Ask the Doctor

We've provided answers to a number of commonly asked dental questions. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please call us at (321) 259-9980. We look forward to resolving all of your dental concerns.

Q: What do I do if my tooth is loose or knocked out?
A: If the tooth is loosened due to trauma, the best thing to do is rinse it off and put it back into the socket as quickly as possible. If the tooth, however, has broken, we can on the same day remove the tooth, place a dental implant, and place a temporary crown on the dental implant. It is almost as if you have never lost the tooth.

Q: What is periodontal disease?
A: Gum disease, or more correctly called "periodontal disease", is a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It can be divided into several categories. The first stage is called "gingivitis" and is characterized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush, floss or dental instrument.

The second, third, and fourth stages are initial, moderate, and advanced "periodontal disease", respectively. These stages are different from gingivitis because the infection has destroyed the bone supporting the teeth, causing eventual tooth loss. The treatment is more involved at these stages, usually consisting of a special cleaning with anesthesia and sometimes gum surgery. Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain and without detection unless specific examination procedures are performed. Visual oral examination by itself (even by a dentist) will not reliably detect periodontal disease until it has reached an advanced stage.

Early detection and adequate diagnosis require measurement of pockets (the crevice between the tooth and gum) with a periodontal probe. The earlier you catch the disease, the better the prognosis with treatment. However, advances in periodontal treatment are such that we can sometimes help you regrow lost bone support. Dental implants are very predictable as well, and should always be considered as an option in advanced cases. Dr. Sheldon will help you make the best decision, so that your treatment is as predictable and long-lasting as possible.

Q: What are dental implants?
A: The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, a dental implant may be needed to replace the tooth root and crown. Dental implants are simply "anchors" that permanently support replacement teeth. They are secure and durable and can be cleaned and cared for much like your natural teeth.

The procedure requires a titanium root be fitted into your jaw to replace the lost tooth's root. Once the implant is anchored into the bone, the bone around the implant requires six weeks to six months of healing. Once the bone has healed, a support post and replacement tooth is anchored onto the implant.

Q: What should I do if I lose a tooth?
A: Losing a tooth by accident or by extraction is not the end of the matter. When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and the teeth above the gap will move downward. Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches.

In addition, when a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth have to share more of the chewing force. The more teeth that are lost, the more force each remaining tooth takes. The additional force that each tooth takes can result in cracking or loosening of the remaining teeth. Dental implants can reduce the potential damage to your natural teeth as well as prevent them from drifting from their normal position.

Q: Do I need a dental implant to replace every single tooth?
A: No, you just need sufficient dental implants to support not only the teeth but the jaw muscle forces that would be transmitted to the teeth. Dr. Sheldon can help you to determine how many dental implants you need.

• What do I do if my tooth is loose or knocked out?
• What is periodontal disease?
• What are dental implants?
• What should I do if I lose a tooth?
• Do I need a dental implant to replace every single tooth?

What Our Patients Say

Don't worry about pain and discomfort. Do it (implant)! It's a painless process.

I have been treated like royalty every time I have come to this office, not only by Dr. Sheldon, but by all his assistants as well. Information on every step of the procedure was explained and I always felt comfortable.

Dr. Sheldon is a highly qualified Periodontist. He is very easy to talk to and is very conscientious in his work. He has a very professional staff. They are very friendly and helpful. The type of implants I wanted was difficult and I had been told they could not be done. Dr. Sheldon did them and they are perfect. He is an outstanding surgeon.