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Dental Implants

No tooth replacement option allows you to go about your day-to-day life with ease quite like dental implants. Functioning as a normal tooth does thanks to an artificial ‘root’, or anchor, implants don’t just mean eating any food you want– they also mean a natural appearance and preserved jawbone health.

What Are They?

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace missing teeth within the jawbone. An implant functions as not just a cosmetic replacement for the missing tooth, but a structural replacement for the missing root – thus preventing jawbone deterioration and keeping your face’s structure intact. You’ll have a solid foundation for attaching an artificial tooth, as your jawbone will bond with the implant anchor. After the anchor is placed, a small post protruding through your gum will be affixed to the anchor, after which a replacement tooth will be attached.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

The Dental Implant Placement Procedure

Two procedures are involved in a standard implant placement:

1. In the first procedure, the implant anchors are placed in the jawbone. It will usually take several months for the implants to bond with the bone, during which you’ll be given temporary dentures and be instructed to eat soft foods. During this process your replacement teeth will be fabricated.

2. The second procedure takes place after the implant is fully integrated into the jawbone. The implants will be uncovered and your doctor will attach posts that will hold the artificial teeth in place. The first and second phases of treatment typically take six to eight months to complete, and you’ll be able to go about your normal lifestyle with little disturbance during this time.

SURGICAL ADVANCES

Advances in Surgical Treatment

With recent progress in implant technology, Summit Oral Surgery & Implant Center offers single-stage implants that need no second uncovering procedure. While this option typically requires around six weeks of healing time before attaching your replacement tooth or teeth, sometimes an implant can even be placed on the same day as a tooth extraction.

Placing a dental implant involves collaboration between both an oral surgeon and a restorative dentist. Our doctors will carry out your tooth extraction, any necessary bone grafting, and the implant procedure. Fabrication and placement of the artificial tooth, as well as any temporary replacement teeth, will be carried out by your dentist.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUEsTIONS

What Dental Prosthetic Options are Available?
In the case of one missing tooth, a single prosthesis – also known as a crown – is used. In this instance, the artificial tooth is affixed to one implant. However, in the case of multiple missing teeth a partial prosthesis (or fixed bridge) may be used, requiring only two or three implants. For the replacement of a full set of teeth, the number of implants used to attach your fixed bridge will vary depending on different factors. You have two main options: a removable prosthesis (an overdenture using ball-in-socket attachments or a bar) or a fixed prosthesis which can only be removed or adjusted by your dentist.

At Summit Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we provide surgical procedures in our state-of-the-art in-house operating suite. For those who have unique medical requirements, such as certain anesthetic accommodations or extensive bone grafting, an inpatient hospital treatment may be necessary.

Why Choose Dental Implants?
No tooth replacement solution offers the same long-term results, restored functionality, and peace of mind as implants. Whether you’ve lived with missing teeth for years or have only recently lost them, it can be a challenging and painful experience.

Implants can restore your confidence and provide renewed oral health.

While dental implants are a modern development, their history traces back nearly four decades prior to the innovations of Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark. His revolutionary efforts laid the groundwork for countless people dealing with the embarrassment and daily difficulties of missing one or more teeth.

What are the Benefits of Implants Over Traditional Restoration Methods?
Both bridges and dentures have their limits. In the case of dental bridges, jawbone deterioration is still a risk and damage to the surrounding teeth may occur. Dentures and partials create inconveniences and embarrassments, as well cause discomfort for the wearer.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
An extensive oral examination, as well as review of your dental history, is necessary to determine candidacy for implants. If implants may not initially work for you, however, methods such as bone grafting may be able to create a strong foundation for implant procedures.
What Anesthesia Is Used In a Dental Implant Procedure?
Most implant procedures are done in-office with the use of local anesthesia, either with or without additional general anesthesia depending on the individual case.
How are Implants Cared For?
Implants last many years with proper care. As with natural teeth, good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dentist appointments will ensure that your implants are in top shape.

To learn more about how dental implants can benefit you, contact us.

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