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?

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 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. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants bond with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures or temporary replacement teeth and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Malloy and Dr. Alabakoff will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire process can take up to six or eight
months to complete. Due to the fact that a temporary prosthesis can be
worn, most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life

Surgical Advances

Most times, employing the most recent advances in dental implant technology Drs. Malloy and Alabakoff implants can place dental implants without this second uncovering surgery,
especially if there is a tight fit of the implant in your bone and there
are no complicating factors. There may be times the implant can be placed at
the same time as the tooth is extracted, further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. This is called Immediate placement. In some cases, a temporary crown may be able to be inserted on the day of
or several days after surgery. This procedure is immediate restoration. This is at the discretion of your
surgeon and the family dentist. Immediate restoration may not be
prudent in many cases. .

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and your family dentist. While Drs. Malloy and Alabakoff perform 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 (overdenture) attaches to a bar or ball and socket attachments, or other retentive devices, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and is removable only by the dentist.

Drs. Malloy and Alabakoff 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 from the hip or tibia. The vast majority of cases can be completed in the office setting.

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? 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. Dental implants will, in many cases, for a lifetime. They also preserve your bone structure. Bone underneath a bridge or full or partial denture will atrophy (shrink), sometimes to an amazing degree. Teeth can decay, particularly if hygiene is difficult, as in a bridge or partial denture. Implants don’t decay. They are, in most cases, easier to care for, therefore have a higher success rate. The question should be, why would you suggest procedure other than dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you 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 ancillary procedures can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general 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 family dentist.