Sedation Dentistry

Oral or IV Sedation are options for patients who are trying to accomplish multiple procedures in a single visit, for those who are overly anxious, or when medical conditions make it necessary.

• Oral Sedation is accomplished by taking an oral medication in the office prior to the start of your procedure. Oral medication provides a more relaxed experience for patients with slight anxiety.
• IV sedation is accomplished by administering drugs directly into the blood stream. The expected result is a semiconscious state that provides complete relaxation and a lack of awareness. In general, patients that undergo IV sedation do not remember their visit once the medications are administered.

Both sedation options are completed in our office. Our surgical suite allows for complete privacy during your visit.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With dental implants, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, Dr. Meister will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us. Our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Procedure

Dental Implants are non-removable root replacements to which you can securely snap a denture, or on top of which you can place a crown or bridge.

There are many long-term benefits of Implants. The following is a partial list of the benefits of dental implants:

• Preserving the integrity of the facial structures;
• Preventing the melting of the width of the bony ridge;
• Preventing the melting of the height of the bony ridge;
• Decreasing maintenance of the existing full or partial denture(s), which also minimizes the need for frequent relines or new dentures. Relines are recommended every 6-12 months. If necessary, due to slow, progressive dissolution of the underlying denture-supporting jaw bone, relines may need to be performed more often.;
• Decreasing present discomfort or chewing inefficiency with the existing denture/partial denture, which may persist or worsen in time;
• Limiting drifting, tilting, or extrusion of the remaining teeth;
• Decreasing the looseness of remaining teeth, and periodontal disease (gum and bone disease);
• Decreasing a potential jaw joint problem (TMJ) caused by a deficient, collapsed or otherwise improper bite;
• No need for denture adhesives;
• Implants offer security! Teeth will not come out when eating, laughing, sneezing, or kissing;
• Improved ability to enjoy the texture, temperature and tastes of foods;
• Improved appearance;
• Restored self-esteem and renewed self-confidence;
• A mouth restored as close as possible to its natural state;
• Adjacent teeth are not compromised or shaped to replace missing teeth;
• Improved health due to improved nutrition and proper digestion;
• Implants are non-removable root replacements and create a smile that looks, feels and functions similar to real teeth!

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually integrate with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, our office designs the final restoration, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has integrated to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Meister will uncover the implants and place an attachment that will accept the final restoration. An impression is taken so that the fabrication of the final restoration can begin. If your final restoration is a Snap On Denture, it may take as little as a day to receive your final restoration. If you elected to have crowns or bridges, your implant restorations will be ready in as little as 2-3 weeks. In either instance, your implant restoration is custom designed and professionally fit just for you.