Receiving dental implants is a multi-step process. Given the longevity and expense of the treatment, there are a number of factors to consider before undergoing treatment. In particular, researching implant dentists and finding the best dental professional to perform your procedure is a critical part of preparing for this treatment. Consider the following factors when looking for your implant dentist.
What is the Dentist’s Training?
Placing the implant and loading the restoration requires special training beyond general dental education. Additionally, depending on the condition of the smile, certain patients may require preliminary procedures to prepare the tissue and jaw bone for implant placement. As a result, not all general dentists may have the tools or training required to successfully place or load dental implants. On the other hand, oral surgeons and periodontists are well versed in the anatomy of the jaw and have undergone extensive training in implant placement, restoration loading, and jaw bone treatments.
Is a Referral Necessary?
Some implant dentists welcome patients without a referral. Others work in partnership with a group of fellow dental professionals to provide advanced implant and surgical services for their patients. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we accept referrals as well as independent appointments.
What are My Payment Options?
Knowing how to pay for upcoming dental implants is just as important as knowing where you’ll be receiving your dental implants. While dental implants offer patients a permanent restoration option, the initial placement and restoration is often more expensive than traditional dentures or bridges. As dental insurance may not fully cover this treatment, determining your payment options is especially important. While some practices may recommend third party financing, others are willing to work with patients to create a monthly payment plan.
What are the Available Treatments?
Each patients’ implant treatment is unique according to their oral health and functional needs. As a result, while some patients may require bone grafting or full arch implants, others may be looking for full mouth restoration options. With this in mind, search for an implant dentist who has helped restore smiles similar to yours and who offers the preliminary treatments your smile needs. Not only does this ensure consistent care, but it can also help drive down the overall cost of care.
What are the Sedation Options?
Patient comfort during treatment makes up an important part of their overall treatment experience. While implant placement is an outpatient procedure and local anesthetic is used to numb the area, some patient prefer to enhance their procedure with dental sedation. For improved patient comfort during implant placement as well as preliminary surgical procedures, Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery offers a wide range of sedation options, ranging from intravenous sedation to full general anesthesia.
The process of searching for an implant dentist can be lengthy and requires doing your research. If you have questions or concerns about the implant process, contact Dr. Snehal Patel of Lorton Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery. We welcome patients from throughout Northern Virginia and the metro Washington D.C. region.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Monday, May 2, 2016
Which is Best for My
Smile? Hybrid Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
Missing multiple teeth or an entire arch can have a number
of lasting health, cosmetic, and functional consequences. While dentures and
partials offer a temporary solution for replacing multiple missing teeth, the
long-term consequences of these treatments often do more harm than good to a
smile. As a result, dental implant-supported restorations have become the ideal
solution for improving overall dental health.
Versatile, life-like, and permanent, dental implants can be
used to support a range of full arch restorations. For patients seeking to
replace entire arches of teeth, both hybrid dentures and implant-supported
dentures offer an ideal solution. While similar, there are unique differences
between these treatments, making each ideal for different patients.
Implant-Supported
Dentures
Implant-supported dentures consist of a full denture
supported by a series of strategically placed dental implants. While commonly
worn on the bottom arch, implant-supported dentures can also be used to
stabilize dentures on the upper arch.
Implant-supported dentures are often a more effective method
for patients missing the majority of their teeth in an arch, than traditional
restorations. As this treatment relies on implants to support the overdenture,
patients do not risk bone resorption or deterioration that often comes with
traditional non-implant restorations, thus eliminating the need for extensive
jaw restoration in the future. For patients with existing dentures, adaptations
can be made to the prosthetic for simple treatment transition.
Fixed Hybrid Dentures
Unlike implant-supported dentures, hybrid dentures are fixed
restorations supported by four to six implants. Whereas implant-supported
dentures consist of a complete denture, including acrylic gum replacement,
hybrid dentures consist of prosthetic teeth only.
The shape of hybrid dentures provides patients with a number
of advantages. As this restoration does not include acrylic gum tissue, hybrid
dentures do not look or feel bulky. With hybrid dentures, the palate is left
unobstructed, allowing patients to enjoy their food. As the replacement teeth
are fixed to implants, patients do not have to worry about bits of food
becoming trapped between the gums and prosthetic and are able to bite and chew
with the stability of natural teeth.
Restore Your Smile
Today
With offices conveniently located in Lorton and Springfield,
Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery makes it easy to regain
confidence in your smile following multiple tooth loss. At our state-of-the-art
oral surgery practice in Northern Virginia, our team will help you determine
which implant-supported restoration will most efficiently address your dental
health and function needs. For more information about implant options available
at our practice, contact our oral surgery team today.
Dental Care Post-Radiation
If you suffer from oral cancer or have recently gone into
remission, odds are that you have been through some kind of radiation
treatment. Though radiation treatment is not used for all types or stages of
oral cancer, it is a commonly prescribed treatment that is often successful.
Unfortunately, radiation therapy can exacerbate any health
conditions of your jaw, teeth, and tissue. It can also lead to a number of
other problems such as inflammation of mucous membranes, infection, permanent
dry mouth, cavities, consistent toothache, increased potential for tooth decay,
and weakening of the jawbone. Radiation can also make it more difficult for you
to taste, swallow, eat, or speak.
Throughout your oral cancer treatment, our Northern VA oral
surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel works closely with your healthcare team and general
dentist to ensure your oral health is protected throughout the process. Prior
to undergoing radiation therapy, we determine whether advanced procedures will
be needed in order to prepare the smile for post-radiation treatments.
Impressions of your smile will also be taken to create your future restoration
once treatment is complete.
Post-Cancer
Restoration Options
At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery,
implant supported restorations and jaw reinforcement treatments are just a few
of the services we offer for improving your smile following radiation therapy.
Dental implants
are excellent options for those seeking an alternative to dentures following
cancer therapy. Implants are secured to the jaw bone to stabilize prosthetic
teeth, providing patients with lifelike replacement teeth. As prosthetics of
varying sizes can be secured to dental implants, this treatment is a versatile
option for patients with diverse tooth replacement needs.
Jaw reinforcement
treatments, such as bone grafting and ridge modification, may also be
necessary. Bone grafting is a surgical
procedure in which donated bone is attached (grafted) to the missing area, thus
reinforcing the strength of the jaw. Similarly, ridge modification corrects
bone abnormalities by filling deficient or uneven sections of the jaw with a
bone-like substance. Both treatments are critical to restoring health to the
jaw bone and are often included as part of the dental implant process for
patients recovering from oral cancer.
Restoring Your Smile
in Lorton and Springfield
At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery,
our mission is to provide patients with lasting dental solutions that enhance
their quality of life following oral cancer. For more information about
restoring your smile following radiation therapy, contact Dr. Patel and his team today.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Treating Oral Cancer
Affecting countless individuals annually, oral cancer refers to any kind of cell mutation or persistent growth in the mouth, including the roof, floor, sinuses, throat, and tongue. When it comes to treating oral cancer, early detection is particularly crucial. Through proactive screenings and biopsies conducted throughout the year, dentists can identify potential oral cancer warning signs early, which improves a patient’s chances of successful treatment and remission.
How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
Dentists are the first line of defense against oral cancer, as their specialized training in the health of the whole mouth can make it easier for them to spot symptoms of the disease. The screening process begins with a thorough exam of the mouth, nasopharynx, and larynx. The appearance of the tissue will also be examined for any lumps, sores, or discolorations that may be indicative of malignant growths. Finally, in-depth diagnostic images will be taken in order to monitor changes and identify any unusual growths.
If any suspicious lumps are uncovered, a biopsy will be performed and sent for analysis. After a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be developed jointly by a team of medical and dental professions. Together, your oral surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy oncologists, dentists, nutritionists, and restoration dentists will create a treatment plan specific to your health needs and your specific cancer. Generally, this will include a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, which treatment or combination you receive is determined by how far your particular cancer has progressed.
How Do Oral Cancer Treatments Affect Dental Health?
Because radiation and other oral cancer treatments can negatively impact other dental health concerns, it is important that any potential oral conditions be addressed prior to undergoing radiation therapy. Your long-term remission plan often includes treatments for dental problems such as periodontal disease, caries, cavities, and decaying teeth. Tackling these issues prior to chemotherapy can reduce the chances of developing osteonecrosis, or damage of the jaw bone. Such jaw damage can make treating dental conditions difficult after you’ve completed cancer treatment.
Restoring Your Smile after Oral Cancer
At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we want to ensure your cancer treatment is as successful as possible and that your post-treatment dental health is of the best possible quality. Our oral surgeon offers a wide range of pre- and post-radiation treatments and have extensive experience partnering with other team members as a qualified and dedicated member of your cancer care team.
We offer prior-to-treatment tooth extraction, which can minimize complications brought on by unhealthy teeth. For certain cancers, oral surgery is recommended to remove the mass. We offer this service, as well as bone grafting to restore jaw bones to a healthy status. After treatment, we provide dental implants and implant supported restorations that can bring back your beautiful smile and enable you to eat and speak without pain. To learn more about these pre- and post- radiation dental treatments, contact your nearest location today.
How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
Dentists are the first line of defense against oral cancer, as their specialized training in the health of the whole mouth can make it easier for them to spot symptoms of the disease. The screening process begins with a thorough exam of the mouth, nasopharynx, and larynx. The appearance of the tissue will also be examined for any lumps, sores, or discolorations that may be indicative of malignant growths. Finally, in-depth diagnostic images will be taken in order to monitor changes and identify any unusual growths.
If any suspicious lumps are uncovered, a biopsy will be performed and sent for analysis. After a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be developed jointly by a team of medical and dental professions. Together, your oral surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy oncologists, dentists, nutritionists, and restoration dentists will create a treatment plan specific to your health needs and your specific cancer. Generally, this will include a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, which treatment or combination you receive is determined by how far your particular cancer has progressed.
How Do Oral Cancer Treatments Affect Dental Health?
Because radiation and other oral cancer treatments can negatively impact other dental health concerns, it is important that any potential oral conditions be addressed prior to undergoing radiation therapy. Your long-term remission plan often includes treatments for dental problems such as periodontal disease, caries, cavities, and decaying teeth. Tackling these issues prior to chemotherapy can reduce the chances of developing osteonecrosis, or damage of the jaw bone. Such jaw damage can make treating dental conditions difficult after you’ve completed cancer treatment.
Restoring Your Smile after Oral Cancer
At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we want to ensure your cancer treatment is as successful as possible and that your post-treatment dental health is of the best possible quality. Our oral surgeon offers a wide range of pre- and post-radiation treatments and have extensive experience partnering with other team members as a qualified and dedicated member of your cancer care team.
We offer prior-to-treatment tooth extraction, which can minimize complications brought on by unhealthy teeth. For certain cancers, oral surgery is recommended to remove the mass. We offer this service, as well as bone grafting to restore jaw bones to a healthy status. After treatment, we provide dental implants and implant supported restorations that can bring back your beautiful smile and enable you to eat and speak without pain. To learn more about these pre- and post- radiation dental treatments, contact your nearest location today.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Understanding Oral Cancer
Like other types of cancer, oral cancer occurs when cells in your mouth mutate or change, resulting in a growth that doesn’t go away. Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof, floor, sinuses, or throat, but it is most often found on the tongue or mouth floor. Chewing tobacco users are more susceptible to oral cancer that occurs between the lip/cheek and soft tissue of the lower jaw because this is where the tobacco typically has the most contact with the mouth.
Causes and Risk Factors
Doctors, dentists, and scientists don’t know exactly what causes mouth cells to mutate, forming oral cancer, but they have identified a number of risk factors that describe indicate who may be at risk.
Tobacco use has been directly linked to oral cancer; those who smoke are six times more likely to develop the disease, and those who use chewing tobacco are 50 times more likely to receive a diagnosis. Excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are also risk factors.
Certain populations, such as adults over the age of 40, men, and those with a family history of cancer, are also more likely to develop the disease, though scientists haven’t determined whether these demographics themselves are risk factors or if people in these groups are simply more likely to have other risk factors counting against them.
Is Oral Cancer Common?
Though oral cancer isn’t often in the media, it is actually more common than Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and many other cancers that are often the subject of news reports and public service announcements. In 2014, over 40,000 people were diagnosed with oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, that number is expected to leap by 10,000 to 50,000 this year for 2016 oral cancer diagnoses.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Much of the high mortality rate associated with oral cancers can be attributed to the high frequency of late stage diagnoses. As this form of cancer exhibits few symptoms during its early stages, patients are often unaware that they have cancer until the condition has spread to other parts of the body, making treatment and remission more difficult to attain.
With this in mind, preventive screenings and biopsies are critical components to early detection and proactive oral cancer treatment. In Lorton and Springfield, oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel works closely with local dental oncologists and dentists to develop post-radiation treatment solutions, helping patients retain their oral function through restorative oral surgery. For more information about these procedures, contact your nearest location today.
Causes and Risk Factors
Doctors, dentists, and scientists don’t know exactly what causes mouth cells to mutate, forming oral cancer, but they have identified a number of risk factors that describe indicate who may be at risk.
Tobacco use has been directly linked to oral cancer; those who smoke are six times more likely to develop the disease, and those who use chewing tobacco are 50 times more likely to receive a diagnosis. Excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are also risk factors.
Certain populations, such as adults over the age of 40, men, and those with a family history of cancer, are also more likely to develop the disease, though scientists haven’t determined whether these demographics themselves are risk factors or if people in these groups are simply more likely to have other risk factors counting against them.
Is Oral Cancer Common?
Though oral cancer isn’t often in the media, it is actually more common than Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and many other cancers that are often the subject of news reports and public service announcements. In 2014, over 40,000 people were diagnosed with oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, that number is expected to leap by 10,000 to 50,000 this year for 2016 oral cancer diagnoses.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Much of the high mortality rate associated with oral cancers can be attributed to the high frequency of late stage diagnoses. As this form of cancer exhibits few symptoms during its early stages, patients are often unaware that they have cancer until the condition has spread to other parts of the body, making treatment and remission more difficult to attain.
With this in mind, preventive screenings and biopsies are critical components to early detection and proactive oral cancer treatment. In Lorton and Springfield, oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel works closely with local dental oncologists and dentists to develop post-radiation treatment solutions, helping patients retain their oral function through restorative oral surgery. For more information about these procedures, contact your nearest location today.
Monday, April 11, 2016
What is a Root Canal?
If you panic whenever you hear the word “root canal,” you’re not alone. However, root canals are common procedures that can make a positive impact on your oral health and overall well-being. Once you know the facts about root canals, you’ll see that they are safe and effective solutions to a number of dental health problems.
When is a Root Canal Necessary?
When a tooth has become infected and begins to decay, your dentist might recommend a root canal, a procedure in which the inner pulp and root of a tooth are removed to prevent further spread of the infection.
Internal tooth decay can occur when a weakness in the tooth’s structure, such as a cavity or crack, exposes the inner pulp chamber to bacteria. The most common symptom of internal tooth decay is tooth pain or sensitivity when exposed to changing temperatures. Tooth discoloration and bumps on the gums can also be signs of internal infection. If left untreated, an infected tooth can cause abscesses, or painful lumps filled with pus, and cause bacteria to spread to other parts of the body, such as the face, neck or head.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common procedure during which general dentists remove the infected nerve and pulp from inside the tooth, clean and sterilize the inner chamber, then seal the tooth and cover it with a restoration.
Although the saying “about as much fun as a root canal” has permeated American culture, the reality is much different - the root canal process is similar to having a cavity filled, and doesn’t typically cause much discomfort or any pain. Typically, the root canal procedure is a quick, outpatient process that is performed in a general dentist’s office.
In some instances, however, more comprehensive treatment is needed to completely remove infected tissue. Known as apical surgery, this includes the removal of part of the root. In the event the bone has been severely damaged as a result of tooth abscess, bone grafting and other surgical treatments may be the best solution to restoring comprehensive oral function and health.
How is the Tooth Restored?
Traditionally, crowns are used to restore teeth following root canal therapies. However, if you frequently require root canal retreatment or have experienced serious damage as a result of an abscess, dental implants may offer a more comprehensive restorative solution. As implants are embedded into the jaw, they help to reinforce jaw strength as well as stimulate healthy bone regeneration which is critical for patients with compromised bone structure. Similarly, implants leave patients with a natural replacement tooth that is impermeable to future reinfection.
At Lorton – Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our Lorton and Springfield locations offer comprehensive bone grafting and dental implant solutions for patients recovering from serious tooth infection. For more information about these procedures, contact your nearest location today.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Understanding the Dental Implant Treatment Process
Compared to traditional restorations like partials, full dentures, and bridges, dental implants and implant-based restorative treatments offer an innovative solution to replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. However, the longevity of this treatment is based on the success of each stage of the implant process. These unique phases include:
Planning
During this stage, advanced diagnostic tools are used to provide our dentist with an in-depth look at the condition of a patient’s smile. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, cone beam digital imaging is used to generate three-dimensional models of the patient’s mouth and jaw bone. Not only do these tools allow our dentist to determine whether a patient is an ideal candidate for dental implants, but they also provide our oral surgeon with the means to plan the strategic placement of the implants.
For patients requiring preliminary treatment to strengthen the jaw bone prior to the placement of dental implants, cone beam imaging helps Dr. Patel to pinpoint areas of bone deterioration and incorporate necessary pre-treatments into the larger implant procedure to ensure long-term success.
Placement & Recovery
Once any preliminary bone grafting or ridge augmentation procedures have been completed, Northern Virginia oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel uses computer-guided surgery to precisely embed the implant into jaw bone. To help patients remain comfortable during this surgical procedure, our team offers several different sedation options.
During the recovery phase following implant placement, the implant and bone slowly merge, known osseointegration. The successful completion of this naturally-occurring phenomenon helps the implant become an integral part of the dentition. Over the course of recovery, patients visit our Lorton and Springfield practices to ensuring successful healing and integration.
Restoration
Towards the end of the recovery phase, visits to our oral surgery practices also include creation of the restoration. Depending on your oral health needs, the prosthetic you receive may range from a single porcelain crown to comprehensive arch replacement with a hybrid denture or implant-supported overdentures.
Schedule your Implant Consultation Today
Dr. Patel and his team are dedicated to helping patients find the right solution for their dental needs. With offices located in Springfield, VA and Lorton, VA, Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery offers diverse implant-based treatments tailored to meet your goals. We welcome new patients are well as referrals. To learn more about the long-term benefits of this restorative treatment plan, contact our oral surgeon today.
Planning
During this stage, advanced diagnostic tools are used to provide our dentist with an in-depth look at the condition of a patient’s smile. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, cone beam digital imaging is used to generate three-dimensional models of the patient’s mouth and jaw bone. Not only do these tools allow our dentist to determine whether a patient is an ideal candidate for dental implants, but they also provide our oral surgeon with the means to plan the strategic placement of the implants.
For patients requiring preliminary treatment to strengthen the jaw bone prior to the placement of dental implants, cone beam imaging helps Dr. Patel to pinpoint areas of bone deterioration and incorporate necessary pre-treatments into the larger implant procedure to ensure long-term success.
Placement & Recovery
Once any preliminary bone grafting or ridge augmentation procedures have been completed, Northern Virginia oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel uses computer-guided surgery to precisely embed the implant into jaw bone. To help patients remain comfortable during this surgical procedure, our team offers several different sedation options.
During the recovery phase following implant placement, the implant and bone slowly merge, known osseointegration. The successful completion of this naturally-occurring phenomenon helps the implant become an integral part of the dentition. Over the course of recovery, patients visit our Lorton and Springfield practices to ensuring successful healing and integration.
Restoration
Towards the end of the recovery phase, visits to our oral surgery practices also include creation of the restoration. Depending on your oral health needs, the prosthetic you receive may range from a single porcelain crown to comprehensive arch replacement with a hybrid denture or implant-supported overdentures.
Schedule your Implant Consultation Today
Dr. Patel and his team are dedicated to helping patients find the right solution for their dental needs. With offices located in Springfield, VA and Lorton, VA, Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery offers diverse implant-based treatments tailored to meet your goals. We welcome new patients are well as referrals. To learn more about the long-term benefits of this restorative treatment plan, contact our oral surgeon today.
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