- What is TeethToday®?
- Are TeethToday® fixed teeth better than dentures?
- Can I really walk out of the office with new teeth in just one day and eat a meal that same night?
- What will I look like when I am done?
- Will the treatment be painful?
- How long will it take to heal?
- Can I be sure my dental procedure is safe?
- What is the success rate of dental implants using this remarkable new TeethToday® procedure?
- Will certain existing dental and medical conditions prevent me from being a TeethToday® patient?
- Can a person with bone loss have the TeethToday® procedure?
- I’m a smoker. Am I still a good candidate for TeethToday®?
- What if I have chronic gum disease? Am I still a candidate for the TeethToday® procedure?
- How long do the TeethToday® fixed teeth last?
- Can I finance my TeethToday® procedure?
- How much does TeethToday® cost?
- Does insurance cover TeethToday®?
- Can I save money by going out of the country for dental implants?
Q: What is TeethToday®?
A: TeethToday® is an innovative dental procedure where the patient receives new fixed teeth immediately supported by dental implants. What makes this advanced, scientifically-validated technique so remarkable is that the entire procedure can be completed in one or two office visits within a 24 hour time period. That’s because the TeethToday® procedure uses what’s called an "immediate load" technique in which the new tooth and the implant post are placed during the same procedure with proven success.
Q: Are TeethToday® fixed teeth better than dentures?
A: This is a difficult question to answer because the factors you have to consider vary widely for each individual. This is why our Director of Professional Services will discuss all of your options at the time of your personal consultation. However, let’s compare some of the dental attributes of each:
Dentures
- The fit is critical and may require frequent adjustment
- Loose fitting dentures make it difficult to bite and chew properly
- You will have to give up eating some sticky, hard or crunchy foods and your nutrition may be adversely affected
- If a denture is at all loose, it may rub the gum, resulting in chronic soreness and pain
- Your speech may be slurred
- Your overall appearance can be diminished and your self-image will inevitably be impacted. Patients wearing poorly made or old dentures frequently show "facial collapse"
- Some people experience a gag reflex from dentures, while others lose the ability to taste or feel the texture of their food
- Your smile and your mouth will look natural and attractive
- Your teeth will feel just like real teeth, they stay rigid and fit properly
- Your bite will be correct so you can chew more comfortably, with less strain
- You will enjoy a full range of foods and, therefore, have better nutrition
- Your speech may improve
- You will find it easier to maintain your dental hygiene
- You will restore your “collapsed bite”, enjoy your natural smile and improve your self-image and confidence
Q: Can I really walk out of the office with new teeth in just one day and eat a meal that same night?
A: Yes, in both clinical research and in our dental practice we have successfully used our TeethToday® procedure to provide patients ages 20 to 100 with new teeth in just one day. The doctors at Florida Institute for Periodontics & Dental Implants are world leaders in using this revolutionary technology. Even though we advise patients to gradually adapt to their new teeth, most enjoy a light meal immediately after leaving our office. In one to two months, they’re ready to take a big bite out of a delicious apple once again!
Q: What will I look like when I am done?
A: The answer to this question is best given by patients who have experienced the TeethToday® process. Like them, you will look younger and feel better about yourself and your appearance than you have in years. More importantly, while implants give you great looking teeth, it’s really about giving someone a healthy and strong mouth, in addition to a beautiful smile.
Q: Will the treatment be painful?
A: In most cases, patients tell us after surgery they had virtually no pain at all. While we give our patients a prescription medication for discomfort, many of our patients only require over-the-counter medication. Often, patients with anxiety or a low pain threshold have asked to be sedated during the procedure. For their peace-of-mind, we accommodate their wishes. Mild to moderate soreness of the gums and some swelling is expected for a few days afterwards.
Q: How long will it take to heal?
A: The procedure is usually done in a single visit. After receiving your implants and provisional teeth there is a healing phase in which you may need to eat a modified diet for up to a month. Depending on how extensive the procedure is, many patients are able to go back to work, golf, and other physical activities within a day or two.
Q: Can I be sure my dental procedure is safe?
A: Absolutely. The risk level for TeethToday® is no different than for other dental procedures such as extractions, root canals or gum surgery. Our doctors are Board Certified Periodontists. You should feel especially comfortable with our state-of-the-art facility. Our doctors are specialists with extensive training in dentistry, medicine, surgery, immunology, microbiology, tissue engineering and regenerative soft and hard tissue (gum and jawbone) physiology.
Q: What is the success rate of dental implants using this remarkable new TeethToday® procedure?
A: The most prestigious international dental implant journal, the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants (JOMI), published an article from the Florida Institute for Periodontics and Dental Implants noting that we had a 99.5 percent success rate for lower teeth replaced using the TeethToday® method. This journal also reported a 100 percent success rate for the interim fixed bridges and subsequent final teeth. At the time of publication, this study represented the largest group of patients with this treatment to be followed in the world.
Q: Will certain existing dental and medical conditions prevent me from being a TeethToday® patient?
A: While TeethToday® is not appropriate for all patients, if you are in reasonably good health, you are likely a candidate for the procedure. Even if you have an underlying health problem, such as heart disease or diabetes, as long as your medical condition is controlled you are a candidate for the TeethToday® procedure. In general, if you are healthy enough to have a tooth removed, you are healthy enough to have the TeethToday® procedure. If for some reason the procedure is not recommended, conventional implant protocols may be followed. Patients who are treated with either method enthusiastically report satisfaction with their experience and the final results.
Q: Can a person with bone loss have the TeethToday® procedure?
A: Yes. Since doctors at the Florida Institute for Periodontics and Dental Implants began routinely placing dental implants in the 1980’s, they have treated both simple and complex cases and have earned a reputation among their colleagues for obtaining excellent results, even under the most difficult circumstances. Individuals with a significant amount of bone loss who want the TeethToday® procedure may have the available bone structure built up (another process the Institute is known for) prior to having their new teeth placed. This is done to create the foundation for the dental implants to give the most natural look possible, and to ensure the teeth remain stable and secure over time.
The latest advances in dental technology make it possible to graft or strengthen the existing bone so implants can be used. As a result, we can usually place new teeth even when natural teeth have been missing for decades. Once the bone building phase of treatment is complete, your doctor will use either the TeethToday® procedure, or the conventional implant method. In fact, we specialize in giving new teeth to those who have been refused by dentists in the past.
Q: I’m a smoker. Am I still a good candidate for TeethToday®?
A: While smoking may inhibit the body’s natural healing processes, it does not prohibit anyone from having new teeth successfully placed. If you are a smoker, your doctor will discuss any special steps or concerns for you before the procedure so you will have the best outcome possible.
Q: What if I have chronic gum disease? Am I still a candidate for the TeethToday® procedure?
A: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States and an estimated 67 million people suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease is usually painless and patients seldom experience obvious symptoms or discomfort. In many instances, it is only after years of living with the disease that individuals begin to notice problems with their gums and teeth. Our experience has taught us that patients with gum disease, or many cavities, often do much better with implants than with their own natural teeth.
Interestingly, patients who may be genetically predisposed to developing severe periodontal disease often have very high success rates with TeethToday®. The doctors of the Florida Institute for Periodontics & Dental Implan are all Board Certified periodontists who share the philosophy that it is most important to try to save a patient’s teeth using a variety of techniques. We recommend TeethToday® or implant dentistry only when teeth are missing or cannot be predictably saved using other methods.
Q: How long do the TeethToday® fixed teeth last?
A: Long-term studies show that newly implanted replacement teeth can last more than 35 years. Of course, there are a number of factors influencing long-lasting success and these vary from person to person. Oral hygiene, smoking, tooth grinding, overall health and stress can compromise implants, just like they can affect teeth, in some individuals. At the time of your consultation, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation of your condition and will tell you what you can reasonably expect in terms of longevity. One thing we are certain: Almost immediately you will have a healthier, stronger and fully functional mouth. Plus a wonderful new smile to enjoy 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 52 weeks-a-year!
Q: Can I finance my TeethToday® procedure?
A: Yes. Financing with low monthly payments is available to qualifying patients for implant procedures, including TeethToday®. Financing commitments are usually available in minutes or hours. The financing process is simple, confidential and practical. One of our staff members can give you all of the details. You are welcome to discuss this with us when you come in for your complimentary consultation.
Q: How much does TeethToday® cost?
A: As with other types of reconstructive dental treatments, the cost of TeethToday® depends upon the complexity of each patient’s case. The cost is generally more expensive than removable and temporary dental treatments such as dentures, however, TeethToday® is a permanent solution that affords you all the benefits of your original teeth. Understandably, we are unable to provide you with specific cost information until we’ve been given an opportunity to evaluate your particular situation. Rest assured, we will assist you in making the best possible choice and detail all costs involved once you’ve selected the procedure determined to be best for you.
Q: Does insurance cover TeethToday®?
A: While most of our patients either pay for their procedure directly or use our financing plan, your insurance may help cover the TeethToday® procedure. This will depend upon your particular insurance policy. We recommend you review your policy and bring your insurance information with you when you come in for a complimentary consultation. We are happy to review your coverage and assist you in obtaining any benefit for which you are eligible.
Q: Can I save money by going out of the country for dental implants?
A: At The Florida Institute for Periodontics & Dental Implants our doctors are Board Certified specialists. Patients are provided with unsurpassed quality of care, experience, and integrity. Not only is our facility state-of-the-art with best-in-class safety standards, we also use implants and materials that have a proven track record of success with thousands of satisfied patients.
In today’s economy the cost of dental implant materials is similar worldwide so any low cost competitor offering dental implant surgery is not providing a similar level of quality treatment. If your implant fails due to the use of an inexpensive implant or a complication, retreatment can be more difficult than the original treatment. Retreatment or revisions often require bone grafts, new implants and advanced dental skills, which are more costly in time, money, recovery, and trauma.
There have been instances in plastic surgery where patients had to be airlifted to the U.S. for emergency treatment and management. These same patients had little or no recourse in the event of unforeseen circumstances or complications because they were not protected by U.S. laws.
When you weigh the risks of out-of-the-country treatment with the promise of short-term savings, we advise patients to ask themselves one question: What price do you put on your health and safety?
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