Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone 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 or abutments protrude through the gums eventually attaching the implants to the artificial replacement teeth.

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

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 six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear a “flipper” or temporary replacement tooth or denture and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Draper or Dr. Gibbins will uncover the implants and attach abutments that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, the implants will not be visible. The entire procedure usually takes four to six months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, our doctors are able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them but do require a minimum of ten weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. More commonly, implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures and shortening the period of overall treatment time to finalization.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Draper 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. 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 prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Draper performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is available 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 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?

Dentures function poorly. Eating and chewing foods that most people enjoy such as steak, “corn on the cob” or apples, can be difficult if not impossible with traditional dentures. Why sacrifice enjoying the foods you like when technology allows for a return to normal function?

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 in social situations.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

With current advances in implant science, nearly everyone is a candidate for implants. If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your bone is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcomes, such as bone grafting, may be recommended at the time of evaluation.

Learn more about dental implants for seniors here.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under sedation combined with local anesthesia.

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.

Learn more about our dental implants in Forney, TX by visiting our FAQ page here, or contact our dental office here.