Dental Implants

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 implants themselves are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes, and their placement is very generally very comfortable. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Approximately 10-12 weeks after implant placement, the healing caps at the top of each implant are exchanged for small posts called abutments. These posts provide stable anchors for the artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves only one surgical procedure, and is among the most comfortable procedures performed by Dr. Nail.  First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three months following surgery, the implants are 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 dentist is treatment planning the new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Nail or your dentist will remove the small cover caps from the implants and exhange them for small posts that will serve as anchors for the final teeth. These small posts are not visible and are protected by small protective caps or temporary crowns until the final teeth are placed. The entire procedure usually takes three to six months. Most patients experience minimal discomfort or disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Nail is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are many situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, and some instances when a temporary tooth can be placed on the implant that same day – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implant placement is ideally a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Nail performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent tooth or teeth. Your dentist will also make any temporary teeth needed during the 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 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 either a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Nail performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery may be required for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you  realize that if you are missing one or more teeth, or if you have been forced to live with failing teeth, 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 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 implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

Most dental implant and associated grafting procedures can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implant teeth are in place, they can serve for as long as your well-cared-for natural teeth, perhaps for the rest of your life, if you take proper care of them and you keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.