What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder, which is gently placed in the jawbone, to restore the function of chewing and the pleasing smile associated with natural teeth. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth and provides an anchor for your new tooth/teeth. The procedure is done comfortably using local anesthetic and/or I.V. Sedation.

Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?
Many current denture and partial wearers are candidates for dental implants. Individuals missing a single tooth or multiple teeth can also choose dental implants.

How can I benefit from Dental Implants?
Almost anyone who has lost one or more natural teeth can benefit from implant procedures.
Dental implants can make it possible for people who can't or prefer not to wear conventional “appliances,” to enjoy the stability and security associated with natural teeth.
Dental implants can avoid grinding down adjacent teeth as is necessary in traditional bridgework.
Dental implants eliminate the uneasy feeling of wondering if a conventional denture or partial denture may loosen while speaking or eating. No longer do partial denture wearers need to worry about unsightly clasps showing.
Patients concerned with the progressive facial changes that occur with tooth loss can help put an end to this problem.

Are Dental Implants inserted only for cosmetic reasons?
Absolutely not! The primary objective of dental implants is to give additional support to the replacement teeth. Dental implantology is not a total substitute for facelift plastic surgery. Some cosmetic enhancement is possible, however; those expectations should be fully discussed prior to treatment.

Would age be a deterrent to having Dental Implants placed?
No, health is a deterrent. Many people seventy or eighty years of age are a better surgical risk than someone years younger who is in poor health. Older people are more likely to need implants because they have lost more teeth and have lost more bony ridge. If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants.

What are the chances of rejection or infection?
The dental implants used today are made from materials which are very compatible with the human body. The body is not aware of their presence from the point of view of rejection. The possible infection level around the implant is the same as observed around natural teeth. As with natural teeth, good oral hygiene is a must if normal, healthy tissue is to be maintained around the implants.

What is the procedure involved with the placement of Dental Implants?
The surgical procedure involved is a gentle, non-traumatic one that is carried out in two phases, with a third phase for the restoration or attachment of teeth.

1. During the first phase, while under sedation, the implants are placed into your jaw and the gums are closed over the implants. After the surgery you will have the same sensation as having a tooth extracted. Several months will pass before the implant is ready for the next phase. During this time you will usually be able to wear your existing denture or bridge or temporary tooth replacement.

2. The second phase of the implant procedure involves reopening the gums over each implant and placing a temporary healing button which will protrude slightly through the gum tissue and provide your implant team with easy access to the implants.

3. The third phase is restoring the implant. We will create and fit the replacement tooth or teeth to your mouth. This part of the process includes making impressions, bite registrations, trial fittings and tooth selection.

Why are several dentists on the implant team?
The success of any implant treatment plan requires a team effort: your surgeon, your restorative and treatment planning dentists and you. All of our doctors work together to plan the various steps of your implant procedure. The surgeon places the implants. He works closely with the restorative dentist who makes and fits your new teeth. As a vital part of the team, you must practice careful oral hygiene throughout the surgical procedures, as well as afterward, to ensure the best result.

Single Tooth Replacement
One Implant with a crown can replace a single missing tooth instead of grinding down adjacent teeth for placement of a fixed bridge.

Partial Denture Elimination
Implants can be used individually to replace single or multiple missing teeth or can support a fixed bridge by connecting several implants together. Since they remain firmly in place, implant supported bridges eliminate gum irritation and pain often associated with a removable partial denture.

Full Removable Denture Support and Retention
A full upper or lower denture can be retained and totally supported by 4-6 implants. This can alleviate loose, slipping dentures and further bone resorption. An upper implant supported denture can often be made so that the denture does not cover the roof of your mouth. The stability of the implant supported denture is almost unbelievable!

Denture Elimination-Complete Bridge Support
Patients with all their teeth missing can also have them restored completely with fixed bridges anchored by 5-8 implants. This permanent restoration is removable only by your dentist.