Dental Implants
Revolutionizing the way individuals live, dental implants offer a foundation for teeth replacement that closely resembles the appearance, feeling, and functionality of natural teeth. Restoring a person’s ability to eat virtually anything while maintaining natural-looking teeth and facial contours, those who have lost teeth can regain their confidence in smiling.
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What Are Dental Implants?
These dental solutions consist of small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, replacing missing teeth. These metal anchors function as tooth root substitutes, bonding with the bone to create a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are attached to the anchors, which extend through the gums to provide stable support for the artificial teeth.
Dental implants also aid in maintaining facial structure and preventing bone loss when teeth go missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For the majority of patients, dental implant placement involves two surgical steps. The first step is placing the implant within the jawbone. Post-surgery, for about three to six months, the implant bonds with the jawbone beneath the gum surface. Temporary dentures and a soft diet should be manageable during this time.
As the second step, once the dental implant bonds with the jawbone, the dentist will reveal the implant and connect small posts that serve as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts will be concealed when the replacement teeth are in place. The full procedure takes around two to three months without significant disruption to patients’ everyday lives.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Surgical Advances
Leveraging the latest in dental prosthetic technology, single-stage implants can be implemented, which only require one surgery followed by a minimum of an eight-week healing period before artificial teeth are placed. There are even cases wherein implants can be inserted simultaneously with tooth extractions, further reducing the number of necessary surgeries.
The process of dental implant placement is a collaboration between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. At our practice, Dr. Schellati performs the implant surgery, bone grafting as required, and tooth extractions, while the restorative dentist designs and provides the permanent prosthesis.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) replaces one missing tooth, with each prosthetic tooth connecting to its own implanted anchor. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces two or more teeth, requiring two or three anchors, whereas a complete dental prosthesis replaces all upper or lower jaw teeth. The required number of anchors depends on the type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) recommended. A removable prosthesis (over-denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket connections, while a fixed prosthesis can only be removed by a dentist.
Dr. Schellati performs implant surgery in an office-based, hospital-style operating suite, ensuring an optimal level of sterility. Patients with specific medical or anesthetic needs or requiring extensive bone grafting may opt for in-patient hospital implant surgery.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental prosthetics offer a chance to enhance your quality of life. Individuals faced with tooth loss, either recent or long-term, can experience improved self-esteem and peace of mind.
Developed over 35 years ago, dental prosthetics have provided renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions facing tooth loss.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are multiple reasons to opt for dental implants, such as preventing the sacrifice of surrounding healthy teeth for bridging a gap, and avoiding challenges that come with removable dentures and partials. Dental implants provide a more comfortable and secure solution.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
To determine whether dental implants are right for you, a complete examination of your mouth, as well as a review of your medical and dental history, are required. If an individual is not an ideal candidate, alternative options such as bone grafting may be recommended for better outcomes.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
Most dental implant placements and bone grafting can be conducted in-office with local anesthesia, with or without IV sedation.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Taking proper care of dental implants and prosthetics and maintaining good oral hygiene will ensure they serve you well for many years. Brushing, flossing, and attending regular appointments with dental professionals will help keep your prosthetics in optimal condition.