FAQs

Patient paperwork can be filled out securely and safely online before you arrive in our office to accelerate your visit. If you have filled out the patient registration paperwork beforehand, please arrive 10 minutes early. If you would like to fill out your paperwork at the office the day of your procedure—we will ask you to arrive no less than 20 minutes early.

For more information, visit our Page: Patient Information > Your First Office Visit.

Safety is the top priority when it comes to our patients. The sedation medications produce a decreased gag reflex which reduces the ability to keep contents in the stomach. Stomach contents that move into the throat may be inhaled (aspirated) and could be fatal. We require NO FOOD or DRINK, GUM, or MINTS before your appointment for these reasons. Medications should only be taken with a sip of water.

Yes, just try not to swallow any water.

IV sedation is a form of anesthesia often described as a twilight sleep. You will not feel pain and likely will not remember anything about the procedure. Our doctor recommends IV sedation as it is the most comfortable way to have the procedure performed.

We begin by placing the patient on monitors (EKG, blood pressure, oxygen via nasal cannula, pulse oximetry, end tidal CO₂ monitor) to ensure their safety. An IV will then be started in the patient’s arm by the doctor. The sedation medications are specifically managed by the doctor for each patient in relation to their health conditions and procedure being performed.  The patient typically drifts off to sleep within two minutes of receiving medications. The doctor waits to begin the procedure until the patient is comfortably sedated. The medications are delivered and monitored throughout the procedure by the doctor.

Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that do not have enough room to emerge or have not yet developed normally. Erupted wisdom teeth are teeth that have broken through the gum tissue and are visible in the mouth.

Many medical insurance plans do have coverage for impacted wisdom teeth. Each plan is specific, and we do ask that you provide us your medical insurance information so that we can check coverage under your plan. Please contact your insurance company directly to confirm in-network coverage.

The length of your procedure will depend on the procedure taking place. Wisdom teeth procedures typically take 45 – 60 minutes, but you can plan on being in the office a total of 60 – 75 minutes. This timeframe accounts for procedure and recovery time. 

The doctor makes specific prescription recommendations based on his experience and your health history. We advise you to fill the prescriptions. However, the decision to pay out-of-pocket for non-covered prescriptions is up to the patient. Unfortunately, due to time constraints we are not able to fill out extended forms some insurance companies require to consider coverage. We do not make alternative prescription recommendations based on insurance coverage. 

A consultation is always done prior to scheduling surgery.  The appointment provides an opportunity to discuss all your options and health status with the doctor. At the consultation you will be evaluated and diagnosed, fill out a full medical history and be able to discuss questions, risks, benefits, alternatives, and financial matters. Without a full consultation and medical history analysis, it would be impossible to move forward. The consultation is done in advance to be able to confer with your referring dentist and your primary care doctor if your care needs to be coordinated.  There is a fee for consultations. Please contact our office for specific information regarding billing.

The most important factor in the success of your procedure is the surgeon that you select. Choose a surgeon that gives you a chance for the best possible outcome. The success rate of dental implant surgery can be greatly attributed to skilled surgical specialists who have completed residency programs. Studies show implants placed by an oral surgeon last up to 40 – 50% longer than implants placed by a general dentist.

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons were the first doctors to place implants when modern implant dentistry was started, and they remain the leaders in the placement of dental implants. There is a major difference between surgical specialists (oral surgeons) and dentists who have taken an abbreviated course on dental implant surgery, but patients are not always aware of this difference. Successful dental implant surgery is determined by a surgeon’s knowledge, techniques, ability to diagnose problems and avoid them pre & post-surgery, and experience—how often do they perform surgery and what is their long-term success? Unfortunately, some patients who choose a less-qualified doctor experience complications that may have been avoided had they chosen an oral surgeon. Also, many general dentists are unable to treat complications and refer patients out to a specialist.

Although dental implant surgery is performed frequently and has a high success rate, there are risks involved with all surgical procedures. However, in the proper hands with advanced training they are very safe and predictable. Be sure the doctor performing the surgery handles all their own complications. This cannot be overstated. Complications can include infection, bleeding and nerve injury, and maxillary sinus issues.

Long-term success depends on multiple factors. First off, success depends on the quality and quantity of bone, the better the bone and more available the greater the chance of long-term success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the surgeon will be a factor. As with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the surgeon. And finally, implants are a team effort! The quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant (by your dentist) will play a big role in long-term success. If the design of the implant crowns or overdentures are poorly constructed, and biting forces are not balanced by your dentist routinely, even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate. Also, the patient’s oral hygiene and management of grinding and/or clenching are extremely important.

There are more than 80 systems available worldwide. Most reputable systems show research to substantiate success rates. The implant system used depends on each situation. Your dentist and Dr. Clarizio usually confer and determine what system is best for you.

Dr. Clarizio attended 4 years of dental school earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), an additional 4 years of specialized Oral and Maxillofacial education where he received training in anesthesia, oral surgery, implant surgery, and other areas needed to competently practice, followed by multiple surgical residencies. After completion, he passed a rigorous written and oral exam to become board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He is trained and licensed in IV Sedation and General Anesthesia and certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. He has over 30 years’ experience and has performed well over 30,000 dental implant & bone grafting procedures. His patients benefit from a 98% success rate with many dental implants lasting 25 plus years.