Procedures
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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Dental implants are tooth root substitutes which are surgically placed in the jaw bone and act as anchors to stabilize artificial teeth. These implants are placed in the jaw bone underneath the gum tissue to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Unlike other types of tooth replacements, such as removable dentures or fixed bridges that are cemented to remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed (“implanted”) into the jaw bone under the gum tissue. These implants are usually made of titanium, which is readily accepted by the body, and artificial teeth that look like natural teeth are then attached to the implants. Due to a phenomenon known as “osteointegration,” meaning that bone actually attaches itself to the implant , these anchors provide a strong foundation that allows people with missing teeth to chew efficiently and comfortably.
If you are considering dental implants, Dr. Allard will examine your mouth, and obtain a thorough dental and medical history. If your mouth is not ideal for implant placement, Dr. Allard can recommend bone grafting procedures to prepare the sites so as to readily obtain a long lasting result.
The Surgical Procedure
The implants are placed in the bone using a gentle surgical technique. Depending upon the condition of the supporting bone, the implant may or may not need to be completely covered by gum tissue wit is healing is taking place.
Most implant procedures are performed in the office using oral premedication, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), local anesthetic, and IV sedation.
Following the implant placement procedure, the implants are left undisturbed for a period of time so that the bone can grow around the implants to form a strong biological bond to them.
Appliances such as partials and dentures can be adapted to allow for their use during the healing phase.
Surgical Advances
In most cases, Dr. Allard is able to place single stage implants. Placing implants in this fashion does not require a second procedure to uncover them. In some situations, implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction. There are also, some rare instances, that crowns can be placed on the implants the day that the implants are placed. In this case, the patient would proceed to their restorative doctor immediately following the implant placement for “immediate loading” of the implant.
Implants are a team effort between Dr. Allard and your restorative doctor. Dr. Allard performs the initial tooth extraction, bone grafting if necessary, and the actual implant surgery. After the healing phase, your dentist will make the permanent prosthesis utilizing the implant.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single implant can be placed to replace a missing tooth. Two or more implants can be placed where a person is missing two or more teeth to allow for a fixed bridge. Multiple implants can be placed to retain a removable or fixed complete denture. A removable denture attaches to the implants by way of a bar or ball and socket attachments. A fixed denture is permanent and is removable only by your dentist periodically for cleaning and maintenance.
Dr. Allard performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite utilizing a high level of sterility. Implant surgery can also be performed in the hospital for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs, or for those patients that require extensive bone grafting procedures from the jaw, hip or tibia.
Do Implants Require Special Care?
After your implant or implants have been restored by your dentist, he will instruct you as to how to care for them. This usually requires no more than regular brushing and flossing. Some appliances require special cleaning devices that will be given to you by your dentist.
Implants require continuing follow-up, sometimes for years, in order to assure maintenance of the bone and soft tissue support. Dental restorations and appliances need to be maintained, as normal wear or stress from the appliances on the implants may lead to implant failure or loss.