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 confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants  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 dental implant, 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 artificial replacement teeth.

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

The Surgical Procedure

For some patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. For others, only one surgical procedure is needed.  First, implants are placed within the jawbone. For two to four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. 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.

Single Implant

After the implants have bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Philibin will uncover the implants and attach small healing posts that protrude through the gums. After the gums heal, your dentist will make teeth or dentures that attach to the implants. The entire procedure usually takes four to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Philibin is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of eight weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. Dr. Philibin 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 need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Philibin performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis (tooth or teeth). Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis (flipper) 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. Multiple implants can be used to support a set of teeth which are fixed in position, but can be removed by the patient to clean. Or, the teeth can be secured to the implants and removed only by the dentist.

Questions and Answers About Dental 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.
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.

Example of Multiple Teeth Implants

Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?
The historical best treatment to replace a tooth was to construct a bridge but this requires cutting down both adjacent teeth. With the average age of a regular tooth crown being eight to twelve years, the bridge may eventually fail leading to additional tooth loss. A dental implant can replace a missing tooth (teeth) without altering the adjacent teeth. In most cases each missing tooth is replaced by a crown (cap) supported by its own implant. Additionally, removable dental prosthesis such as a partial or flipper may be inconvenient, embarrassing, poor in function, and damaging to adjacent teeth.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your 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 graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without IV anesthesia.

Do dental 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.