Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved so they can smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the bone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

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

The Surgical Procedure

Implant surgery is one of the simplest surgeries performed in our office. For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves only one surgical procedure. Dr. Scott is at the forefront of the specialty of implants and is able to provide highly advanced options. He is highly motivated to extended the best available treatment.

For individual tooth replacement, the implant can often be placed at the same time as the extraction. This alleviates any additional surgery. In fact, no local anesthetic is even required at the follow up appointments. Once the implant is placed, it is very simple dentistry.

First, implants are placed within your jawbone. At the time the implant is placed, your doctor will determine how long the implant will require healing with the bone. Healing is allowed typically from 6 to 12 weeks depending on your specific situation.

If you are replacing a front tooth, Dr. Scott often is able to place a temporary tooth immediately. This enables a much nicer cosmetic result and allows the patient to continue without having to be concerned about missing their tooth. This is very advanced and not offered by all implant specialists.

For those patients with dentures or considering dentures, dental implants can greatly increase function and quality of life. Typically, the implants are placed at the time of extractions. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth. In certain cases, the restorative process can begin immediately attaching your new teeth to the implants.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Scott 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 placing artificial teeth on them. 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. This process, called “immediate loading” greatly simplifies the surgical process.

Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible in select cases, to extract teeth, and place implants with crowns at one visit.

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Scott performs the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Sometimes your dentist will make the temporary teeth. This will be decided after your implant consultation.

What types of prostheses 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 a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed one is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Scott performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Why dental implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you 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 thirty-five 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 would you 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 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. Various avenues of reconstruction exist making the complete obstruction of implants very rare.

What type of anesthesia is used?

The majority of dental implants can be performed in the office under I.V. Sedation. On certain, simple cases, local anesthesia is adequate. This will be reviewed at your consultation.

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.