Dental Implants

If you lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease or another cause, there is hope. Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The individual who has lost teeth can regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that a natural appearance and correct facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implants themselves are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as substitutes for the roots of missing teeth and can support a variety of restorations.

The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Evaluation

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, Dr. Roberts or Dr. Goodner will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.

Dental Implant 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.

Having trouble? Please make sure you have the Adobe Flash Player plugin installed in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download .

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors, such as hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
For the first three to six months following the surgery, dental implants may be beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet at this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has integrated with the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Roberts or Dr. Goodner will verify the stability of the implant, which may require surgical uncovering depending on the initial surgical visit. After healing is complete, your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth after an impression is taken. Attachments or abutments are then connected to the implants, and teeth replacements are attached to this abutment or attachment. The entire procedure usually takes four to eight months. Most patients do not experience disruption of their daily life.

Before After

 The left front tooth was broken and replaced with a Dental Implant.

What Types of Prosthesis are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth, and each prosthetic tooth commonly 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 or denture) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis is recommended. A removable prosthesis may attaches to a bar or individual attachments and can be removed at home, whereas a fixed prosthesis is removable only by a professional.

Dr. Roberts and Dr. Goodner perform in-office dental implant surgery in an operating suite. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting.