FAQs

How often should I brush?
The General rule is to brush and floss as often as you eat, but research has show that brushing effectively a minimum of twice daily and flossing once a day could be effective in preventing gum disease.

Is Gum shrinkage Normal?
NO.  Gum shrinkage is caused either by gum disease, bad brushing technique, aging, or in some cases orthodontic treatment. The reason for your gum recession should be investigated in detail and not ignored.
My spouse tells me that I grind my teeth at night. Is that normal?
I have some teeth that are worn off and they are becoming flat. What is happening?
While they are many hypotheses about the cause of teeth grinding, the true mechanism of that is not well understood. We know with certainty however, that grinding is really destructive to your dentition and can cause a lot of damage in very little time. There are several solutions. One is the fabrication of a night guard that will cover your teeth at night and prevent you from damaging your teeth any further.

Can you save my teeth?
Dr. Fakheri’s philosophy is conservative treatment and saving your teeth as no replacement is as good as your own teeth. Fortunately with the advances in periodontal treatment many teeth can be saved if diagnosed early.

Will I need surgery?
Not everyone needs a surgery. If diagnosed and treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. But each case has to be studied individually to assess the need for any treatment.

When will I go back to my dentist?
We work closely with your dentist to coordinate your treatments. You will return to your dentist to continue your restorative treatment such as crowns, fillings, and implant crowns.

Why should I replace missing teeth?
When a tooth is lost the supporting bone structure is lost as well. And this may give the appearance of “sunken in” look. Also teeth will start shifting and will change the bite or cause damage to themselves or other teeth.

How can I replace missing teeth?
Based on number of missing teeth, the options could vary from bridges, partial dentures, full dentures, or implants.

Why dental implants?
Implants were introduced by professor Branemark over 40 years ago and ever since has changed the life of millions of people. When you have missing teeth, implants are the ultimate way to restore your teeth and improve your life. Before the introduction of dental implant many had to deal with the frustration and embarrassment of no teeth or loose dentures. Well not anymore! Implants offer a predictable and convenient way to replace missing teeth without damaging teeth next to it.

Why would I choose implants over bridges or dentures?
In order to make a bridge adjacent healthy teeth are often cut down and shaped.  You are also putting the biting pressure of the missing teeth on the remaining teeth.
In the case of removable dentures, it is needless to say that dentures are never secure and can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Furthermore, “the riding pressure” of the dentures on your gums and bone will cause further bone loss in the area of missing teeth.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Implants are usually very successful and many people are candidate for implants. However there needs to be adequate bone height and width to place the implants. But don’t worry if you are missing bone, we can reconstruct the missing bone in many cases.

I lost teeth due to periodontal disease. Am I a candidate to get implants?
Yes. Regardless of the reason for your tooth loss, you can have implants placed provided that you have adequate bone or we create the needed bone for you. Implants will need the same attention and maintenance as your natural teeth specially if you have suffered from periodontal disease before.

Can I afford implants?
While each case is different based on the treatment need, in many cases the cost of implants is not much higher than the cost of other forms of tooth replacements. Some insurance plans provide coverage for implants and there are payment arrangements that could be made to make implants affordable for you.  (link to care credit)

What type of anesthesia is used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia however we also offer higher levels of anesthesia and sedation based on your needs. You can be awake or you can choose to be sedated; it is totally up to you.

1. Inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide aka “laughing gas” and “happy gas”) is for patients who are a bit nervous, inhalation sedation calms you down nicely. It can be used for patients of any age. “Laughing gas” can give you a pleasant relaxed feeling. Patients often recall warm fuzzy feelings or feeling amused, and these positive associations can help with overcoming fears. If you are the type of person who doesn’t like the idea of having memory loss and if you need to be in control, then Laughing Gas would NOT be good option for you.
2. Oral sedation (anti-anxiety pills or a liquid) will make you sleepy and help you snooze but you will still be easily waken, you will not remember much of the procedure because these medications can impair memory and interfere with the acquisition of new information and laying down new memories. An hour will seem like a couple of minutes. You will need a driver to drive you as you will not be able to drive back.
3. Intravenous (IV) sedation (drugs administered into the blood-stream through a vein) is for patients who need a more advanced level of sedation. Patients are not unconscious but are at a deeper level than oral sedation and the level of sedation could be adjusted easily. You will not remember the treatment. You will need a driver to drive you as you will not be able to drive back.
4. General anesthesia: for patients who need a higher level of sedation we work with a board certified anesthesiologist at our practice to accommodate you. You will be completely unconscious and have no memory of the procedure. All procedures will be done in the comfort of our practice. You will need a driver to drive you as you will not be able to drive back.