FAQs

Typical U.S. cost ranges:

• Scaling & root planing (deep cleaning): $200 – $400 per quadrant
• Periodontal maintenance visits: $150 – $300 per visit
• Laser periodontal therapy: $500 – $2,000+ depending on extent
• Surgical periodontal treatment (flap surgery, regeneration): $1,000 – $4,000 per area

Cost depends on:

• Severity and extent of gum disease
• Number of teeth and quadrants involved
• Need for bone grafting or regenerative materials
• Technology used (laser therapy, biologics)
• Specialist expertise

Typical timelines:

• Non-surgical treatment (deep cleaning): 1–2 visits over 1–2 weeks
• Healing phase: 4–6 weeks to evaluate response
• Surgical treatment (if needed): staged over several months
• Maintenance phase: every 3–4 months long-term

Factors influencing time:

• Disease severity and bone loss
• Patient healing response
• Home care compliance
• Smoking or medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)

Modern periodontal treatment is typically comfortable and very safe when performed by a specialist.

• Local anesthesia ensures comfort
• Laser therapy minimizes bleeding and swelling
• Post-treatment soreness is usually mild and short-lived
• Advanced techniques preserve healthy tissue

Typical recovery:

• Mild tenderness for 1–3 days after non-surgical treatment
• Surgical recovery varies from a few days to 1–2 weeks

Risks:
Temporary sensitivity or soreness; complications are uncommon when disease is properly managed.

Untreated periodontal disease is progressive and can lead to serious oral and systemic consequences.

• Continued gum recession and bone loss
• Tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss
• Chronic infection and inflammation
• Increased risk for systemic health issues (heart disease, diabetes complications)

Periodontal treatment is highly effective at stopping disease progression and preserving teeth when addressed early and maintained properly.

• Non-surgical therapy is successful in many mild–moderate cases
• Surgical and regenerative treatments stabilize advanced disease
• Long-term success depends on maintenance and home care

Success factors:

• Regular periodontal maintenance visits
• Excellent daily oral hygiene
• Smoking cessation
• Control of systemic conditions

Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, often due to a combination of inflammation, mechanical forces, and genetic factors.

• Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
• Periodontal (gum) disease and bone loss
• Genetics or thin gum tissue biotype
• Orthodontic movement or misaligned teeth
• Clenching or grinding (bruxism) or traumatic bite forces
• Lip or tongue piercings

No — once gum tissue is lost, it does not grow back on its own. However, progression can be stopped, and lost tissue can often be restored with periodontal treatment.

• Gum tissue does not regenerate naturally
• Disease control prevents further loss
• Gum grafting can restore coverage
• Earlier treatment leads to better outcomes

Recommendations:

• Improve oral hygiene (gentle brushing, flossing, professional cleanings)
• Treat gum infection early
• Correct brushing technique and toothbrush choice
• Wear a nightguard if clenching or grinding
• Address malpositioned teeth or traumatic bite

Yes — recession can expose root surfaces, leading to:

• Sensitivity to cold and touch
• Higher risk of cavities on roots
• Loss of tooth support if bone loss is also present
• Esthetic concerns, especially on front teeth

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of recession and is tailored to each patient.

• Non-surgical: Improved home care, desensitizing agents, occlusal (bite) adjustments
• Surgical: Gum grafting (connective tissue, allograft, xenograft), minimally invasive tunneling or pinhole procedures, guided tissue regeneration

Common causes:

• Excess gum tissue covering part of the tooth crown (altered passive eruption)
• Short upper lip or hyperactive lip muscles that lift too high when smiling
• Vertical maxillary excess (overgrowth of the upper jaw bone)
• Teeth that appear short due to wear or eruption patterns

Yes — depending on the cause, non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments may be effective.

• Botox® injections to relax upper-lip elevator muscles
• Laser gum contouring or crown lengthening to reshape excess gum tissue
• Orthodontic treatment (e.g., intrusion with aligners) if teeth are extruded
• Lip repositioning (minor in-office procedure)

Modern gummy smile treatments are typically minimally painful and very safe when performed by a qualified specialist.

• Local anesthesia or light sedation keeps procedures comfortable
• Laser treatments involve minimal bleeding or swelling
• Recovery is usually 1–3 days for soft-tissue procedures
• Surgical crown lengthening or lip repositioning may take 1–2 weeks

Typical U.S. cost ranges:

• Laser or soft-tissue recontouring: $300 – $800 per tooth
• Esthetic crown lengthening (osseous surgery): $1,000 – $3,000 per area
• Botox® or lip repositioning: $250 – $600 per session
• Orthognathic (jaw) surgery (skeletal cases): $10,000 – $20,000+

It depends on the underlying cause.

• Soft-tissue issue (excess gum): → Periodontist
• Lip movement issue (hyperactive lip): → Periodontist or cosmetic dentist
• Tooth position issue: → Orthodontist
• Skeletal issue (jaw position): → Oral & maxillofacial surgeon

Typical U.S. cost ranges (per implant site):

• Single implant (surgery + crown): $3,000 – $6,000
• Implant bridge: $6,000 – $12,000
• Full-arch (All-on-4 / All-on-6): $20,000 – $45,000+ per arch

Factors affecting cost:

• Bone grafting or sinus lift requirements
• Type and number of implants
• Restorative materials (zirconia vs. porcelain)
• Surgeon’s expertise and technology (CBCT, guided surgery)

With proper care, dental implants can last 20+ years or even a lifetime. Implant crowns or prosthetics may need replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear.

Longevity depends on:

• Oral hygiene and professional maintenance
• Gum health and bone stability
• Bite forces and clenching habits
• Smoking or uncontrolled diabetes

Most patients report minimal discomfort, often less than a tooth extraction.

• Local anesthesia or sedation ensures comfort
• Post-op soreness is usually mild (1–3 days)
• Over-the-counter medication is typically sufficient
• Guided surgery and laser techniques reduce trauma

Typical timeline:

• Single implant (standard): 3–6 months total
  • Surgery → healing (osseointegration) → crown placement
• Immediate implant (same-day or anterior):
  • Implant and temporary crown placed same day (ideal cases only)
• Full-arch (All-on-4):
  • Temporary teeth often placed immediately
  • Final prosthesis in 3–6 months.

Yes. Dental implants are one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry when performed by a trained specialist.

• Success rates exceed 95–98% in healthy patients
• Risks (infection, nerve irritation, implant failure) are rare and manageable
• CBCT imaging, guided surgery, and biologic materials significantly improve safety

Typical U.S. ranges (per arch):

• Removable implant overdenture: $15,000 – $25,000
• Fixed All-on-4 / All-on-6 (zirconia or hybrid bridge): $25,000 – $45,000 per arch
• Full-mouth (both arches): $40,000 – $80,000+

Cost depends on:

• Number and type of implants (4, 6, or 8 per arch)
• Bone grafting or sinus lift needs
• Type of restoration (acrylic hybrid vs. monolithic zirconia)
• Technology used (digital planning, guided surgery, in-house milling)
• Surgeon and laboratory experience

Typical timelines:

• Immediate-load All-on-4: temporary teeth same day; final bridge in 3–6 months
• Traditional staged approach: implants placed → heal 3–6 months → final prosthesis → total 4–9 months
• Complex cases (bone grafts, sinus lifts): 6–12 months

Factors influencing time:

• Bone quality and healing capacity
• Need for extractions or grafting
• Type of provisional teeth used
• Desired esthetic outcome

Modern full-arch implant procedures are typically virtually painless when performed by an experienced team.

• IV oral sedation + local anesthesia ensure comfort
• 3D guided surgery minimizes trauma
• Anti-inflammatory recovery protocols reduce swelling

Typical recovery:

• 1–3 days of soreness or swelling
• Soft diet for 1–2 weeks

Dentures are removable and rest on the gums. They can shift when eating or speaking and may contribute to jawbone loss over time.

All-on-4® uses four dental implants to support a full set of fixed teeth. The teeth don’t come out, feel more stable than dentures, and often allow for same-day results.

Full-mouth implants use multiple implants to replace teeth in a way that most closely mimics natural teeth. They offer the highest level of stability and long-term function.

A periodontist can help determine the best option based on your bone health, lifestyle, and goals.

With proper care, implant fixtures can last 25+ years to a lifetime.

Restorations (hybrid or zirconia bridges) may need maintenance or replacement every 10–15 years, depending on materials and bite forces.

Longevity factors:

• Home hygiene and maintenance visits
• Bite design and occlusal load
• Grinding or clenching habits
• Medical conditions (diabetes, smoking)