Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Glendale, AZ
Below is a list of some of the questions our patients most frequently ask. If you have a question that isn't answered below, feel free to give us a call and our team at Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will be happy to assist you.
All About Dental Implants
Are implants the right decision for me?
Are implants or bridges a better choice?
Can implants be used to restore multiple teeth?
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Are implants expensive?
How long do implants last?
What if I do not have enough bone in my jaw for implants?
When an implant is surgically placed, how long until I get my new tooth?
How can I get a full set of teeth in one day?
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Other Common Questions
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
What Sedation Options Are Available?
What can I do about bad breath?
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Answers to FAQ
Are implants the right decision for me?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement options that allow you to eat and speak as you did before you experienced tooth loss. They can be used to support single tooth or multiple tooth restorations. Benefits include:
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They integrate into the jaw bone, allowing you to use them to eat any food you desire.
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They will never decay.
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Dental implants look, feel, and act just like real teeth, allowing you to get on with life! |
Are implants or bridges a better choice?
There was a time when dental bridges were the best that dentistry had to offer regarding permanent tooth replacement. The problem with traditional dental bridges is that it required sacrificing two healthy teeth to support a bridge. Now we can support dental bridges with dental implants, allowing you to keep your natural teeth healthy and happy!
Can implants be used to restore multiple teeth?
Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or even a full arch of missing teeth with a permanent denture. Implants act to keep the structures of your mouth healthy for the rest of your life.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are a preferred method of tooth replacement and enjoy a high satisfaction rate among patients. With any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Dr. Michael Allard will work with you to avoid these risks, including having an allergic reaction to the metal post, contracting infection during the healing process, or peri-implantitis due to oral neglect. Click to learn more.
Are implants expensive?
The cost of a single dental implant that is meant to replace a single tooth is usually less costly than the alternatives. The cost rises with the complexity of the case. Read more about the cost of dental implants.
How long do implants last?
Implants have a very high success rate, roughly 98%, which is a higher success rate than almost any other dental procedure. With proper care from our staff, we can give you dental implants that will last a lifetime.
What if I do not have enough bone in my jaw for implants?
We can bring the levels of healthy bone in your jaw back to where they need to be to support a dental implant with the help of bone grafting procedures.
When an implant is surgically placed, how long until I get my new tooth?
Front teeth are usually placed the same day as the dental implants in a temporary form. Molars and bicuspids are usually left to heal for a period of one to two months before we place a tooth replacement on top of the implant. In cases where we feel that there is some risk that the bone might not be able to support an implant completely, we may wait seven to ten months to place restorations on an implant.
How can I get a full set of teeth in one day?
We use CAT scan planning to help us make your dental implant placement fast and effective. Planning can take a while for us to accomplish but once the planning is done we can often execute the procedure in one day! Read about Teeth-in-an-Hour.
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal disease, AKA gum disease, is an infection of your gums by plaque and tartar. Many people do not realize that the same things that infect your teeth with cavities can likewise infect your gums. Poor oral hygiene habits are usually the top reason patients end up having gum disease.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
The following are signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and you should contact your dentist if you experience any of these:
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Gums that bleed while brushing
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Red, swollen or tender gums
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Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
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Bad breath that doesn't go away
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Pus between your teeth and gums
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Loose teeth
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A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
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A change in the fit of partial dentures |
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
To avoid periodontal disease, brush and floss twice a day and avoid sugary and acidic foods whenever possible. Make sure to schedule regular cleanings and examinations with your general dentists every six months.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others struggle with a painful condition called impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth means it is growing at an angle that may cause pain or discomfort. There are four types of impacted wisdom teeth, some of which may require extraction. Click to learn more.
What Sedation Options Are Available?
Varying levels of sedation are able to be offered to our patients in our state of the art facility, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), general anesthesia, and Exparel opioid-free medication. Dr. Allard will discuss your options and medical history during your consultation. Click to learn more.
What can I do about bad breath?
Bad breath can be caused by a wide range of issues, from the foods you eat to the oral hygiene you keep. Contact us and ask about what may be causing your bad breath and we will do our best to help end the problem once and for all!
Good oral hygiene and regular trips to our office will always work against the bad breath that you experience Food particles that get stuck in your teeth can cause a lot of different odors to come from your mouth. Brushing and flossing work to wash away the causes of these foul odors. Brushing and flossing also work against things like gum disease and cavities. If you wear dentures, soaking them in a denture solution overnight can often do wonders to fight bad odors.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the practice of offering our patients with procedures that can bring positive aesthetic changes to their mouth. Essentially, anything to improve your smile could be considered in this field, however, Dr. Michael Allard has studied extensively and committed a large part of his practice to offering exceptional smile transformations, from the most subtle nuanced changes to extreme makeovers televised on the networks and in magazines. |
