Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which 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. To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided pictures and videos below. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are titanium, and are placed where teeth are missing with a minor surgical procedure. These anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant that provide stable anchors for dental crowns that are very similar to crowns made for natural teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure for Dental Implants

For most 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 are beneath the surface of your gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has healed, the second phase begins. Your general dentist will then take the simple steps needed to make the natural crowns that will be permanently fastened to the implants. The entire treatment usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption to their daily lives. Keep in mind that this brief time and commitment will be to receive teeth which look and feel completely natural – even to you! -  and which will last  years and even decades.

Surgical Advances with Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Vendetti is able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed.
There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time a tooth is removed,  further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to remove teeth and place implants with crowns in one visit.

Who places the implant?

Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Vendetti performs the actual implant surgery and tooth removal (often with the placement of bone calcium), your dentist makes the permanent crown or prosthesis. Your dentist (and sometimes Dr. Vendetti) 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 prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Vendetti performs the procedure 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 jaw, hip or tibia.

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 new or something you have lived with for years – you 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 people facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Dental implants over traditional 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.

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 your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving a potential outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What type of anesthesia is used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without sedation 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 dental specialists.