Va Prosthetics

How do I find out my Federal Employee Grade online?

I am a prosthetics clinician (not a doctor) working at a VA Medical Center.

they should have told you your grade when you were hired.

search for GS Pay Scale to see the schedule.

Dentists Virginia: Will I miss Any Work To Get Dental Implants

Dentists Virginia: Will I miss Any Work To Get Dental Implants?

Hi, I am Dr. Steven Saunders with the Shenandoah Valley Implant Institute.

A frequently asked question by our patients is, Will I have to miss any time from work in order to receive a dental implant?

The answer to that question is that with the technology we have available today, utilizing a nine second Cone Beam CT Scan and surgical computer guided techniques, we are able to install implants in under 1 hour. Many times we have treated a patient who came into the office with a painful front tooth and in less than an hour, they left the office and are back to work with a normal good-looking, functioning tooth.

Many times we have been able to place as many as six implants, immediately place the prosthetics and take the patient out to dinner as a treat immediately following the procedure.

So with the technology available and the equipment in our office, we are able to get you out of the door in under an hours time headed back to work or out to dinner.

What is a Cone Beam CT?

A Cone Beam CT is the standard of care for imaging for placement of dental implants. A traditional CT performed in a hospital has around 80% more radiation than a Cone Beam CT.

It is difficult to explain online how the technology for Cone Beam CT differs than a traditional Medical CT. However, in short, a Cone Beam CT scanner uses a cone shaped x-ray beam rather than a conventional linear fan beam, as is the case with Medical CT, to provide images of the bony structures of the skull. As result, the medical CT scanner provides a set of consecutive slices of the patient while the Cone Beam CT scanner provides a volume of data.

In terms of the benefits of Cone Beam CT over regular CT:

X-Ray Radiation exposure to the patient is up 10 times less than a regular CT scanner.

Much faster scan time. Scan on a CBCT takes between 10-40 sec, while on a regular CT scanner it takes a few minutes.

Cheaper, average price of a CBCT scan could be up to 50% less than a regular MDCT scan

You can find Cone Beam CT's throughout the US at various imaging centers or in many dental offices. I have had a Cone Beam CT in my office for the past 4 years and use it daily.

The costs for a Cone Beam Ct varies between $250-$600 depending on where you go. Any dentist can utilize this technology through 3rd party image processing centers that read the CT and convey the data to a dentist.

Ten Reasons to Choose Dental Implants Over Removable Dentures

Full dentures are the most common restoration used for patients missing all of their natural teeth. The only other alternatives to complete removable dentures are dental implants. Although removable dentures are usually the most inexpensive option for tooth replacement, they can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Dental implants are an alternative to consider (see comparison chart).

A dental implant is a small man-made titanium fixture that serves as a replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Titanium is used because it is most compatible with our human body. The dental implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and functions as an anchor for the replacement tooth.

1) Improved Appearance: Dental implant supported prostheses are more natural than removable dentures in appearance and more attractive. They look and feel like natural teeth. Since implants fuse to bone, the prosthesis is permanent and non-removable.

2) Improved Confidence: Removable dentures become loose and can rock and cause embarrassment for the wearer. With the dental implant prosthesis, a person can feel confident that teeth will not move. All regular activities can be performed without fear of embarrassment.

3) Comfort and Convenience: Removable dentures can cause sore spots in the mouth under the denture. With a dental implant supported prostheses there are no sore spots. Removable dentures can be inconvenient because they require removal at night and for cleaning. They require messy adhesives. Patients with dental implants do not experience these embarrassing situations.

4) Durability: Implants have a high rate of success and durability. They last many years. With good care, implants can last a lifetime

5) Improved Eating: Removable dentures can slide during eating and make eating a complicated and unhappy activity. The ability to chew foods improves dramatically with dental implants. While removable dentures are only 20% to 25% as efficient as a person's natural teeth, implant supported prostheses are 80% as efficient. A prosthesis supported by dental implants functions like natural teeth making eating an enjoyable and easy experience.

6) Improved Taste: A full upper removable denture covers the roof of the mouth. Food is more difficult to taste and enjoy. With an implant-supported prosthesis, the roof of the mouth is not covered and food can be tasted fully.

7) Improved Nutrition and Health: Many foods cannot be eaten with removable dentures. With an implant-supported prosthesis, people are able to eat a varied, healthful diet that includes all necessary food groups for improved nutrition. Chewy and crunchy foods such as carrots, lettuce and apples can be added to the diet.

Improved Speech: Removable dentures can make speaking sound garbled. The teeth can slip within the mouth causing mumbling or slurring of words. With dental implants normal speech is usually not a problem and patients can feel confident that the teeth will not slip during conversation.

9) Reduced Chance of Loss: Removable dentures can be easily lost. Dental implant supported prostheses cannot be removed and misplaced.

10) Bone Growth: One of most devastating problems for patients wearing removable dentures is the loss of bone that occurs over time. Gradually removable dentures become more difficult to wear because of this bone loss. The ridge gradually wears away providing less and less ridge to support the denture. Dental implants act like natural teeth and aid in bone stimulation and growth.

Free Report Are Dental Implants Right For You and your Complimentary Gifts Valued at $297 Visit http://www.PainFreeImplants.com