Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by our doctors. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, we are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures. In many cases, we can also make temporary prosthesis for dental implants, especially for anterior implants.
Dental implant placement usually is a team effort between a surgeon (oral surgeon/periodontist) and a restorative dentist. At our office, with extensive training on implant dentistry, we can perform the initial tooth extractions, implant and bone graft surgeries and implant restorations at one place for most implants cases. However, for difficult and challenging cases, we do have trusted specialist to refer to for surgery part before we restore the final implant prosthesis for you.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jaw bone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed within your jaw bone. For the first two to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, we can designs the final implant crown or bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the dental implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. We will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After a few weeks, we can start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes three to six months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.