Dental implants have changed the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth, while still looking, feeling, and functioning like normal teeth. With dental implants, you regain the ability to eat practically anything, knowing that your teeth appear natural and that your facial contours will be well maintained. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
The implants themselves, which are small titanium threaded cylinders, are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as substitutes for teeth roots, and are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, which establishes a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts (abutments) are then attached to the implant; the abutment is the part of the device that protrudes through the gums. These abutments serve as the stable platform for artificial replacement teeth to be placed on.
Implants help preserve facial structure and prevent the bone deterioration that occurs following the loss of teeth.
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Kaplan is able to significantly reduce the time required for Dental Implant Therapy. These new procedures involve the placement of single stage implants. Although these implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, they do require a minimum healing time of eight weeks before artificial teeth are placed. In some situations, implants can even be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. In certain cases, advancements in dental implant technology have made it possible to extract teeth and place implants with crowns in one visit. This procedure, which is called immediate loading, greatly simplifies the patient’s surgical experience.
For some patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. To start, the implants are placed within your jawbone. Then, for the first three to six months after surgery, the implants lie beneath the surface of the gums, steadily bonding with the jawbone. During this time period, wearing temporary dentures and eating a soft diet are commonly permitted. Meanwhile, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Your oral surgeon will uncover the implants and attach small posts (healing abutments), which will serve as anchors for the artificial teeth. These small posts protrude through the gums, but are no longer visible once the artificial teeth are placed. In its entirety, the procedure usually takes 4 to 6 months. Fortunately, most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Dr. Kaplan performs the in-office dental implant surgery in a sterile, hospital-style operating suite. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have unique medical or anesthetic needs, or for patients who need extensive bone grafting from the tibia, hip, or jaw.
Dr. Kaplan will discuss your options and whether you are a candidate for accelerated dental implant therapy protocols.
Dental implants can provide individuals an improved quality of life and a renewed self-confidence and peace of mind. When someone loses teeth, whether it’s a new situation or something they have lived with for years, most people never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of themselves and don’t realize how many ways it can negatively impact their lives. Once you learn about dental implants, it’s easy to see the positive impact that they can have on your life.
More than 35 years ago, dental implants were developed by a Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon named Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark. Through his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark created a lifetime of renewed quality of life, comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
A single prosthesis(crown) is used to replace one missing tooth, and 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 differs depending on which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, while a fixed prosthesis is permanent and can only be removed by the dentist.
There are several reasons: With dental implants, you won’t have to sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space. Plus, removing a denture or a partial at night can be inconvenient; not to mention, dentures that slip may be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
If you are considering implants, you will be examined and your medical and dental history will be reviewed. If your current condition is not ideal for implants, then adjunctive procedures (such as bone or gum grafting) may be recommended to correct the problems.
The majority of dental implants and bone graft procedures are performed in the office under monitored intravenous sedation anesthesia. In some cases, only local anesthesia is used.
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 involves taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
One of the many advantages of having your procedure in our office is our minimally invasive approach to dental implant surgery. Our surgeon and his staff will utilize the latest technological advances for your implant surgery. Typically, dental implants are planned on two-dimensional x-rays, thereby requiring the surgeon to open the gums through an incision and place the implant based on the contour of the bone. However, in our office, our onsite CT scanner gives an accurate three-dimensional view of your upper and lower jawbone contour without an incision. Fortunately, this technology allows us to plan your procedure without any surprises. Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows us to perform your implant surgery on a computer before making the first incision. Then, the computer generates a plastic guide that is used during the surgery. This technique can result in incision-less surgery because it eliminates the need to visually inspect the bone during the procedure. Less surgical manipulation and no sutures means faster healing and virtually no discomfort. Furthermore, this more accurate technique of implant surgery may eliminate the need for additional bone grafting procedures.
All surgical services are available at both of our convenient locations.
Ask us anything from questions about the procedure to financing options, we are always happy to hear from you. Call us now at (561) 848-0553 or fill out the form.
