Princeton's Ask the Doctor March-April 2020

QUESTION: What should I expect when I get dental implants?

DAY OF PROCEDURE: When you arrive for your procedure, you will be made comfortable with the appropriate anesthesia. Any extractions that need to be done will be performed first. With the use of a surgical guide, if needed, the implants will be placed according to the treatment plan created.

Making the choice to replace your missing or failing teeth with dental implants is a big step…but in terms of bringing back your healthy smile, it just might be the only challenging one you’ll need to make. Once you’ve decided to go with dental implants, your team of dental professionals will take care of the rest. It’s a smooth progression from the initial consultation and pre-operative planning through the implant procedure itself, concluding with your follow-up care. When it’s done, you will have the natural- looking smile you’ve dreamed about. Want to know how this happens? .... PRE-PROCEDURE: The first step in your treatment is the initial examination and a discussion with your implant dentist about your expectations and concerns. TREATMENT PLAN: Just as your builder wouldn’t start constructing your new house without a drawing, your dentist won’t place your implants without a treatment plan. Diagnostic images of your mouth can reveal the condition of existing teeth and bone, and show the position of various anatomical structures in the jaw. This helps in terms of planning the number and type of implants to be used, and the locations where they should be placed.

David P. Young, DMD, DICOI

You should not feel any pain but maybe a little vibration may be experienced. In some cases, temporary immediate teeth may be attached to the implants or a removable prosthesis may be inserted. POST-OPERATIVE CARE: When the procedure process is over, the healing process begins. Following all the post-op instructions given by your surgeon is important. As your implants slowly become integrated into the jawbone, your dentist will carefully monitor the progress. After a period of 3-4 months, the oral tissue will be healed and in most cases the final “teeth” can be made. Enjoy your new smile and chew happily!!

4432 Route 27, CN-201, Kingston, NJ 08528 Phone: 609.497.0808 www.David YoungDMD.com

What?! Why would a DENTIST be asking me about my Sleeping Habits or Sleep Apnea? The dentist may be the first person who sees that you may be at risk for Sleep Apnea—specifically, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? (OSA) - OSA is a medical condition where your airway collapses or is obstructed while you are asleep. Result: you do not get adequate oxygen in your blood, and to your brain. It is measured by the average number of times you either stop breathing (apnea for 10+ seconds!) or have inade- quate oxygen uptake (under 50%) during breathing per hour while you are asleep. This Apnea plus hypopnea index (AHI)- measures the severity of sleep apnea. Over 5 episodes per hour is by definition Obstructive Sleep Apnea, with over 30 episodes per hour being severe Sleep Apnea! Why is this even important? Besides being tired and fatigued, and being at higher risk for a car accident, and possibly snoring and having a disturbed nights sleep for you and your partner and …Untreated OSA is known to significantly increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic fatigue, GERD, stroke, diabetes, cancer, depression, Atrial Fibrillation, mental fogginess and dementia! While you are sleeping if you have OSA, your body struggles for oxygen and leaves behind tell- tale signs. During the routine Oral Cancer screening, the dentist will see these signs that correlate with OSA: • Scalloped Sides of Tongue Indicative of Clenching • Enlarged Tongue • Small Natural Airway and /or Retruded Lower Jaw • Swollen or Elongated Uvula • Enlarged Tonsils If you are looking for a dentist and team that truly cares about your total health – give us a a call today! 609.921.7744 • www.deciccodental.com • 67 Tamarack Circle, Skillman NJ 08858 • Heightened Gag Reflex • Tooth Cracking and Chipping from Bruxism and/or Clenching • Cheek Abrasions from Bruxism • Dry Mouth Dr. Mary DeCicco

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ASK THE DOCTOR

MARCH/APRIL 2020