Dental Implants
If you lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, or other cause, there is hope. Dental implants are changing the way you live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost the teeth recovers the ability to eat almost anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that the teeth look natural and that the facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost the teeth recovers the ability to eat almost anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that the teeth look natural and that the facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jaw bones where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as substitutes for the tooth root.
There is osseointegration which is the union of bone with titanium, creating a solid base for artificial teeth. The small poles protruding through the gums are then attached to the implant. These provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants also help to preserve the facial structure, preventing deterioration of the bone that occurs when teeth are missing.
Evaluation
Like many others, if you feel that Implantology is the option for you, we ask that you undergo a dental and/or radiological examination and health history. During these consultation visits, Oralcorp ® will take care of your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us, and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
We will also discuss the fees and insurance at this time. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining the benefits to which you may be entitled.
The surgical procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, the implants are placed in the maxillary bone. The healing time after surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors, such as the hardness of the bone. In some cases, the implants can be restored immediately after placing them.
During the first three to six months after surgery, dental implants are below the surface of the gums until osseointegration occurs. You should be able to use temporary dentures and eat a soft diet at this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridge or denture that will ultimately improve functionality and aesthetics.
After the implant has been attached to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. You will discover the implants and connect a small healing pillar. After two weeks your Prosthodontists will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then the abutments can be connected to the implants. The replacements of the teeth are then made on the final pillars. The entire procedure takes between six and eight months. Most patients do not experience any interruption in their daily life.
What types of prostheses are available?
An implant-supported fixed prosthesis (crown over implants) is used to replace a missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth is connected to its implant. (bottom photo)
An implant-supported fixed partial denture (fixed bridge over implants) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants.
A complete dental implant prosthesis (full fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending on what type of complete prosthesis is recommended (removable or fixed).
A removable prosthesis on implants (overdenture) is attached to a bar or spheres that are the abutments and is removable, while a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by a professional.
Oralcorp® performs dental implant surgery in the office with a hospital-style operating room, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Implant surgery in the hospital is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need a full bone graft of the jaw, hip or tibia
The Oralcorp® specialists have received extensive training in Dental Implantology. Through full-time postgraduate studies as well as continuing education. Our specialists are aware of the most current information on implant dentistry.
Surgical advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, in Oralcorp ® we can place implants in a single stage. These implants do not require a second procedure to discover them, but they do not need a minimum of six months of healing before placing artificial teeth. There are even situations in which the implant can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction minimizing further the number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an Implantologist, Periodontist and an Oral Rehabiliter. In Oralcorp ®, real implant surgery, initial dental extractions, and bone graft are carried out if necessary. The oral rehabilitation fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. It will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Why dental implants?
Dental implants can significantly improve your life. When you lose several teeth – if it is a new situation or something that has lived for years – you most likely never want to go back to your previous state. Dental implants can be the gateway to renewed self-confidence and a new lifestyle. 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 renewal, comfort, and self-confidence for millions of people facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Why choose dental implants instead of more traditional types of restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the healthy structure surrounding neighboring natural teeth to replace the missing tooth. Also, all removable prostheses have to be removed at night which can be an inconvenience, not to mention the loose dentures that can be uncomfortable and quite embarrassing.
Are you a candidate for implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth should be thoroughly examined and your medical and dental history reviewed. If the mouth is not ideal for implants, there are ways to improve the results, such as bone grafts, which can be recommended.
What kind of anesthesia is used?
Most dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
Do implants need special care?
Once the implants are in place, these will serve you well for many years, if you take good care of them and keep your mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and going to regular appointments with your dental specialist is key to the long-term success of dental implants.
Other alternatives
