Dental Implant Placement

Dental Implants 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.

Dental Implants Presentation

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 tiny titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal screws act as the tooths root substitute. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. 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.

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The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. If you have a temporary prosthesis you should be able to comfortably wear it during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Michaelian will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums that will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen.

The entire procedure usually takes six to ten months, depending if bone grafting needs to be done. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Michaelian 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 even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit.

Implants are a team effort between us and your restorative dentist. While Dr. Michaelian performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis 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.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth whether its 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.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several ways to restore a missing tooth or several teeth.

  1. A plastic stayplate (flipper) is inexpensive but is the least esthetic and the least comfortable.
  2. A bridge is approximately the same cost as an implant but there is a need to sacrifice the surrounding good tooth structure to support a bridge.
  3. A removal partial denture is necessary if there are several missing teeth; however they are inconvenient, uncomfortable and sometimes physically unable to be worn.

Dental Implants are able to replace your missing teeth in the most comfortable, functional and the best esthetics compared to all other options.

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.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafting procedures can be performed in our office under local anesthesia. There are times when these procedures are done under IV Sedation. If you have any questions, please talk with Dr. Michaelian.

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 general dentist.

If you are interested in seeing some of our work, please visit our Interesting Case Section.