Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the bone of the jaw(s) to replace missing teeth. These titanium anchors act as tooth root substitutes. Healthy bone bonds with the titanium creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. After a period of healing, extensions (abutments) are attached to the implant(s) to allow for tooth replacements.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are surgically placed in precise location(s) based on the final treatment plan. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants may be beneath or level with surface of the gums gradually bonding with bone. You should be able to wear temporary replacements.
After the implant has healed appropriately (osseointegration), the second phase begins. At this time we will uncover, if necessary, and check the implants for restorability. If the implants are deemed ready for restoration small extensions (abutments) are placed to provide the appropriate substructure for tooth replacement. When the artificial teeth are placed, these extensions (abutments) will not be visible. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Despite commonly requiring staged treatment with healing periods between stages, most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Our surgeons 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 implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Dental Implantology is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While our surgeons typically perform the initial tooth extractions, bone grafting if necessary, and ultimately implant placement, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Quite simply put, dental implants offer the best option currently available for the replacement of badly damaged or missing natural teeth. While other options are available they are most likely a significant compromise.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts, if necessary, can be performed in the office setting. Various anesthesia options are available for your safety and comfort.
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed in detail. While special considerations may be necessary, almost all patients are candidates for the use of dental implants to meet their restorative needs.
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
How much does a dental implant cost?
The short answer is “It depends”.
The cost of dental implant treatment may or may not be subsidized by any applicable insurance. Our staff can help with any questions in this regard.
While bridges and dentures may be less expensive at the outset, one should consider that both options have sometimes considerable continuing expenses. Bridges by definition, require substantial reduction of the neighboring abutment teeth - which can lead to weakness and repeated treatments. Dentures cannot preserve the jaw bone the way dental implants can, so the jaw shrinks as the bone is resorbed, leading to ill-fitting Dentures and repeated rounds of re-fitting and re-placing. Over a lifetime, Dental Implants can be the most natural, cost-effective, as well as esthetic choice.