent patient who can answer more of my questions about the procedure?

We welcome any and all questions as long as they’re relevant to the procedure. And this doesn’t stop after you’ve left the consultation. Sometimes people forget to ask things during that hour-long session, or they get distracted while learning something brand new from their surgeon.

We encourage you to stay in touch with us after you’ve left the office. You can email or call back with any questions. We are here to help.

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Questions to Ask When Choosing an Oral Surgeon

When researching options for dental implants, it’s vital to know the right questions to ask. Here you can find a quick list to help you interview your prospective implant provider. Even if you aren’t able to come to New Teeth Now for your procedure, we want to make sure you understand all your options so you can make the best decision possible for your long term health and happiness.

Is the doctor you are considering a board-certified oral surgeon?

Will the surgeon you meet at your first visit be the same surgeon to perform your implant procedure?

Has the doctor you are considering for treatment ever had to turn away patients due to bone loss?

How is the facility equipped to handle your care?

Does the provider you are considering have additional systems in place for your safety and peace of mind?

Is the quoted price all inclusive?

Is the Doctor You Are Considering a Board-certified Oral Surgeon?

In recent years, it has become more common to see general dentists advertise All-on-4® and zygomatic implants. Please be aware that these procedures are very sensitive and specialized, and they should only be performed by a board-certified oral surgeon. We strongly advise against having zygomatic implants placed by your general dentist. For your safety and to avoid unnecessary complications, zygomatic implants should only be placed by a qualified board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

When you choose New Teeth Now, you are choosing a team of highly experienced, world-renowned surgeons. They are all board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with decades of combined experience. Our surgeons are specialists in implant dentistry and routinely perform New Teeth Now, a full mouth dental implant procedure, every day. On average, our surgical teams place 500 arches each year. In addition, a specialized team of restorative dentists supports our surgeons for every procedure. These skilled oral surgeons are dedicated to the care of New Teeth Now patients.

Will the Doctor You Meet at Your First Visit Be the Same Doctor to Perform Your Implant Procedure?

When you visit New Teeth Now for your consultation, you will meet with the board-certified oral surgeon who will be performing your implant surgery. You will receive a customized plan that caters to your specific treatment and needs. We are committed to treating every patient with dignity and respect, and to providing the highest level of personalized care from our entire staff.

Has the Doctor You Are Considering for Treatment Ever Had to Turn Away Patients Due to Bone Loss?

When you are choosing a doctor for your implant procedure, you want to know you are in the care of a highly experienced surgeon that specializes in this treatment. Many providers will turn patients away and determine that they are not a candidate for dental implants simply because they do not have the proper knowledge, training, or resources to help you. The likelihood that you will be deemed untreatable at New Teeth Now is very slim. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons take pride in the fact that our facility is one of the few in North America with the ability to successfully place zygomatic implants. These specialized implants allow our surgeons to treat those who have been told they are not dental implant candidates and eliminate the need for bone grafting.

How Is the Facility Equipped to Handle Your Care?

At New Teeth Now, our facility offers three state-of-the-art surgical suites, fully equipped with the latest in leading-edge technology, as well as 18 patient procedure rooms for general oral surgeries. We perform and manage every part of the implant process under one roof. We provide a one-of-a-kind experience with an on-site dental laboratory led by master-certified dental technicians, who assist in creating your new custom teeth at our facility. Our office is uniquely designed to provide total comfort and the highest quality of care for every patient at each stage of their procedure. New Teeth Now patients rest after their procedure in our private and semi-private recovery areas. As our patients recover, family members can relax in our in-office theater and lounge. There, they can enjoy movies, beverages, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Does the Provider You Are Considering Have Additional Systems in Place for Your Safety and Peace of Mind?

The New Teeth Now implant facility is equipped with a full-size generator in case of a power outage. We also provide on-call specialists in the event of a post-operative emergency. We partner with anesthesia professionals (CRNAs – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) on a daily basis. This support allows our surgeons to fully focus on your procedure while the CRNA fully focuses on monitoring your anesthesia.

Is the Quoted Price All Inclusive?

The price we quote you at New Teeth Now is all-inclusive with no hidden costs to our patients. This includes all surgical fees, anesthesia, extractions, customized first set of nonremovable teeth, a final set of customized zirconia teeth, two years maintenance, and as many implants as your surgeon prescribes.

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It’s Better Than 4! The All-on-4® Alternative

We occasionally hear from patients who ask us, “Does New Teeth Now do All-on-4®?”

To which, we reply, “We provide full mouth dental implants.”

Within the dental care community, the All-on-4® brand is sometimes used interchangeably with a full mouth, implant-based restoration, in a similar way that Kleenex® is associated with tissues.

But it’s important to recognize that while providing a similar solution, the All-on-4® treatment concept is not the same as the New Teeth Now process. Why? Because, simply put, four implants is not enough!

What Is All-on-4®?

All-on-4® is a surgical protocol designed by dental implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare as a teachable solution to provide graft-less, full-mouth restorations for patients who need to replace all or most of their teeth. Their products and services have contributed to an increased public awareness of how dental implants can help someone recover from debilitating oral health issues.

When used conversationally, the trademark often refers to the placement of four dental implants, primarily toward the front of the lower jaw. A set of teeth is fabricated that typically goes from the lower molar on the left to the lower molar on the right. These teeth are fixed into the mouth. The person cannot take the teeth in or out; they are actually screwed down onto the implants. The All-on-4® procedure can benefit patients in need of lower teeth, upper teeth or even a full mouth of implant-supported teeth.

Franchises and overseas practices have built reputations on providing four-implant, full mouth restorations. Keep in mind that just because a clinic or dental office provides All-on-4® does not mean they have qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons providing care.

Who Benefits from All-on-4®?

Many different kinds of patients can fall into the category of needing implants. A person who is miserable with dentures or has a mouth of badly decayed or painful teeth, or a person with bone loss could all be great candidates for implant treatment.

As the dental industry has progressed, more and more people are looking to dental implants as the initial solution in contrast to dentures. Our surgeons have seen this transition over the years and have seen many patients benefit from the All-on-4® process. However, it’s important to note that there are even better dental implant procedure options out there.

We hear from many patients who have researched All-on-4® who tell us that they’ve been turned away by other surgeons due to insufficient bone. And many of these same patients will later leave our office with a restored smile, and a functional set of brand-new teeth.

New Teeth Now Provides Exceptional Care for Bone Loss Patients

A person’s oral health rarely follows hard and fast rules, especially once things get to the point where one of our oral surgeons will need to replace most or all of their teeth with implants.

While the New Teeth Now process will have the teeth prosthetic placed on as few as four implants, our oral surgeons will not limit treatment to this approach. In fact, it is very rare for us to rely on only four implants when anchoring to the upper jaw. When sufficient bone is available in the jaw, our surgeons often recommend at least six implants to secure a bridge. In cases of severe bone loss, they will likely recommend specialized zygomatic implants to further guarantee sufficient support for the upper bridge.

Zygomatic implants are specialized implants placed into the cheekbone. There are a select few surgeons in the world with the expertise to perform this type of surgery. Our surgeons at New Teeth Now are qualified and have been routinely performing the procedure with zygomatic implants for many years.

Why Are Six Implants Better than Four?

Our surgeons agree that having six implants is much more reliable than just four. With two additional implants securing each arch, the six-implant option provides our patients with a much stronger foundation to support their new teeth. This works especially well for patients with additional bone available to support the upper or lower arch. Each case requires careful considerations including the number of implants, the angle of each implant, and the type of implants and abutments most suitable to provide long-term support. The new terms All on 6 and All on X refer to the options that our doctors often use to treat their patients, as they also lead other dental professionals to take note of this approach.

All in One Day, All in One Location

New Teeth Now’s in-house lab is located within the same facility as our Lakeland office. Designing your smile is a guided discussion. Our restorative doctors are available throughout the process to help set expectations while we craft your custom smile with you. While you’re working out the details with the doctor, the restorative team is right across the hall hard at work designing custom teeth for you and our other patients.

Our Commitment to You

As an American-owned and operated business, the New Teeth Now process has been developed and refined by the same surgeons who guide our patients from consult date all the way to the day of surgery. Our surgeons are patient-first innovators devoted to providing only the highest quality of care.

To be able to smile comfortably and chew your food is such an important part of life. This is something people don’t realize until that one simple thing is taken away from them. We do care and we are committed to finding a functional, effective and safe treatment plan whenever possible. This is why our surgeons go to great lengths to find dental implant solutions for patients with severe bone loss and advanced periodontal disease.

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How to Clean Dental Implants

The Importance of Professional Cleanings

No matter how diligent you are in maintaining your dental implant cleaning regimen, you’ll still need to have professional cleanings from time to time. If you’re like most patients, you’ll need to seek professional cleaning every six months. Some patients–such as those who smoke–may require more frequent cleanings.

Maintaining the regular cleaning schedule recommended by your oral hygienist will ensure that any bacteria or plaque buildup is removed before it can cause damage or infection. Your hygienist will also check the condition of your gums and tissues surrounding your implants and alert you if any problems are developing.

At New Teeth Now, your professional cleaning will include removing your new teeth and soaking them in a special solution to remove stains and tartar from the replacement teeth.

Daily Living with Practically Carefree Full Mouth Dental Implants

One of the top reasons so many people choose dental implants instead of another type of tooth replacement is the many years of nearly carefree talking and chewing they’ll enjoy after a brief period of healing from their implant procedure. When it comes to routine care and cleaning, dental implants offer the ultimate level of convenience among restorative dental options.

What’s more, high-quality dental implants beautifully resemble natural teeth, creating an aesthetic that’s far superior to that of typical dentures. Full mouth dental implants also perform more like natural teeth. This translates into the freedom to laugh and smile spontaneously at any time of day, without having to worry whether dentures are properly in place.

If you’re considering full-mouth or single dental implants, or perhaps an implant-supported bridge, you’re smart to evaluate the many benefits that these appliances deliver. Imagine:

Following a long-term, no-hassle oral maintenance routine that’s similar to the one recommended for natural teeth, including twice-yearly professional cleanings

Avoiding the chore of removing your dentures daily and the potential embarrassment of a friend or family member seeing them soaking on your nightstand

Enjoying the ability to eat steak, nuts, cookies and virtually all of the foods you ate when your natural teeth were healthy

Having no worries that your artificial teeth will slip or permanently disrupt your speech when you’re chatting with colleagues or friends, the way dentures often do

Cleaning and Care: What to Expect with Dental Implants

When you opt for dental implants, your oral surgeon will provide you with specific care and cleaning instructions for the hours and days immediately following your procedure. You will also need to avoid certain foods and follow a special oral hygiene routine for a few weeks after your dental implants are in place. This will give your body time to heal and adjust to your new prosthesis while minimizing the risk of infection.

You can read the New Teeth Now “Dental Implant Care Guide” to learn more about post-operative strategies for the care and cleaning of your new implants. The information below relates to the long-term care and cleaning of your dental implants to maximize their longevity and the benefits you’ll enjoy on a day-to-day basis.

The Right Way to Clean Your New Teeth at Home

Just as with your natural teeth, you’ll brush your new teeth at least twice a day – usually after breakfast and before you go to bed. We recommend soft-bristle brushes to gently clean natural teeth, and this recommendation holds true for your new teeth. In fact, it’s even more important because, even though your new teeth are tough and sturdy, they can be scratched by abrasive bristles and over-zealous brushing.

Are you accustomed to using an electric oscillating, rotating or sonic toothbrush? Good for you, as this tool has proven effective at plaque removal and may be superior to traditional toothbrushes when it comes to stimulating blood circulation that helps keep gums healthy.

However, for the first few weeks after your dental implant procedure, you’ll want to use a manual toothbrush until your dental professional advises you that the implant site has healed and it’s safe to use an electric toothbrush.

Beyond the Toothbrush: More Tools to Consider

Brushing your new teeth twice a day is only step one in the ideal oral hygiene regimen. Two additional tools will round out your dental implant care kit: a water flossing machine and an interdental or proximal brush.

A water flosser is the ideal way to wash away small food particles that can collect in the space between the bridge and the gums of your dental implants. Water flossing has also been proven highly effective at removing plaque between crowns. In fact, many dental professionals recommend flossing with water daily to clean natural teeth.

However, using a water flossing machine can be messy and take some getting used to. An interdental brush is another valuable tool that’s specially designed to clean beneath the bridge, and it may better suit your teeth cleaning needs when you’re away from home. This small brush is available in different sizes. Your dental care provider can recommend the best one for you.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’d like more information about New Teeth Now and our approach to dental implants, contact us today. Our board-certified oral surgeons have helped many patient–even those with bone loss–enjoy the benefits of full mouth dental implants. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer your questions and schedule a consultation for you.

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The Highest-Quality Alternative to Dentures

In a nutshell, dentures are the cheap, low-quality alternative to full-mouth dental implants provided by a New Teeth Now oral surgeon. 

Many people recognize that dentures typically aren’t the best replacements for missing teeth. Dentures are notorious for slipping out of place, fitting poorly, and even causing mouth sores and gagging sensations. However, some of the alternatives aren’t much better. This is why people specifically look for high-end alternatives to dentures rather than just any substitute. 

Here we’ll discuss some of the tooth replacement options besides dentures, starting with high-end alternatives like dental implants and why they deliver superior results. 

Evaluating the Benefits of Denture Alternatives 

Not all denture alternatives offer the same benefits, even when they’re in the “high-end” price range. That’s why it’s important to consider what you’re getting for the price instead of assuming that paying a lot will lead to the perfect choice. Dental implants are the true high-end alternative, which is why we specialize in perfecting them through the New Teeth Now procedure. Here are some of the benefits of high-end alternatives to dentures: 

Functionality   

Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants function like natural teeth. They’re not designed purely for cosmetic improvement but to help you chew and maintain oral health without the inconveniences of dentures or temporary fixes. Among the many benefits that come with dental implants are fewer dietary restrictions. Our implant patients can enjoy anything they would be able to eat with natural teeth. Dentures cannot offer this! 

Appearance 

Although their primary purpose is to replace missing teeth, dental implants also provide a cosmetic benefit: They look much more realistic than dentures and are often mistaken for a natural smile. In fact, some patients may request that minor flaws be added to make their implants look more natural. Additionally, implants can help stop bone loss. As a result, they can prevent sunken or sagging facial features from becoming worse due to bone loss. 

Compatibility 

Dental implants are relatively easy on your existing teeth. They don’t put extra strain on surrounding natural teeth. They’re also easier to care for than dentures or other alternatives, as they require fewer trips to the dentist. Typically, implants need to be professionally cleaned only once or twice a year, just as natural teeth do. 

Customization  

Dental implants are also a fantastic option to fit the widest variety of oral health situations. They are the gold standard for tooth replacement and are great for patients who are missing one tooth or several, or who need the full-mouth implant we offer at New Teeth Now. 

Longevity and Value  

While dental implants are considered a high-end option, they are stronger and last much longer than dentures or other alternatives. This makes them a cost-effective option, as they typically last for a patient’s lifetime without requiring any sort of replacement or refitting. 

Enhanced Quality of Life 

With dental implants, patients experience higher confidence as they rediscover how to smile easily and freely again. Some have even attributed rejuvenated love lives to their dental implants! 

What Are Some Other Alternatives to Dentures? 

While not the highest-quality alternatives to dentures, there are other procedures that can help you maintain your smile before needing full extractions. These have benefits over dentures but lack the quality and lasting value of dental implants. You may hear about options such as: 

Overdentures – If you have teeth left, and they’re in the right places, they can be used to secure an overdenture. The benefit is that the appliance won’t slip around like a traditional denture; however, the natural teeth may fail prematurely because overdentures put a lot of excess strain on them, despite any crowning. As with bridges, the quality of the crowns used for the appliance and on the natural teeth can greatly affect the expense. 

Dental bridges – These devices can be used to replace one or a few teeth. They are supported by adjacent natural teeth, which must be crowned. The crowns for these teeth can sometimes be made of high-end materials that are cosmetically superior. Fancy crowns can make your bridge much more expensive than a bridge crafted from lower-quality options, but functionally, it will be no different. Another important consideration is that a dental bridge that does not have implant support requires the patient to sacrifice healthy surrounding teeth to support the bridge. This also will not protect the jaw from bone loss and can lead to unexpected complications. 

What to Expect with High-End Alternatives to Dentures 

Dentures have palate coverage while dental implant arches do not.

Unlike dentures, bridges, and overdentures, implants don’t just sit above your gums. Instead, titanium posts are implanted in your jaw, and these support the visible crowns. This technique provides several benefits: 

Chewing forces are transmitted to your jawbone. This preserves the mass, shape, and strength of the bone. One benefit of this is that the problem of the fit changing is eliminated. You also won’t end up with the sunken chin and upper lip that often develops in long-term denture wearers. 

You won’t feel permanent implant dentures “sloshing around” in your mouth. Your speech will be crisp and clear. You’ll also be more comfortable. 

You have more choices. You can go with permanent implant crowns, which you care for much like real teeth but clean more like dentures. These options make it easy to keep your new teeth clean, even if you have dexterity challenges. 

Once your implants have healed, your dental replacement will be almost fuss-free. Other than cleaning, implants require very little maintenance. There’s no relining and refitting, and implants don’t move unless you want to move them. If you get the permanent kind, they won’t move at all – they’ll be cemented to their posts, much like a regular crown is cemented to its tooth. 

Implant crowns look natural. None of the implant hardware is visible once the installation is complete. What you’ll see in the mirror is a row (or two rows, if you have both arches done) of disease-free, natural-looking teeth. You can even get perfect-looking teeth if you want to, but most people go for a realistic look so it isn’t obvious to others that work was done. 

Dental Implants Are an Investment 

Implants are the largest investment for tooth replacement, making them high-end by definition. These denture alternatives require surgical procedures, meaning you need a skilled oral surgeon for the best results. However, they bring many extra benefits compared to dentures, bridges, and even overdentures.  

The biggest advantage is that if you haven’t had extractions yet, then you can have any problem teeth pulled while under general anesthesia. For dentures, patients normally are awake during any necessary extractions, which can be a very uncomfortable experience.  

In addition, dental implants preserve your jawbone integrity. Only implants can preserve your jaw and avoid a sunken appearance associated with toothlessness. 

The Best Alternative for Full-Mouth Teeth Replacement 

A dental implant is the ideal solution, no matter how many teeth need replacement. However, implants are especially beneficial for patients who have few viable teeth remaining in their dental arch. In many cases, it just makes sense to remove the remaining natural teeth to make way for a beautiful, new set of implants. Patients who need extractions as part of their full-mouth dental implant procedure benefit from the use of general anesthesia when they turn to the highly qualified oral surgeons at New Teeth Now. 

Former Denture Wearers Are Thrilled with New Teeth Now 

Our patients who used to wear dentures share with us all the time that they are happier with New Teeth Now. After being freed from the discomfort and hassle of dentures, they are overjoyed. Now, they no longer deal with ineffective denture adhesives, poor fit, or new bone loss. Instead, they have a set of replacement teeth that are the closest thing to natural teeth available! 

Set Up a Consultation for Dental Implants 

Here at New Teeth Now, we specialize in improving the lives of patients who are sick and tired of wearing dentures. We can handle routine and challenging cases, and our surgeons have the expertise to offer implant solutions to patients who have been turned away by other specialists. Call us today to request your treatment plan! 

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Do You Really Receive New Teeth on the Same Day?

Yes! On the day of the New Teeth Now procedure, patients go home with new teeth and a new smile.

New Teeth Now is a sophisticated process designed by the best board-certified oral surgeons in the world. Our surgeons truly have the patient’s best interests at heart. It’s important to understand what the “Now” in New Teeth Now truly means. So, let’s hear what our very own board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. David Kirkpatrick, has to say about it.

When Will You Receive Final Teeth Following Your Full Mouth Dental Implant Procedure?

Undergoing a full mouth dental implant procedure is a significant life decision to restore not just the functionality of your bite but also your confidence in your smile. The journey to discovering your new smile is not one that you will take alone. You deserve to have a team of experts who put your interest first at your side. The timing for receiving your final teeth is important, and it shouldn’t be rushed. Here’s why rushing into final teeth too soon can be detrimental to the outcome of dental implants:

Understanding the Healing Process for Same Day Dental Implants

The post-surgery healing process is crucial for the success of dental implants. Your bone needs time to recover and fuse with your new implants. This healing process takes several months. During the healing period, your gums can undergo significant change. Immediately following the implant procedure, your gums will typically be swollen. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process, and your gums shrink to a different level as they heal. The natural shrinkage that occurs during healing is unavoidable. You are refitted for final teeth after healing is complete, ensuring that your new teeth fit properly.

Skipping the healing phase, is not in your best interest. Expediting the placement of final teeth ignores the time required for critical biological processes and risks a less-than-optimal fit between your gums and the new teeth. Impatience on the part of a dentist or surgeon can lead to discomfort and even additional costs down the line.

The Waiting Period: A Necessary Phase

Contrary to the approaches of some clinics that may offer immediate placement of final teeth — sometimes as soon as 24 hours after surgery — reputable dental centers advocate for a waiting period of five to six months. At New Teeth Now, this interval is not because we want you to have to wait but to ensure that your implants and gums have sufficiently stabilized to support the final teeth.

During this waiting period, temporary teeth or bridges are provided to ensure you are not without teeth. These temporaries accommodate the initial changes your mouth undergoes post-surgery, including the crucial gum shrinkage.

Many of our patients wish they had done the procedure sooner. It was worth the end result!

The Value of Precision

Once the gums have healed, precise measurements can be taken to create final teeth that fit your healthy gum tissue. This means no unnecessary gaps that could cause severe speech issues or discomfort. The keyword here is “unnecessary” as there will still be a small gap for functional purposes. If you have a question about the fit of your new teeth, our team will be available throughout the process to answer questions and address your concerns. Our approach ensures that your final teeth not only look natural but feel comfortable and function as close to the real thing as possible.

Think of New Teeth Now as the high-end, tailored option, whereas other clinics offer All-on-4® as a big-box-store solution. Do you really want to entrust the quality of your smile and your health to retail medical services?

The Risk of Rushing

Those clinics that rush the process, placing final teeth before the mouth has fully healed, often leave patients facing avoidable risks and additional costs. As gums shrink and spaces emerge between the bridge and gum line, these patients find themselves returning for adjustments and new bridges, incurring more expenses, discomfort and long-term challenges.

“Thanks to New Teeth Now, I have 100% confidence in talking to people and meeting new people. I couldn’t be happier.”

– Kim, The Villages, FL

Choosing the Right Clinic

Seeking immediate results is understandable, but the journey toward a perfect smile with a full mouth dental implant procedure is a rewarding one. New Teeth Now prioritizes the needs of our patients, which means doing things right the first time. Our approach ensures a better fit, better functionality and a design that lasts.

During the healing period, our in-house lab will take this time to carefully craft your final teeth from zirconia, the strongest prosthetic material available, ensuring a fit that’s not only precise but long lasting. Once your final teeth are in place, you have a future of brighter, healthier smiles to look forward to.

Trust in the process and choose a path with a more satisfying journey and a positive outcome. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at New Teeth Now are eager to share more about our unique process. Contact us today to embark on your journey to a perfect smile.

The post Do You Really Receive New Teeth on the Same Day? appeared first on New Teeth Now.

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The Best Sedation for Dental Implant Patients

The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure. Patients rightfully wonder how a dentist or oral surgeon can help with pain and anxiety during implant placement. Fortunately, there are several types of anesthesia for dental implants available to keep patients comfortable during dental procedures. Here at New Teeth Now, we offer general anesthesia to our full-mouth dental implant patients to truly make the implant experience as comfortable and easy as possible. 

Are You ‘Put Under’ for Dental Implants? 

In some cases, yes. If you’re getting multiple implants or you have anxiety about the procedure, some oral surgeons can offer general anesthesia. While under this type of anesthesia, you’ll be completely asleep and will feel no pain.  

During the New Teeth Now procedure, any extractions will take place while you’re asleep, meaning you won’t have to experience them. When you wake up, the implants will already be placed, and you’ll have no memory of the procedure. 
 
Ultimately, the use of general anesthesia for dental implants depends on what kind of dental implants you need and, most importantly, the credentials of your doctor. An oral surgeon who has the required training and certification is authorized to administer general anesthesia while a family dentist is not. 

What Anesthesia Options Are Available? 

The two anesthesia options available for dental implants are IV sedation and general anesthesia. In addition, numbing injections are common, especially for those getting just one or two implants. Nitrous oxide – commonly known as “laughing gas” – is often added to control mild anxiety. 

Twilight Sleep/IV Sedation 

There’s a reason IV sedation is referred to as twilight sleep. During this form of anesthesia,  patients remain conscious but unaware. They can obey commands from the dentist but will experience no anxiety and remember little to none of the procedure once the drug wears off. A local anesthetic is used to block the actual pain. When a dentist performs a full-mouth procedure, for example, this is the only method they are licensed to offer. 

General Anesthesia 

General anesthesia is the best choice for dental implant patients, but it’s not available at a dentist’s office. It can be administered only in a surgeon’s office. At New Teeth Now, a full team of anesthetists prepares the patient and monitors their vitals throughout the procedure.  

Patients under general anesthesia neither experience nor remember anything from their procedure. It is much like being in an extra deep, dreamless sleep. Only oral surgeons can provide this option, which is typically selected for patients getting multiple implants or bone grafts. Your oral surgeon may also choose general anesthesia for your procedure if you’re likely to suffer from extreme anxiety.

Can Any Dentist Administer General Anesthesia? 

No, regular dentists are limited to providing local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and in some areas, IV sedation. Only an oral surgeon is allowed to provide true general anesthesia. Learn more about the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon.

When to Choose General Anesthesia for Dental Implants 

The use of general anesthesia for full-mouth dental implants provides a number of benefits compared to IV sedation. Here are a few reasons that make general anesthesia the superior option for this complex procedure: 

Patient comfort – After the procedure, you’ll appreciate how general anesthesia for dental implants makes it seem like they were all done in an instant. You won’t have to feel someone doing things inside your mouth at all, let alone for hours. 

Physical and psychological health – General anesthesia provides a valuable solution to alleviate psychological stress by ensuring you remain asleep throughout the entire procedure. When under general anesthesia, you are intubated and your airways are kept clear of surgical obstruction or drainage. Contrast this to IV sedation, during which drainage could be swallowed and cause choking. Another benefit of general anesthesia is that the patient is not aware of the sights, sounds, or sensations associated with surgery, so the patient does not come away feeling the trauma associated with other dental procedures.  

Efficiency – With general anesthesia, patients are fully asleep and unresponsive, making procedures quicker and easier for the surgeon and patient alike.   

Safety – General anesthesia is not only more comfortable and convenient, but it makes lengthy procedures, such as zygomatic implants, much safer.  

Is General Anesthesia Safe for Older Patients? 

Yes! General anesthesia is a safe option for older patients getting dental implants. At New Teeth Now, our team will review your medical history to make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure. This option is very common for older patients visiting our office, and we would never perform the procedure if we felt it weren’t in the best interest of the patient. 

What Do Patients Think of Anesthesia? 

According to one study, dentist-phobic patients had a 100% satisfaction rate after receiving general anesthesia during dental implant placement. The patients in this study were unlikely to get the recommended treatment under other conditions. 

Is There Pain After Dental Implantation with General Anesthesia? 

You may experience relatively mild pain once you wake up. This can be well-controlled by pain medication. For the first few days, you may be given a prescription. After that, over-the-counter pain pills should be sufficient. 

Will Implant Placement Be Complete When You Wake Up? 

There are a variety of methods used for placing implants. Most of them require multiple sessions between the start of the process and the final placement of the implant crown(s). If your dentist uses one of these methods, then no, you will not wake up with your implants completely ready.  

One type of implant process promises to give you a new smile in one day, and it’s one of the top reasons we’ve treated thousands of satisfied patients at New Teeth Now. With New Teeth Now, you will go home the same day with new teeth! There’s no waiting for bone grafting to heal or crowns to be fitted. You will wake up and shortly afterward, your new teeth will be fitted to your implants. And with general anesthesia for your dental implant procedure, you can feel confident that you’re in the best hands, the hands of an experienced oral surgeon. 

Interested in Dental Implants Using General Anesthesia? 

If having your full-mouth dental implant procedure performed under general anesthesia sounds like the perfect solution for you, contact New Teeth Now to schedule a consultation

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