Naples Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
-Since 1977-
(239) 261-1401
Dental Implants In Naples, Florida
In Naples, Florida, Dr. Gay is owner and practitioner of the longest continuously running dental practice specializing in periodontics and dental implants. Dr. Gay has been board certified under the American Board of Periodontology since 2006.
Periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only surgical specialists recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). Dental surgical specialists are required to attend full-time residency programs for 3 or 4 years. A substantial amount of the training and experience obtained during this period is focused on managing risk factors along with anticipating, diagnosing, and treating surgical complications. In the event of a surgical complication the extensive experience of surgical specialists provides a higher level of safety and comfort for patients.
Why Dental Implants?
As a result of advanced periodontal disease, tooth decay, trauma or congenital reasons a patient may be missing one or more of their natural teeth.
The science of dental implants involves a thorough understanding of the bone and soft tissue biology of the mouth. Dr. Gay’s three year postdoctoral training in periodontology makes her specially equipped to handle the complexities and potential complications involved with placing a dental implant in the jaw of a patient.
Dr. Gay specializes only in the placement of the implant, which does not include restoring the implant with the artificial tooth crown, bridge or denture. This allows her to focus professionally on the surgical aspect of dental implants.
A Few Words From Dr. Gay
I consider myself privileged to not only do what I love but also to improve the health of my patients.
If you have any concerns about your oral health please do not hesitate to contact my office. Treating periodontal disease starts with you.
Thanks very much for visiting our website.
- Dr. Denise Gay
Olde Naples Periodontics is a Naples implant dentistry pioneer, founded in 1977. Dr. Gay joined the practice in 2004 and has been placing dental implants for over 20 years.
What Are Dental Implants?
Impressive advances in dental implant dentistry allow implant dentists to functionally replace a missing tooth by placing a prosthetic tooth into the jaw of a patient.
The artificial “root” of the replacement tooth is the dental implant. In most cases the dental implant is made of commercially pure titanium. Titanium, it was discovered, is accepted by and integrated into bone. It was this discovery that makes dental implants possible and is known as osseointegration.
Dr. Gay also places metal free zirconium dental implants.
Considerations
When placing implants several considerations are reviewed by Dr. Gay. Vital structures such as the nerves, the sinus and the shape and dimensions of bone must be examined and identified.
Adequate bone volume is needed to successfully support the placement of the dental implant. If there is not enough bone to place the implant, bone grafting or sinus lifting can done to provide adequate support prior to placing the implant.
Adequate bone is necessary to support a dental implant.
Other considerations include the overall health of the patient, the health of surrounding teeth, the bite, the existence of any infection and the assessment of the loading forces that the implant may experience.
Success Rates
There are several factors that affect implant success, including the experience and skills of the implant dental team, adequate bone volume, post-surgical care, patient hygiene, personal habits (smoking) and compliance.
Dr. Gay uses several sophisticated tools to evaluate dental implants, including the Osstell ISQ, which measures sound wave resonance to determine how well the implant has integrated into the bone. The patient does not hear or feel any sensation and it takes only seconds.
The successful replacement of missing teeth with a dental implant has many benefits. Replacing a diseased tooth with a dental implant removes a source of infection from the body, which benefits the general health of the patient.
Bone loss is associated with missing teeth, and a dental implant helps protect against further bone loss in the area of the implant. The prosthetic tooth can also restore the proper function of the patient’s bite and reduce loading on adjacent teeth.
Another positive benefit is self esteem. Today’s dental implants look great and are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Restoring the beauty of a smile can make someone feel great about how they look.
This patient lost one of her front teeth.
Dental Implant Complications and Peri-implantitis
Dental implants are susceptible to the same periodontal disease process—peri-implantitis—as natural teeth, which are caused by bacteria and inflammation. Implants also lack the natural protections that normal dentition possess. Regular periodontal cleanings, along with regular doctor checks can address issues with dental implants.
For more information, here is an article on peri-implantitis.