Procedures

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 renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

The Procedure

The design of an implant is based on the design of the natural tooth. A natural tooth consists of two parts: the crown above the gum and the root in the jawbone. Dental implant treatment consists of a custom restoration from your restorative dentist to replace the tooth crown and the surgical placement of the implant to replace root function. The implants themselves are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. Unlike other materials, the body normally accepts titanium without infection. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. Immediately after dental implant surgery, the bone begins to attach to the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. After two to four months of healing, small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for the artificial replacement teeth being made by your restorative dentist. For most patients, the entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Dental Implant Presentation

To provide you with 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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Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Witherington, Cheung and Campbell are also 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 even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Drs. Witherington, Cheung and Campbell perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent replacement restoration. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process. We believe strongly that communication between these two offices is one of the keys in optimizing your treatment.

Dental Implant Overview

For a brief narrated overview of the dental implant process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about dental implants.

Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.

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, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended. At OSST, we use cutting edge three-dimensional specialized imaging called cone beam computed tomography to help determine your status.

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 your dental specialists.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Implants create an attractive, natural-looking smile.
Dental implants are comfortable and feel like natural teeth.
The implants are completely functional, restoring your ability to chew and talk comfortably.
Patients don't have to deal with the pain, discomfort, or restrictions of dentures or partials
No specialized care is required after the procedure. Oral hygiene for dental implants is the same as natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups.
Implants are also used for supporting dentures, holding the prosthesis securely in place while patients eat, speak, and engage in other oral activities. Implant-supported dentures can easily be removed for cleaning purposes.