Sedation Dentistry – The Fine Art of Painless Appointments

Posted on March 23, 2016January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

sedation-dentistry What comes to mind when you think of going to the dentist? Day in and day out, millions of people across the nation have dental work done, and yet, for some, dental appointments remain a genuine source of anxiety. Whether due to past painful experiences or simply worry over the unknown, to you, the fear is real and that’s all that matters. Thankfully, San Antonio sedation dentistry expert Dr. Kenneth Krueger understands these fears and does all he can to ensure your visit is pain-free and comfortable.

Anesthesia Tailored to Your Needs

At KRK Implant Center, we offer a variety of anesthesia options. While advanced anesthesia may be required for more extensive procedures, you are also able to select anesthesia based on your personal comfort level and preference. The available options include:

Local Anesthesia: all patients receive a base local anesthesia to ensure numbness in the mouth prior to the start of any procedure. In contrast to some practices, we employ very gentle injection techniques to minimize discomfort.
Oral Anesthesia: typically used in conjunction with local anesthesia, at your preference, we can prescribe oral medication to take before your procedure begins to assist in your relaxation and allow you to fall asleep while receiving treatment.
Conscious IV Sedation: for particularly involved procedures or for patients who experience considerable anxiety while undergoing dental treatment, we recommend conscious intravenous sedation. This method is very safe but effective in allowing you to relax. It’s also well suited to those wishing to have multiple procedures done in a single appointment.

Rest Easy in the Hands of Experience

Sedation methods aside, there’s something to be said about knowing you’re in the hands of an experienced physician. Dr. Krueger has over 30 years of experience in periodontics to put your mind at ease, but more than that, he genuinely cares about the quality of your experience and takes the time answer your questions before any treatment begins.

If you know you need periodontal work done, stop letting fear get the better of you. Call KRK Implant Center today and see for yourself why Dr. Krueger is considered one of the top providers in his field.

Dread going to the dentist? San Antonio sedation dentistry expert Dr. Kenneth Krueger offers top quality care and pain-free appointments. Call 210.826.3946 today to schedule.

Dental Implants – A Solution That Lasts A Lifetime

Posted on March 9, 2016January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

dental-implants Inability to get proper care, neglect, a traumatic accident – when you have missing teeth, the “why” doesn’t really matter. You just want a solution that will restore what you’ve lost: form, function, and self-esteem. San Antonio dental implants patients often research all of their alternatives before making a decision, but aside from all their many benefits, what brings them back to implants is that they are made to last.

What to Expect

As with any medical treatment, it’s only natural to want to know what you’re signing up for with dental implants. Here’s a brief synopsis of our typical process at KRK:

Before: Dr. Krueger will take the time to get to know you and your specific situation. He’ll work with you to craft a treatment plan that works with your schedule and make sure you’re prepared for a successful procedure. Any additional dental work necessary prior to implant placement can often be done the same day.
During: During your implant procedure you can choose to be awake, relaxed, or completely sedated. Dr. Krueger will place the dental implants directly into your jawbone, minimally impacting your gums. The entire procedure typically takes only 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
After: You will regain feeling in your mouth between 3-5 hours after your procedure. Because Dr. Krueger’s technique requires little interaction with your gums, you will not likely need any stitches and should have minimal, if any, swelling or bruising. You’ll be prescribed medication to help manage your pain – most patients require only over-the-counter remedies. You will schedule a follow-up with Dr. Krueger for a few weeks later and be given his home and mobile contact info should you have any concerns before then. Once your implants have fully integrated into your jawbone (6 weeks – 4 months later), you’ll be fitted for your permanent crowns.

Implants Versus Other Treatments

Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth. You can even eat just like you always did and brush and floss normally. The best part about implants, though, is that they’re intended to last a lifetime. Other treatment methods like partial dentures and bridges may cost less in the immediate, but they deteriorate over time, necessitating replacement.

In the long run, quality dental often cost patients less while providing superior function and appearance. If you’re looking for a solution to missing teeth that will last, call us at KRK Implant Center today for your consultation and see for yourself why dental implants are right for you.

Looking for a lasting fix for lost teeth? The San Antonio dental implants experts at KRK Implant Center are here to help. Call us today at 210.826.3946 for your consultation.

Are Dentures Really Less Expensive In The Long Run?

Posted on February 24, 2016January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

are-dentures-really-less-expensive These days, finances are a concern few people are immune to. With every little expense quickly adding up, the cost of dental care is the last thing you want to think about. When you live with missing teeth every day, though, eventually frustration gets the better of you and you start considering your options.

For many patients in San Antonio, dentures seem like the logical choice, because they offer a low-cost solution in the immediate. While it’s true that dentures are typically the least expensive up front, they carry with them a number of drawbacks that may end up costing more than you think.

The Hidden Costs of Dentures

You’re probably already familiar with the aesthetic and functional problems posed by dentures – decreased chewing power, lingering food odor, potential slippage at an inopportune moment – but there are other, more serious concerns to consider:

Jawbone Deterioration: without teeth rooted in your jawbone, it will begin to deteriorate over time. This can actually alter your facial structure, giving you a collapsed appearance, and weakening your jaw.
Damage to Neighboring Teeth: partial dentures require support from neighboring teeth to stay in place. While this doesn’t pose an immediate problem, over time, the pull on those supporting teeth can cause them to loosen and even fall out.
Denture Replacement: even the best dentures are only a temporary solution. They wear out over time and typically require replacement every 5-8 years. Depending on how many replacements you need over the course of your lifetime, the cost of replacement alone could exceed that of other options.

Dental Implants: A Lasting Solution

Though dentures offer a low-cost remedy in the short term, when you consider the additional expenses they can cause over time, they may not be less expensive at all. Dental implants, on the other hand, offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. Not only do they prevent jawbone deterioration and damage to neighboring teeth, but they look and feel like natural teeth and stand the test of time.

If you’re in need of replacement teeth, don’t just settle for dentures. Call us at KRK Implant Center today. We’ll work with you to maximize your insurance coverage and can even offer financing if needed.

Looking for affordable tooth replacement? San Antonio dentures patients should consider the benefits dental implants provide. Call KRK Implant Center today at 210.826.3946 to learn more.

Affordable Dental Implants – You Get What You Pay For

Posted on February 10, 2016January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

affordable-dental-implants If you had your choice between a Ford Focus and a BMW 750li, which would you choose? Both can get you from point A to point B…and yet, one is widely regarded as a symbol of quality in the automotive market. If only there was such a clear-cut distinction in the field of dentistry in San Antonio.

Affordable dental implants providers like to play the cost war with their competitors – offering “the same” level of service for a much lower price. Unfortunately, these bargain treatments aren’t always all they’re cracked up to be.

Not All Implant Treatments Are Created Equal

Perhaps the old adage “you get what you pay for” is tossed about too lightly these days for it to hold much weight, but in the case of dental implants, you can be certain that if a lower cost is being offered, the difference isn’t coming out of the provider’s profit margin:

Pre-op planning: one of the keys to a successful dental implant procedure is thorough pre-planning. This can include everything from time spent getting to know your unique physiology to the actual treatment plan itself, but this is an area where many tend to cut corners. Not enough time spent here can mean, at least, an uncomfortable experience during your procedure and, at worst, poor results and the need for follow-up work to fix what was done improperly the first time.
Technique and expertise: in any surgical application, there’s something to be said for a practiced hand and well-honed technique. Many bargain providers may be new dentists trying to carve out a niche in the market. While this doesn’t automatically mean they will do shoddy work, you should be willing to accept a practitioner of lesser experience if you choose to go with the lowest bidder.
Implant/crown composition: probably one of the biggest areas bargain providers cut costs is in the materials used to make your implants and crowns and the facilities in which they are manufactured. The use of suboptimal materials can cause decreased durability, and function and poor manufacturing can cause equally poor fit and resulting discomfort for you in the long run.

Insurance and Payment Options

At KRK Implant Center, we’re committed to providing the highest quality implants, crowns, and overall treatment possible, because our goal is providing implants that will look great and last a lifetime. We will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits toward our services. We also have financing options available, should you need them.

Don’t settle for lesser quality implants and treatment that won’t stand the test of time. Call KRK Implant Center for your consultation today.

Need affordable dental implants in San Antonio? KRK Implant Center will work to help maximize your insurance coverage and even offers financing options. Call 210.826.3946 for your consultation today.

Do I Need Treatment for My Receding Gums?

Posted on January 28, 2016January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

receding-gums One of the most common problems that Dr. Krueger sees in his San Antonio patients is receding gums, a condition of the gums moving up and exposing sensitive parts of the teeth. This allows harmful bacteria to enter the gap between teeth and gums, eventually causing tissue or even bone damage if left untreated.

When to Seek Treatment:

The first signs of receding gums can mimic other dental problems. You may also notice that your tooth looks longer than before or see a darker colored part of your tooth (the root). Once you recognize these signs, you should go to your periodontist immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier and more painless it will be to resolve.

Signs of Receding Gums:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food and beverage.
Darker part of tooth (root) visible.
Loose or missing teeth (advanced stage).

What Are My Treatment Options?

Depending on the cause of your gum recession, treatment is relatively mild when caught early. Most San Antonio patients with receding gums simply brush too hard or grind their teeth when they sleep, problems that are treated painlessly. However, many of Dr. Krueger’s patients undergo gum grafts to prevent further gum recession. This surgical procedure repairs tissue damage and eliminates tooth sensitivity, yet is so gentle that it can be performed with or without sedation.

Treatment	Result
Mouth guard	Protects teeth from further gum recession caused by grinding teeth.
Switching to soft tooth brush, less aggressive brushing	Prevents gum recession in patients brushing or flossing too hard.
Gum graft	All bacteria removed from tooth, sensitive part of tooth covered with new tissue to prevent additional recession and beautify your smile.

Recovering From Receding Gums:

For San Antonio patients in the early stages of gum recession, a mouth guard or different brushing techniques will prevent the recession from getting worse and avoid surgical procedures. If you require a gum graft, recovery will take a few days and your mouth will fully heal in one to two weeks.

Remember that the best way to prevent gum recession from recurring is to follow good oral hygiene practices and go for routine check-ups.

To decide on a treatment plan for your receding gums, contact KRK Implant Center at 210.826.3946 or fill out our contact form.

Finding a Periodontist to Treat My Gum Disease

Posted on December 31, 2015January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

Millions of Americans suffer from dental anxiety because they fear the pain of procedures or have had negative dental experiences in the past. This makes finding the right periodontist to treat your gum disease crucial not only to your dental health but your overall wellbeing. Here are some things you should look for when choosing a periodontist in San Antonio.

How Do I Find a Periodontist in San Antonio?

An excellent education and professional recognition set the top periodontists apart from the merely good. Periodontists with credentials from highly ranked universities and organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Periodontics (AAP), and the Texas Dental Association (TDA) meet the top standards needed to provide exceptional patient care. For added certainty, get recommendations from other dental professionals. They know which periodontists do the best work and have the highest levels of patient satisfaction.

Your periodontist should have:

Education with academic distinctions.
Active professional credentials.
Recommendations from other dental professionals.

Though you should look for a periodontist that offers more than these qualifications, they will ensure the best possible treatment options.

Experience and Continuing Education

Periodontists with decades of experience know what works and how to deal with potential problems that may arise during your procedure. A balance of experience and familiarity with new techniques improves patient care and provides the best options for treatment.

Your periodontist should be:

Experienced and established in the field.
Up-to-date on new developments in periodontics.
Actively engaged in furthering education.

While experience is valuable, you should look for a seasoned periodontist dedicated to continuing education for the best of both worlds.

Bedside Manner

It seems obvious that anyone engaged in patient care should be concerned with the patient’s wellbeing and comfort. However, a surprising number of patients experience impersonal care that sours their otherwise positive experience.

For a positive experience at the periodontist look for an office that provides:

Friendly and courteous staff to explain procedures and aftercare.
Periodontist dedicated to providing you with options for comfort, such as sedation.
Individualized attention to your specific needs and wellbeing.

Finding a periodontist with personalized care and attentive staff will help put you at ease prior to your procedure and enhance your wellbeing when it is over.

To treat your gum disease, schedule a consultation with Dr. Krueger. Contact KRK Implant Center at 210.826.3946 or fill out our contact form.

Why All-on-4 Is So Popular for Tooth Replacement

Posted on July 17, 2015January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

For many patients in San Antonio, All-on-4 ® represents a transformative approach to dental restoration.

In the past, dentists and periodontists didn’t have many options for patients needing to replace most or all of their teeth. The most common method was dentures: a prosthetic that adheres to the gums and offers some of the benefits of natural teeth.

However, the past few decades have proven the efficacy of dental implants over dentures, and the introduction of All-on-4 makes full-arch replacement a more affordable, comfortable, and effective solution than before.

What Is All-on-4?

San Antonio patients who are missing one or several teeth may be good candidates for dental implants. During the procedure, a periodontist places a replacement tooth root (dental implant) which supports one or several crowns.

Before All-on-4, if a patient was missing many teeth or needed to have teeth extracted because of damage or disease, the doctor would need to place many tooth roots (dental implants). Today, using the All-on-4 procedure, Doctor Krueger can restore an entire dental arch by:

Placing just a few dental implants in specific locations in the upper and/or lower arch. In certain cases, the procedure may require five or six implants for greater stability.
Connecting a temporary, full-arch prosthesis to the implants.

After a few weeks, the dental implants will have bonded strongly to the jawbone and assumed their final position, and you will receive your permanent prosthesis. These teeth appear and function like your own.

Why Is All-on-4 So Popular?

Dentures were a natural progression for many patients. They would lose one tooth and receive a bridge, followed by a second bridge, and so on. They would ultimately require a full appliance to serve as replacement teeth.

The problem is that bridges and dentures do not provide replacement tooth roots. Without these roots, bone in the area of a missing tooth can begin to erode. This weakens the jawbone and creates a collapsed appearance around the mouth, aging the face. It also forms space between the gums and the bridge or dentures, which can make them look less natural or shift uncomfortably.

Because All-on-4 uses dental implants, it stimulates bone growth in the jaw and preserves the existing bone. It also restores the smile during a single procedure without the expense or time-consuming task of creating one root for every implant. In short, All-on-4 offers all of the advantages of dentures but with a more natural appearance and greater functionality.

San Antonio All-on-4 patients can contact KRK Implant Center by calling 210.826.3946 or filling out the form on the right.

Do Dental Implants…Gulp!…Hurt?

Posted on June 29, 2015January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

At KRK Implant Center, we built our practice on improving smiles, preserving health, and maintaining comfort during treatment in San Antonio.

Dental implants are a surgical procedure, and they do make a dramatic improvement to your smile. However, they do not hurt.

Why Doesn’t It Hurt to Have Dental Implants Placed?

Doctor Krueger is an experienced periodontist with advanced training in sedation and anesthesia. Over the years, he has honed his technique for greater efficiency and efficacy. As his patient:

You’ll begin with a consultation at our practice in San Antonio. Dental implants are tailored to your individual needs, so Doctor Krueger will take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and identify the best approach to your procedure. This also gives you the chance to learn what to expect and to become comfortable with our staff.
Before your procedure begins, Doctor Krueger will use a local anesthetic. He will ensure it has taken effect before proceeding. You may feel pressure as he places the implant, but you will not feel any pain.
If you are anxious about the experience, KRK Implant Center can offer you more extensive sedation that will make you unaware of the procedure as it occurs. This may be a good choice if you are having multiple dental implants placed.

Many people who have dental implants placed in our practice tell us they didn’t experience pain after their procedure. Most managed any minimal discomfort with over-the-counter medication. KRK Implant Center is also available 24 hours a day so we can support patients who do require additional care.

The Opportunity for San Antonio Dental Implant Patients

For a moment, put aside concerns about how it feels to get dental implants, and consider what it feels like to live with your current oral condition. Maybe it’s broken teeth. It could be a progressive oral disease. Or you might be missing a tooth and feeling self-conscious when you eat, speak, or socialize. You might also not be able to chew food as you would like.

Dental implants are a restoration procedure that returns full function, feel, and aesthetics to your smile. If you are experiencing daily discomfort or unease, you will likely find the implant procedure is very easy.

Whatever your reason for considering dental implants, we encourage you to contact our practice to learn more. Understanding how we work and how we support you in your experience will make your decision a much easier one.

Considering tooth replacement in San Antonio? Dental implants by KRK Implant Center offer a pain-free solution. Call 210.826.3946 or fill out the form on the right.

What Should I Do About Receding Gums?

Posted on June 10, 2015January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

San Antonio receding gums patients usually seek treatment after they notice that the tissue around their teeth has worn away significantly. The recession may have already exposed the tooth root and created a pocket where bacteria can grow.

At this stage, the condition may have already loosened the teeth and weakened the jawbone. KRK Implant Center doesn’t want the issue to reach this point before patients respond. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and take action early.

Consider the Causes of Receding Gums

You can prevent receding gums by avoiding certain behaviors or recognizing specific causes. The most common include:

Improper oral care and periodontal disease;
Genetic predisposition;
Overly-aggressive toothbrushing;
Tobacco use; and
Tooth grinding.

Essentially, any ongoing irritation of the gums and teeth can make your gums recede. If you meet any of these criteria, be especially vigilant about changes in your mouth.

How San Antonio Receding Gums Patients Can Fight the Condition

Understanding the causes should give you some insight into preventing or resolving the condition.

First, make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth correctly. This means using proper technique so you don’t irritate the gums, and cleaning your mouth regularly, as recommended by your dentist.

Speaking of dentists, be certain you are seeing your general practitioner on a regular basis. He or she will be able to recognize the early signs of gum recession and can often advise you on handling the condition.

If you know that your parents dealt with receding gums at some point, you may be more susceptible to oral health problems. The same is true if you smoke or chew tobacco, or if you grind your teeth. In any of these cases, take note if your teeth appear longer than normal or if your gums seem to be moving away from the teeth.

Treatment for Receding Gums

KRK Implant Center can treat mild gum recession with a deep cleaning, which involves tooth scaling and root planing. Essentially, it’s a treatment that targets the build-up of plaque and tartar under and above the gum line. Doctor Krueger uses a local anesthetic to allow you to be more comfortable during the process.

After your deep cleaning, Doctor Krueger will evaluate your progress and advise you whether you require further treatment. Most patients respond very well to deep cleaning, but there are additional procedures we offer to address the most serious cases, including gum surgery and other treatment that can repair damage to teeth and bone.

Learn more about the care KRK Implant Center offers in San Antonio. Patients with receding can contact us at 210.826.3946 or fill out the form on the right.

How to Wage an Epic Battle Against Gum Disease

Posted on May 21, 2015January 24, 2017 by firmmedia

San Antonio gum disease patients wait to call KRK Implant Center when their symptoms have already become severe. They’re bothered by irritated and bleeding gums, oral sensitivity, and teeth that shift or move, and they’re ready to fight back.

We care about our patients, and we would rather they manage these concerns before they require an advanced procedure. Learn how to protect yourself against gum disease at every stage of its progression and how we can support your treatment.

Home Care to Prevent Gum Disease

Bacteria thrive in your mouth when you have a build-up of plaque and tartar. These organisms begin to attack the gums, causing the irritation, swelling, and sensitivity that precede periodontal disease.

To defend yourself at this stage:

Brush your teeth regularly.
Floss carefully and thoroughly.
Note any changes in the appearance of teeth or gums.

Home care is one of the most simple measures for maintaining oral health for patients in San Antonio.

Gum Disease and Dental Cleanings

Your general practitioner dentist is your ally in the battle against gum disease. He or she is on the front line, performing regular cleanings and examinations of your gums and teeth.

By visiting your dentist as recommended, you may be able to prevent gingivitis or periodontitis. You will also be able to track the progress of disease if, for some reason, the general dentist is unable to resolve a growing concern. In this case, you may receive or request a referral to KRK Implant Center for advanced treatment.

Scaling and Surgery

In cases where gum disease is advancing, it’s time to call the expert. KRK Implant Center will:

Perform a thorough examination of the issues concerning you and identify the causes and status of your gum disease.
Recommend an approach for resolving these concerns.
Answer any questions you have about our procedures.

Doctor Krueger usually begins treatment with scaling and root planing. This is non-surgical procedure removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar to eliminate gum irritation and disease. Doctor Krueger will use a local anesthetic to insure your comfort, and he will perform this deep cleaning to get to the source of your disease..

We will evaluate your body’s response to the procedure after two to three months, and determine whether you require further treatment. Doctor Krueger has expertise in several treatment options that can reduce the size of the pockets that are trapping bacteria, strengthen weakened bone, and restore teeth that you may have lost.

Learn more about winning the battle. San Antonio gum disease patients can contact KRK Implant Center at 210.826.3946 or fill out the form on the right.