Dental Implants

Dental Implant 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.

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What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. They are surgically placed into the jawbone, and during healing the bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants may be best thought of as tooth root substitutes. Eventually, small posts are attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for 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, the implants are placed within the jawbone where teeth are missing. During the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums healing and bonding with the jawbone. Most patients are able to wear a temporary denture and eat a soft diet during this time.

For a brief narrated overview of the dental implant process, please click the image above. It will launch an educational Flash MiniModule in a separate window.

After the implant has healed and bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. One’s surgeon will uncover the implants by making a small incision in the gumline and attaching small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums and will not be seen when the artificial teeth are placed over them. The entire procedure from start (surgery) to finish (teeth) usually takes four to twelve months. Most patients experience minimal if no disruption in their daily life.

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Doctors Maletta, Reynolds, Dunbar, Jirsa, and Nielsen perform the actual implant surgery, and 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 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.

Doctors Maletta, Reynolds, Dunbar, Jirsa, and Nielsen perform 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.

Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?

There are several good reasons. Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to place a bridge? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures may be uncomfortable, slip when eating or speaking, or provide the potential of some rather embarrassing social situations.

Are you a candidate for implants?

If you are considering dental implants, your medical and dental history must be thoroughly reviewed and your mouth and jaws must be examined and x-rays performed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of overcoming certain shortcomings, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

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.