About Dental Implants

Advances in modern dentistry now make it possible for people who have lost teeth to have permanent replacements made for them. Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implants themselves are tiny titanium pins that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone attaches to the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Our doctors have been practicing at the forefront of this technology since it was revolutionized in the mid 1980s. Our role as implant surgeons grew from our expertise using precision surgical techniques and our tradition of planning and coordinating the restoration of debilitated mouths with restorative dentists.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Implants prevent bone atrophy after tooth loss!
• Unlike teeth, implants are resistant to decay and root canal!
• Look and feel like your own teeth
• Improve speech, taste, and chewing
• Widen and brighten your smile!
• They are also preferable to traditional tooth replacement procedures, which can damage healthy teeth and often lead to discomfort.

Dental implants 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 and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.

Dental Implants Photo Gallery

Evaluation/Diagnostic Tools

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, your doctor 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.

Dental Implant Procedures

Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors in the gums for replacement teeth.

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 that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.

For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during 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 bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. We will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™

TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™ is a revolutionary concept providing patients with fully functioning teeth or dental implants in one single procedure that lasts about an hour. This technology allows for collaboration between both the restorative doctor and the surgeon. This merging of knowledge and experience achieves not only increased safety, but also a more precise implant placement. In addition, the fabrication of a final prosthesis is completed prior to the surgery. The computer-guided implant surgery is done in an arthroscopic fashion without requiring any flap reflection. This benefits the patient in that there is less postoperative discomfort, less swelling, and less bruising. Often patients can resume their normal activities the next day.

The process starts when a CAT scan is taken of the patient's jawbone. This CAT scan allows for the generation of a 3-D model of the jawbone that can then be used in virtual reality software to plan the implant placement without the presence of the patient. The results are more accurate implant placement and less chair time for the patient at the surgery office.