Why dental implants?

1. Outstanding function and esthetics
2. Designed for lifelong use
3. Prevents bone deterioration
4. Greatly improves function
5. Very comfortable procedure
6. Prevents shaving down healthy teeth
7. More healthy than bridges or dentures

Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the quality of life of millions each year. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that jaw bone and facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

Our surgeons work very closely with your dentist during all phases of your treatment. The implants themselves are small titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These titanium anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Your bone fuses or mechanically bonds with the titanium implant surface to create a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A small post (abutment) is then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth (crown, bridge, or denture).

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing or lost.

The Surgical Procedure

Implants are placed into the bone using very small incisions in the gum tissue. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia (numbing). Patients generally find this a painless procedure. Certain patients will elect for IV sedation or general anesthesia to undergo more complex implant procedures (e.g. multiple implants, bone grafting). It is most interesting that the majority of our patients comment on how “easy” the implant surgery was for them. They generally find it easier than the previous tooth extraction. Most patients require only over-the-counter pain medications and describe mild discomfort for a couple of days. Of course, certain patients do undergo complex surgical procedures that are more difficult.

Surgical Advances

Drs. Buxbaum, Beanland, and Chu use the most recent advances in dental implant, x-ray and surgical technology. Most implants are placed using a single stage technique. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them. Many implants are also placed using the more traditional 2-stage technique. There are many situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction - further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called “immediate nonfunctional loading,” greatly simplifies the surgical process. In this instance, we place the implant(s) in the morning and your general dentist fabricates and places a temporary crown, later that same day.

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. Our surgeons perform the initial tooth extraction(s), necessary bone grafting, and surgical placement of the implant(s). The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What types of prostheses are available?

A single crown is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth (crown) attaches to its own implant. A fixed bridge can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies, depending upon which type of prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended.

A removable prosthesis (e.g. complete denture or partial denture) attaches or snaps into a specific “attachment” that is anchored within the implants. The patient can remove this daily, for hygiene procedures. A fixed prosthesis (crown or bridge) is “permanent” and removable only by your dentist.

Our surgeons perform outpatient implant surgery under local anesthesia or IV sedation/general anesthesia 6 days a week. Inpatient (hospital based) implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs, or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the calvarium, hip, or tibia.

Why dental implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself. Function is greatly compromised.

Dental implants can be your doorway to a renewed self-confidence and a peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than thirty-five 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.

Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? A bridge is very destructive to the involved teeth. A bridge is designed for excellent function and appearance, but may last only 9-10 year, on average. Further, the initial costs as compared to an implant are very similar. An implant is the only option that can prevent your jaw bone from deteriorating. Removable teeth (partial or complete dentures) are often very uncomfortable and difficult to adjust to. They are less costly. Removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient. Dentures or partials that are loose and move can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Do Implants need special care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years, possibly your lifetime, 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.