Patient Resources & Instructions
For your convenience, we are now offering our New Patient Forms directly online! Please click on the following links and complete the forms to prepare for your visit:
For Post-Op Instructions, click here.
For Surgical Instructions, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we do! We have several options, whether you have insurance, no insurance, good credit or poor credit. Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!
With routine dental hygiene and proper home care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Fees from Dental Implants vary according to the situation. Dr. Furniss is happy to give a free Implant Consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.
The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 – 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant.
The next visit is to place the Implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless requested by the patient). Dr. Furniss will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain.
You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.
With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.
- Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.
- Dental Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Dental Implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
- Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
- Dental Implants replace the need for a Removable Full or Partial Denture.
- Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.
A Dental Implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved in this procedure. After a period of a few months, the Dental Implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.
Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape, and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.
Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape, and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Many times, patients ask for Porcelain Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!
Bonding is a cost-effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding like Tooth Whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola, and wine.
Tooth Whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride is has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.
Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your Gilmer family dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.
The whitening process can last for many years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!
There are now several ways to enhance your smile, including:
- Tooth Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns
We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.
Silver Fillings known as Amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, they were the best filling/restoration for years. The metal creates a very good antibacterial seal in the tooth and lasts an incredibly long time. There are certain cases where this filling material is still the best choice to create a long-lasting filling. Dr. Furniss will give you the option of using this material or tooth-colored material.
White Fillings, also known as composites are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.
Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, scaling and root planing, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal Surgery is only necessary for severe cases.
Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enters the gums. The initial condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens and more advanced symptoms appear, including:
- Bad Breath
- Gum Recession
- Gum Sensitivity to sweet or Acidic Foods
- Abscesses
- Tooth Pain
- Tooth Loss
Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surround the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our excellent hygienists will teach you proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocols for home care to prevent Periodontal Disease.
Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing daily is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums continually. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age. Dr. Furniss recommends electronic toothbrushes instead of old manual toothbrushes, as well as daily flossing and fluoride mouthwash.
Sensitive teeth are often due to gingival recession when the gums pull away from the tooth. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels, and even some dental procedures that can be used. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.
Links
Below you will find a wide array of services we offer, technology we use, and our dental association. We feel these pages will benefit your understanding and knowledge of your dental health.
Dental Associations
Our Services
Our Technologies