Dental Implants
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. With implants, you regain the ability to eat virtually anything, your teeth feel natural, and your facial contours are preserved. Patients with dental implants can live in comfort and smile with confidence!
Dental Implant Presentation
For a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
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What are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts. These metal anchors are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing and act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure (and avoid that caved-in, flat, pointed and protruding jaw as seen in almost all “wicked witch” pictures). Dental implants can prevent the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are lost/missing. Dental implants replicate the root of the tooth (teeth), enabling the body to retain bone in each area that they are placed.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For approximately three months following surgery the implants are beneath the gums, gradually bonding with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary teeth and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your general dentist or Prosthodontist is able to begin forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Fagan will uncover the implants and attach small posts, that will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. You should be able to wear temporary teeth provided by your general dentist who, at the same time will begin forming new replacement teeth.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Fagan is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them; but they 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. 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 loading,” greatly simplifies the surgical process.
Who actually performs the implant placement?
Implants are a team effort between Dr. Fagan and your General Dentist. Dr. Fagan performs the actual implant placement/surgery and can also perform the initial extraction of the tooth (teeth) and place bone grafting material, if he should determine that it is necessary. Your General Dentist (your dentist) makes and fits the final prosthesis. Your general dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis that may be needed during the implant process.
What types of prostheses are available?
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.
Dr. Fagan performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital 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 realize there is a way to improve your 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 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? 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. Additionally, dental implants retain bone in the area where natural teeth have been lost.
Are you a candidate for implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, other ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
Your comfort and satisfaction are extremely important to us. We will do everything we can to provide that for you. The majority of our procedures are performed with local anesthesia. Before the local anesthetic is given, we apply a topical anesthetic gel that will help numb the area.
Do Implants need special care?
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 Dr. Fagan and your general dentist.