Dental Implant Evaluation

Dr. Berdy will take a 3-D image and mold of your mouth to get a clear view of your bone structure, allowing him to determine the best way to replace your missing tooth or teeth. When you are missing a tooth or teeth, you have four replacement options:

• Implant supported crown
• Bridge
• Partial denture
• No replacement

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that can be used in both the upper and lower jaws. Implants are usually made of titanium or zirconium, both of which are well accepted by the human body. Once implants have fused to bone, they can then be used to support a single tooth, multiple teeth, or dentures.

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ARESTIN® Gum Infection Treatment

Periodontal Disease is a serious infection under your gumline.

ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride) is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that cause the infection.

1. It’s placed directly in the infected areas—or “pockets”—in your gums.
2. It’s applied right after Scaling and Root Planing, the dental procedure that disrupts stubborn plaque and bacteria below your gumline—where brushing and flossing can’t reach.

ARESTIN® starts working quickly, right at the source of infection, and keeps fighting bacteria long after you leave the dental office.1,2
ARESTIN® fights infection and inflammation for 30 days,2 and provides significantly better results than SRP alone for up to 90 days.

Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Typically, the first non-surgical step in the treatment of Periodontal Disease involves a special cleaning known as scaling and root planing (SRP), or a “deep cleaning.” When pocket depths are 3mm or more, scaling and root planing can be used to treat periodontal disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup found below the gum line. A specialized instrument called a small scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner is used to carefully remove plaque and tartar down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. Finally, the tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed or planed, helping gum tissue to heal while shrinking periodontal pockets. This procedure makes it more difficult for the accumulation of plaque along the root surfaces. To alleviate any potential discomfort, a local anesthetic may be given at the beginning of the procedure.

Depending on the extent of periodontal disease present, treatment by scaling and root planing may be recommended for one or more sections (quadrants) of your mouth. In combination with a deep cleaning, a localized antibiotic such as ARESTIN® may be used to help control infection and promote healing. Once scaling and root planing has been completed, a follow up appointment is usually scheduled several weeks later to examine your gums to see how they have healed and how the periodontal pockets have decreased. Often, many patients do not require further active treatment for periodontal disease and just need proper preventative care.

• Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and continued follow up maintenance cleanings are essential to help prevent periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.
• Periodontitis does not go away by itself- prevention and treatment in early stages is crucial to keeping a healthy smile

Gum Disease Prevention

Proper home care is the key…

A good oral hygiene routine practiced for a few minutes twice a day can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal diseases and tooth decay. When choosing Dental Care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance is your assurance the product meets the ADA’s criteria for safety and effectiveness for its intended use.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. With thorough brushing, you can remove plaque from the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Dr. Berdy or your Dental Hygienist can show you a proper brushing technique if you have any questions.
• Clean between teeth once a day with dental floss or another interdental cleaner to remove plaque and debris from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Rubber tip stimulators are also great tools to aid in cleaning your gums.
• If you need extra help controlling gingivitis and plaque that forms above the gum line, your dentist may recommend using an ADA-accepted antimicrobial mouthrinse or other oral hygiene aids as an effective addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.
• Eat a balanced diet for good general health and limit snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar, which traps bacteria along the gum line.

Types of Periodontal Diseases

There are many types of Periodontal Diseases and they can affect individuals of all ages from children to seniors.

Gingivitisis is the mildest form of periodontal disease and causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is little to no discomfort at this stage and it is reversible with professional treatment and good home oral care.

Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth and progressive loss of tissue attachment and bone. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age and is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. This disease may occur in localized or generalized patterns and can include rapid loss of tissue attachment and destruction of bone.

Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases. This form of periodontitis is associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes. Patients who have rare but specified blood diseases or genetic disorders frequently show signs of periodontal diseases.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases are infections characterized by necrosis (death) of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly associated with pain, bleeding, and a foul odor. Contributing factors can include emotional stress, tobacco use, and HIV infection.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal Diseases are chronic bacterial gum infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth and hold them in place.

Warning signs:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

The word periodontal means “around the tooth” and healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. Where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slight v-shaped crevice known as a sulcus, the depth of which is typically around three millimeters or less in healthy teeth. However, as tissues become damaged due to periodontal disease, the sulcus develops into a pocket that is greater than three millimeters. A special probe is used to measure pocket depths during a Periodontal Examination. Enlarged pockets make it difficult to practice effective oral hygiene as they harbor and promote the growth of harmful bacteria. If these pockets are left untreated, periodontal diseases may eventually lead to tooth and bone loss.

What causes periodontal disease?

Countless bacteria fill the mouth and certain types produce toxins and enzymes that can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. As a result of this inflammation, which can sometimes be painless, damage can occur at the attachment of the gums and bone to the teeth. Plaque, the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and the surfaces lining the mouth, can harden into rough porous deposits called calculus, or tartar. By itself, tartar is not the main cause of periodontal disease, but the pores in tartar hold bacteria and harmful toxins, which are impossible to remove even with regular brushing and must be removed during a professional dental cleaning.

Are you at risk?

Several factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco- Tobacco users are much more likely than nonusers to develop plaque and tartar on their teeth, have deeper pockets, and have greater loss of bone and tissue supporting teeth. Periodontal treatment is also less successful in patients who continue to smoke.
• Systemic diseases- Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections, and AIDS can lower the body’s natural ability to resist and fight infection, making periodontal diseases more severe
• Medications- Many drugs, such as steroids, oral contraceptives, or medications used to treat epilepsy, cancer, and blood pressure, can affect the gums or reduce saliva production. A lack of saliva can result in chronic dry mouth and cause gum irritation. Always advise your dentist of any medications you are currently taking and any changes in your health.
• Bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked, crowded teeth, or defective fillings may hold plaque in place and increase the risk of periodontal disease development.
• Hormone levels- Changes in hormone levels due to puberty, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can cause increased sensitivity in gum tissue to toxins and enzymes and can accelerate growth of some bacteria.
• Genetics- Certain patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive, severe type of periodontitis due to genetics. A family history of tooth loss periodontal disease need to pay particular attention to the health of their gums.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures or Bridges

A Dental Implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge.

What are the advantages of a single-tooth dental implant over a bridge?

Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved. With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.

Esthetic: natural looking and functioning tooth replacement.

In the long term, a single implant can be more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge. Dental implants looks and feel like your own, natural teeth. Because dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and Dentures. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Also, the cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge.

Tooth-saving: maintain the integrity of your remaining teeth.

Dental implants don’t sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health. A dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth without sacrificing the health of your adjacent teeth.

Confidence boosting.

Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence. They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They’ll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.

Reliable: long term success.

The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. In the long term, implants are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and functional just like a natural tooth. On the other hand, your gums and bone can recede around a bridge or denture over a period of time which may result in an unattractive smile. Implants are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement and often last a lifetime, while the expected lifespan of a bridge is only 7-10 years. Because bridges and dentures have a finite lifespan and will ultimately need to be replaced, in the long term they can be more expensive than a dental implant.

Dental Implants: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an implant cost?

The cost of an implant depends on each patient’s individual needs. Some patients do not have adequate bone to support an implant, so a bone graft must be done before the implant can be placed. To determine your needs, the best solution is to schedule an implant evaluation appointment. At this time, Dr. Berdy can evaluate your needs, answer any questions you may have, and determine your treatment plan and its associated costs.

Will my insurance cover a Dental Implant?

Depending on your particular plan, a large part of a dental implant procedure may be covered. Insurance plans vary widely from carrier to carrier so it is difficult to determine without a prior examination by Dr. Berdy. We will be happy to work with any insurance you may have and we can file a pre-determination of benefits to see if your procedures will be covered. This will be discussed during your treatment conference with our financial coordinator.

How long do implants last?

Dental Implants have an extremely high success rate and are expected to last a lifetime.

Implant Placement

How will the Dental Implant be placed?

First, the implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site.

Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach an extension. This small metal post, called an abutment, completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.

There are some implant systems that do not require this second step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension piece attached. Dr. Berdy will advise you on which system is best for you.

Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you by your dentist and attached to the abutment.

Dental Implants

Teeth that look and feel just like your own.

A Dental Implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Many patients choose dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or to support a full set of dentures. Because implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, many of our patients actually forget they ever lost a tooth.

Dental implant – single tooth replacement

Restore and preserve a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be particularly aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. All your teeth work together to help you chew, speak, and smile, and when teeth are missing it can be difficult to do these things. Even the loss of a back tooth may cause your other teeth to shift and the shape of your mouth may change, causing your face to look older. Dental Implants are tiny posts made of titanium, which bonds very well with your natural bone and creates an excellent foundation to support artificial teeth. Not only does an implant provide a premier replacement option for missing teeth, but it also works to prevent bone loss and help preserve facial structure that can occur when teeth are missing.

What makes a good dental implant candidate?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant candidate is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues free of periodontal disease. A dental implant evaluation will be conducted by Dr. Berdy to determine your oral health and bone levels. Typically, a 3-D cat scan is done to give a precise picture of your mouth and to aid in the planning and placement of implants.

What is involved during treatment?

Dr. Berdy will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Each patient is unique and a treatment plan will be tailored to your particular needs based on your current health, periodontal status, bone levels, and other factors.

Why Dr. Berdy is the right choice.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Periodontists, such as Dr. Berdy, are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas and have the special knowledge, training, and facilities that you need to successfully place dental implants for long term success.

Patient Information

Our number one priority is providing world class Periodontal Services to our patients. We take pride in thoroughly educating our patients on their current dental status, what we recommend for treatment, and how to maintain Optimal Dental Health throughout their lives.

• New Patient Frequently Asked Questions
• Patient Online Account Access – view upcoming appointments, account balances
• Reviews – read what others have said or write your own!
• Online Forms – new patient forms available for direct online submission or printing
• Care to Share – patient referral program
• Additional Resources – links to other sources of dental information

Welcome To Our Practice!

Specializing in periodontal procedures, implantology, and laser gum surgery, our dentists and hygienists have served Jacksonville and the greater northeast Florida area for more than 35 years. At our practice, the genuine care and comfort of our patients is our greatest mission.

Whether it is the best dental implant materials or the latest procedure, we pledge to provide the finest dentistry and latest treatment options for our patients. Through personalized communication and years of expertise, our dentists are here to help you maintain your oral health and beautiful smile for a lifetime. We pledge that our patients will always receive the highest quality of dentistry available today from our highly professional, caring dental team in a comforting environment.