Dental Implants

Please click on the topics below for further information on dental implants:

What are Dental Implants?
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
What about Risks?
Can I get Dental Implants?
Special Care for Dental Implants?

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal anchors, usually made of titanium. These implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold in position permanent replacement teeth or dentures. Through a process called "osteointegration," the jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant over time, providing tremendous stability.

After a medical and dental history is determined and a thorough oral examination is completed, including x-rays, a treatment plan is drawn up. Implant treatment is usually performed by a general dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist or a team of these doctors. The procedure and follow-ups are often performed in the dental office using local anesthetic.

During surgery, each implant is placed within the jawbone to serve as an anchor for the post that will eventually support the replacement teeth. Generally from three to six months or more is then allowed for the bone tissue to grow around the implant and hold them securely in place.

To ensure the best possible healing we will give you specific post surgical instructions. Pain medication, and in some cases antibiotics, may also be prescribed to aid in the healing process and help alleviate any discomfort. Temporary dentures or natural-looking teeth may be fitted to help you function as normally as possible. You will also need to limit your diet to soft foods and follow important oral hygiene instructions. Follow-up care is important during this time.

A small post, which acts as an anchor, is attached to each implant after the jawbone has fully healed. The replacement teeth are then attached to the post. A local anesthetic is usually required for this short procedure.

A single implant can be made when adjacent teeth are healthy and in place.	A fixed bridge abutment or "crown and bridge" is often used when a crown can anchor the prosthesis in combination with an implant.	The permanent fixed denture is often an excellent alternative to removable dentures.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Because dental implants are patterned after the structure of your natural teeth, they provide a highly stable support system for the replacement teeth or dentures. Other benefits include:

• Better chewing ability. Healthy teeth are able to absorb over 500 pounds of biting pressure per square inch. If you've worn dentures for a long time, that pressure may have diminished to one-tenth that of natural teeth. Dental implants can often restore the amount of pressure to nearly the same level of healthy natural teeth.
• More comfortable. The implants anchored in your jawbone provide a stable base so that your replacement teeth don't slip or slide. When dentures aren't secure enough, they often cause sores in the mouth and an annoying clicking sound.
• Long lasting. Scientifically tested and approved dental implant systems have been shown to last as long as 20 years or more with proper oral hygiene and care.
• More confident. Because dental implants function remarkably like natural teeth, most people who get them experience a renewed sense of self-confidence once they realize they can again chew, talk, laugh and smile with confidence.

What about Risks?

Over the years hundreds of thousands of people have benefited from dental implant surgery. Bleeding, infection, injury to the nerves or sinus cavity, or incomplete healing of the bone around the implant resulting in implant failure rarely occur. However, discomfort, swelling and inflammation of the gums -- normal responses to oral surgery -- may be present in varying degrees while the gums are healing. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your individual situation or want to discuss what is considered normal in the healing process.

Can I get Dental Implants?

Dental implants can be carried out at any age and can replace one tooth or several teeth. If you are facing losing teeth or are dissatisfied with your dentures, please contact us for a consultation.

During your initial consultation, we'll help you decide. In general, we look for the following characteristics:

• general good health
• healthy gums
• sufficient underlying jawbone to support the implants
• a good attitude to ensure that you follow through with vital oral hygiene habits

Special Care for Dental Implants?

The care you give to your dental implant makes a tremendous difference in the overall satisfaction you experience, as well as the longevity of the implant itself. With proper oral hygiene habits - brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups - your implant will serve you well.

Please feel free to contact us for your oral health care needs!