Dr. Paul Fotek, DMD, MS Claimed

Replace Missing Teeth Permanently With Dental Implants

Tooth loss can make you feel like you are the only person battling the challenges presented by missing teeth or navigating the sometimes confusing options for tooth replacement. Did you know, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-fourth of Americans over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth? There are many others who also suffer from the consequences of tooth loss and gradual bone loss, which include:

• Difficulty chewing
• Changes in the way you talk
• Embarrassment about the way you look
• Shifting of the surrounding teeth
• Bone loss — for the rest of your life
• Chin wrinkle and hallowing of cheek
• Aged appearance

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

When an implant is placed to restore the look and function of a single tooth, it performs much like your natural tooth did. Dental implants restore the appearance of your smile and are designed to look and feel just like the surrounding teeth. Comfortable and secure, dental implants restore your ability to speak and chew properly.  Some of the many benefits of dental implants include:

• Implants restore proper chewing function.
• Implant supported dentures or bridges won’t move or loosen.
• Implants maintain bone and prevent bone resorption
• Implants allow replacing missing teeth without jeopardizing neighboring teeth.
• Implants eliminate loose dentures and pain associated with loose dentures.
• Implants improve speech and self-confidence.
• Implants don’t get decay or need a root canal

Laser Dentistry Treatments For Improved Oral Health

Peri-implantitis: Gum disease can still occur even when you have had your natural teeth replaced with dental implants. While implant maintenance is easy, you must still brush and floss regularly. When oral care is neglected, the tissue around the implant can become infected, requiring treatment to remove the bacteria and diseased tissue. Dr. Fotek is experienced in laser dentistry and uses the benefits of laser therapy to restore gum health around your implants, with greater comfort and convenience for you.

Laser crown lengthening: When treating a tooth that has been fractured, uncovering teeth roots has typically been performed with traditional surgery. Incisions in the gum tissue must be sutured closed during the procedure, leaving you with irritated, sensitive tissue. Laser dentistry helps you to avoid the pain of invasive surgery by removing tissue minimal or no incisions.

Laser frenectomy: A frenulum is a bit of tissue or muscle that can attach to the tongue, lip, or cheek preventing you from properly eating or talking. A large frenum may also cause your teeth to spread apart or cause gum loss (recession). Dr. Fotek performs laser frenectomies to detach the frenulum, allowing the tissue to move freely. Incorporating laser dentistry into treatment prevents the need for incisions and stitches which results in a more comfortable, speedier recovery.

Laser tooth/crown exposure: For uncovering a wisdom tooth or an adult tooth that hasn’t emerged, laser dentistry provides the ideal tools to quickly remove gum tissue, cauterizing the treatment site instantly.

What are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?

A new smile comes with endless benefits. You’ll feel more confident, look more youthful, have a great aesthetic finish that’s also functional, and more! At Prestige Periodontal & Implant Center, we offer an array of services that can change your smile slightly or restore it completely. We work with you to decide what is best for your unique situation.

Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety is more common than you think. In fact, an estimated 9 percent to 15 percent of Americans feel so much anxiety over a trip to the dentist that they end up skipping their appointments altogether. Patients would rather suffer through painful toothaches and allow the health of their gums to deteriorate. However, you no longer have to worry about dental anxiety getting between you and a healthier mouth. Sedation dentistry can alleviate your fears and make the dental chair a lot more relaxing. Dr. Paul Fotek, a skilled periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, offers sedation dentistry alternatives to address a variety of issues including:

Alleviating Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry

Here at Prestige Periodontal & Implant Center we offer a variety of sedation dentistry options such as:

• Fear of dentistry
• Overactive gag reflex
• Sensitive teeth
• Fear of needles and dental drills
• Complex or extensive procedures
• Previous traumatic experiences with dentistry

IV Sedation Dentistry

IV conscious sedation is a controlled form of sedation, meaning medications are administered as needed during the procedure allowing for a faster onset.  It allows for full control over the state of sleep during the surgery.  When needed, you will be somewhat awake to follow Dr. Fotek’s directions but you will still be in a sedated state.  When needed, you will fall right back to sleep.  After the procedure has ended, you will be released to the responsible person that will take you home and stay with you until the effects of the sedative drugs have worn off.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation has the advantage of being administered at home. By the time you reach our office, you will be relaxed and sleepy. The effects, however, last for several hours so you must have a driver and plan to take the evening off.