PROCEDURES
Dental Implants
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 version 9 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
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 person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
The dental implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. 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 dental implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Dental implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
Dental Implants can be placed as a Two Stage procedure or a One Stage procedure depending in the quality of the bone the dental implant is placed into and other factors that are present.
In a Two Stage approach implant(s) are placed within your jawbone and lie beneath the surface of the gums for three to six months gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. After the dental implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Rotas will uncover the dental implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
In a Single Stage approach the dental implant(s) are placed in the jawbone and have a small post protruding through the gums. These dental implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them. While these dental implants are healing the post sticking out of the gums should not affect the patient. These posts require cleaning as do your natural teeth. These posts should not be used to chew on as the dental implant below the post is still healing and micro movement of the dental implant may cause it not to heal.
Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Rotas performs the actual dental implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the dental implant process.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own dental implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three dental implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of dental 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.
Oral Surgeon Dr. Rotas performs in-office dental implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital dental implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, 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.
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.
Why 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? 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.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
If you are considering dental implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for dental implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended by your oral surgeon.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and/or bone grafts can be performed in the oral surgery office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the dental 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.