Benefits of Dental Implants:

Men and women of all ages are self-conscious about their dentures, bridges or missing teeth. Some have difficulty speaking because their dentures slip or click. For others, the irritation and pain caused by dentures are constant reminders of the limitations they feel. Many are concerned about their appearance and may feel that their tooth loss has "aged them" before their time. Some regularly decline invitations to social events because they are unwilling to face the uncertainties of eating, speaking and laughing in public. Many can no longer enjoy their favorite foods, nor the social interaction with family and friends that accompanies special meals. Now, more and more people are putting an end to these problems by choosing dental implants, a revolutionary way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants offer an excellent alternative to the limitations of conventional dentures, bridges and missing teeth. Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak and enjoy life.

Dental implants are a great option for patients missing natural teeth, because they act as a secure anchor for artificial replacement teeth and eliminate the instability associated with surface adhesives and removable bridges.

Your natural teeth absorb biting pressure of up to 540 lbs. per square inch. Long-time denture-wearers can often absorb no more than 50 lbs. per square inch. Dental implants, when properly placed, can withstand 450 lbs. per square inch of biting pressure. Dental implants are made of materials that are compatible with human bone and tissue. The implants are surgically placed directly into or on top of the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implants which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Based on patient needs, a single tooth, a partial bridge or a full set of replacement teeth are fitted to the implants and lock in place over the protruding posts. In appearance and in function, the implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and a good alternative to conventional dentures.

Implants eliminate the day-to-day frustrations and pain of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions many denture-wearers face. With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover the excitement of an active life-style shared with family and friends and the chance to speak clearly and comfortably with co-workers.

For all these reasons, people with dental implants often say they feel better...they look better...they live better.

We can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. You will be evaluated based upon a number of things including dental health, life-style, jawbone quality and oral hygiene habits. In close consultation with your own dentist, we can plan your dental implant treatment program.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, the implants are surgically placed into or on top of your jawbone. These small devices make up the framework needed to securely hold replacement teeth. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. During this time, you should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet. Some patients do report minor pain and swelling immediately after the procedure but most experience no change in their daily routines.

While the implants are bonding with the jawbone, new replacement teeth are fashioned by your dentist. The replacement teeth must clip onto the implants, fit securely in the mouth and withstand the day-to-day movement and pressure created by chewing and speaking. So, it is important that they are created by a dentist with proper training in restorative techniques.

Once the implants have bonded to the jawbone, the second phase of the procedure begins. At this time, our surgeon uncovers the implants and attaches small posts that will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. The posts protrude through the gum line but are not visible when artificial teeth are attached.

The entire process, from evaluation to completion, generally takes six to eight months. During this time, most patients do not experience any disruption in their normal business and social activities.

Because dental implants are made of materials that are compatible with human bone, there is little chance for an allergic reaction in the body. However, implants can fail when proper oral hygiene techniques are not used. Dental implants require special individual care. Proper brushing, flossing, rinsing and regular check-ups are critical to the long-term success of your implants.




FAQ’s About Dental Implants:

What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is actually an artificial root, made of titanium, which serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth. They can be used to replace as few as one missing tooth or the entire mouth. Fortunately, we do not need an implant for each missing tooth.

An implant is a man-made replacement for natural teeth which allows the person to return to fixed teeth. It is not a transplant, which is taken from another person or animal. You may require a special x-ray to evaluate the amount of bone remaining. We may also make a model of your mouth to determine space available.

The teeth that attach to the implant can be either Snap-On, removable (removed by you, the patient), or fixed (non-removable), depending on your preference and the number of implants needed.

What Is A Sinus Lift?
If sinuses are very large and implants could not be placed, bone grafting is done first. In this procedure, the width and height of the bone is expanded from within the implant site thereby creating a new sinus floor necessary bone for the implant. An eight month period allows the bone graft to mature is followed by the conventional placement of the implants. A variety of graft materials can be used in these procedures. In our experience, the best source of bone is the patient's own "(autogenous) sources. Our success rate is very high with sinus lift procedures.

Another technique used in certain cases with a moderate amount of bone is to use an osteotome and tap the bone gently with specially designed instruments going from the bony ridge inward (towards the sinus) and elevate the floor prior to placement of the implant.

Who Invented The New Dental Implants?
Replacing teeth in people's mouth once they loose their natural teeth is not new. The scientifically-based method of implant therapy, however, was first developed over 30 years ago in Sweden. A Swedish orthopedic surgeon and researcher, Dr. Per Ingvar Branemark, observed that a titanium implant could naturally and predictably bond with bone. He called this phenomenon OSSEOINTEGRATION. Since the original implant was placed three decades ago, several hundred thousand patients have enjoyed the benefits of successful "permanent" tooth replacement with dental implants.

What Dental Implant System Do You Use?
To help achieve this goal, we utilize Branemark SystemTM implant fixtures and components, which are produced by Nobel Biocare, the world leader in dental implant manufacturing, education and research.

How Long Does It Take?
To perform the surgery it may take somewhere between 45 min. to 90 min. depending to the number and location of the dental implant(s). Following the placement of the implant you have to wait for the bone to surround the implant and integrate with it. Complete treatment can take from four to nine months and in some cases, longer. It should be understood that this procedure is advanced, requiring patience and can be a longer process than many other surgical procedures to assure its success. If you prefer, we could provide you with temporary teeth during this time frame. At no time are you without teeth unless you elect to do so.

Does It Hurt?
A gentle surgical procedure is performed to place the dental implant. Generally, there is very little postoperative pain. In fact, single implant patients can return to work immediately and multiple implant cases can return in a day! During the procedure local anesthesia is used. Approximately 95 percent of patients report discomfort of 0-2 on a scale of 0-10 the day after the implants are placed. We will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that you may experience.

What Are The Steps In Placing Dental Implants?
Dental implant system is placed in multiple stages. Using the guidance from Dr. Branemark what follows are the four different steps:

The Dental Implant Procedure

STEP 1: INITIAL SURGERY Following administration of local anesthesia, the gum is pushed back and in a precise and gentle way, the implants are placed in the jawbone. The gum is then sutured back. Sutures we use dissolve in your mouth within a few weeks. This phase of treatment could also be done while you are asleep. Most patients experience no major discomfort after the procedure. Within four to eight months following step one, the bone in the jaw attaches to the implants, holding them firmly in place. STEP 2: OSSEOINTEGRATION PERIOD The dental implant fixture will be left undisturbed in the jawbone for a period of four to six months. During this time, the bone attaches to the implant and OSSEOINTEGRATION takes place. Depending on the case type, a temporary removable denture may be worn to preserve cosmetics, as shown at right. STEP 3: ABUTMENT CONNECTION Once osseointegration of the implant is complete, the surgeon exposes the top of the implant and attaches a post or abutment. This abutment passes through the gum and ultimately supports the new tooth. This small metal post or cylinder is attached to the implant, projecting through the gum. After this second surgical treatment, the gums take several weeks to heal. STEP 4: FINAL PROSTHETIC RESTORATION Your dentist will take an impression of the implant and will work with the lab technician to make the new implant-supported tooth, as per the original treatment plan. The final prosthetic tooth can be screwed to place or cemented. The new tooth is firmly anchored into the bone and gums, and will look and feel just like a natural tooth. Several fittings of the new teeth may be needed. After treatment is completed, brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly are essential to the success of the dental implant.