Implant Dentistry

A Marriage of Art & Technology:
Restoring Naturally Beautiful Confident Smiles

Isn't it time you improve the quality of your life?

Do you avoid laughing aloud, smiling, or eating in public because your denture may slip or a space left by missing teeth may show? According to the American Dental Association, more than 20 million people in the United States are missing all of their natural teeth, and more than 100 million are missing from 11 to 15 teeth. Dental implant surgery is becoming the most ideal and conservative method of "permanently" replacing one or more missing teeth. This remarkable advancement in dental treatment will significantly enhance the quality of life by restoring health, function, appearance and self-esteem.

For centuries man has struggled to find answers to the complex problems associated with tooth loss. Many have dreamed of replacing missing teeth with the look, feel and function of natural teeth. A variety of substances ranging from wood, tusk, horn, steel and iron have been tried. But now we begin a new era of dental care.

Now that dream has come true!

Over the past forty years implant dentistry has evolved from enlightened clinical experimentation to scientifically proven procedures and materials. At our center we have reliable clinical and practical methods to replace missing teeth with implant-supported systems that duplicate natural teeth in form, function, stability and beauty. Treatment modalities, which were once a mere concept for decades, are now a reality.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium pin or cylinder, which is surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth. It provides an anchor for your new tooth or teeth. Many patients choose dental implants over other procedures, because the result is a natural appearance, which is permanent.
: How do I know if implants are for me?
If you are missing teeth and wish to eat your favorite foods, increase your chewing ability and improve your appearance and speech, then you are a candidate for dental implants. A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. Initially, we will places the implant into the jawbone. After a period of 3-6 months, depending upon certain factors, we place a post or abutment into the implant. The post projects through the gum and provides the support for a porcelain crown or removable denture.

What else make me a candidate for implants?

If you experiencing any of the following difficulties, you should consider a dental implant:

The loss of one or more teeth
Impending loss of a bridge when a tooth fails
Unattractive changes in facial features
Lack of confidence when speaking or smiling
Difficulty chewing certain foods
Loose denture or partial denture

Are my new teeth going to look like my real teeth?

Yes. May be even better! The new implant teeth will look great as long as you take care of them properly. Missing and damaged teeth are a common problem for many people. When you are missing your natural teeth you may find that there are other things you miss too. You may miss your natural smile or not being able to eat the food you desire. Some people experience muscle strains and discomfort as the remaining teeth shift. But it doesn�t have to be this way. With dental implants you can get new teeth that look, feel and function like the real thing. What would this mean for you?

What is the difference between a bridge and dental implants?

Unlike conventional bridgework, implants can provide tooth replacement without the need to cut down adjacent teeth. The preparation of healthy teeth can undermine their integrity and lead to further problems later on. In addition to preservation of the adjacent teeth, dental implants also prevent the loss of bone in the area of the missing tooth. Immediately following the loss of a tooth the bone begins to melt away. Replacing the tooth with an implant restores function to the bone and prevents the resorption of the bone.
How about partial dentures?
Dental implants can also be used to anchor full or partial removable dentures. This provides much greater retention and security than traditional techniques.
Removable partial dentures are usually kept in your mouth by the use of clasps and rests on teeth adjacent to the missing teeth. Some people even need to use denture adhesives to keep the dentures from rocking. These unsightly hooks and pastes often place enormous stress on teeth involved and may lead to problems in later years such as decay, periodontal disease, or additional tooth loss. In our center we carefully select ideal sites for implants to act as anchors and subsequently places attachments inside the denture where they can�t be seen.

What are the benefits of dental implants?
Eat whatever you like: Dental implants allow you to eat all those delicious foods that are difficult to chew.

Smile with confidence: Dental Implants allow you to show the world how you feel without concern about your teeth - a more natural smile that you will be proud to show off. Also, you will notice a renewed sense of self-confidence.

Express yourself: Dental implants allow you to talk and laugh without the fear of dentures becoming loose or falling out.

Enjoy a better health: You will have the ability to chew a wider variety of good foods. Your mouth will be restored as closely as possible to its natural state.

Increased comfort: Through elimination of loose fitting partials or dentures

Prevent bone loss: Preservation of facial structure and likely reduction of jaw deterioration

Does the jawbone reject foreign bodies?
The implant is machined surgical grade titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible material; it means your body usually does not reject it. Titanium has proven to be the material of choice for not only dental implants but also other Maxillofacial and orthopedic surgery procedures as well.

How much pain will I experience?
Minimal. While undergoing treatment, you can receive local anesthesia. If you are very apprehensive you could be given IV sedation in our center for your peace of mind. You may have mild post-surgical soreness for few days. An over-the-counter pain reliever will alleviate most discomfort.

What will the appearance of my mouth look like during my treatment?
During treatment, we will be able to make you temporary replacement teeth that will have the look and feel that you want during the healing period.

How long is the implant procedure?
A single dental implant placement is usually done in less than 20 min. as an office procedure. The implant is then allowed to heal with the bone for a minimum of eight weeks. If you have good quality bone at the site where the implant was initially placed, the temporary abutment or healing plug can be removed and a final abutment post is tapped into the implant. With the Bicon implant, we take a conventional dental impression and fabricates a crown or a removable denture. If you have poor quality bone and bone-grafting procedures are necessary, the overall process may last up to 18 months. We will determine which surgical procedure will be required for you.

What�s the difference between a one-stage and two-stage surgical procedure?
During a one-stage surgical procedure, a temporary abutment assists in the healing, formation, and maintenance of the soft tissue over the implant while bone integration occurs. The temporary abutment is immediately placed into the implant well to ensure that your gum line will heal properly and look natural once the final abutment is tapped into the implant. During a two-stage surgical procedure, a healing plug is initially tapped into the implant well. The tissue surrounding the healing plug is then sutured to protect the implant site while bone integration occurs. Once the bone has integrated, an incision is made in the tissue above the site, at which time integration is checked. Once the bone has healed properly, the temporary plug is then removed, and an abutment is tapped into the implant well. With the temporary abutment securely in place the tissue surrounding the area is sutured. Approximately 4-6 weeks later, the temporary abutment can be removed and a final abutment is then placed into the implant. In some surgical cases, a final abutment is immediately placed into the implant well rather than the temporary abutment and sutures are not required. In both the one-stage and two-stage surgical procedure, the final abutment supports the final crown or denture.

Can dental implants be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?
YES! Only if every attempt is taken to save the tooth then implant could be considered. However not all teeth are good candidates for root canal treatment. In these situations, an implant should be considered. Root canal treatments are susceptible to decay, where as implants are a permanent solution to a usually painful and costly alternative of a root canal, post and core and crown lengthening. The cost factor for saving a very poorly decayed and damaged tooth during the course of your dental treatments can exceed that of the placement and restoration of an implant.

What if I smoke?
Smoking can inhibit proper healing for any implant system. However, this does not prevent smokers from having implants successfully placed and restored. Our experience with smokers has been occasional failure of dental implant. Quitting smoking not only saves your life may save your implants too!!

How much will it cost and does insurance cover implant treatment?
The number of implants that will be placed, the type of prosthesis recommended and your particular case, will determine the cost. This can only be determined after a thorough examination by your dentist. On average you should know that each implant costs about $1700. This does not include the crown or bridgework or temporary appliances needed while healing process is in progress.
How successful is the procedure?
Dental implants have been widely used since 1970s. Good oral hygiene is an important factor in insuring long lasting results from your implants. Maintaining care of the implants will help to assure the long-term success of your treatment. You will be responsible for daily plaque removal, which can be accomplished through brushing and flossing around your restoration. Your general dentist or hygienist will show you how to properly care for your implants. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for maintenance appointments.

What are the steps to place a dental implant?

After your initial consultations and understanding that like any surgical procedures there are risks and benefits to having dental implants we will take an x-ray from your jaw. This will determine if you qualify to have an implant. Together, you will discuss your options and decide which treatment plans is best for you. Once your specific needs are assessed, we will proceed to schedule your surgery. The Dental Implant is machined surgical grade titanium, which is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Its placement is usually done in less than an hour as an office procedure with only local anesthesia. After a period of two to six months of healing, the temporary healing post is removed and a final abutment post is tapped into the implant. A crown or removable denture is secured to the abutment as the final restoration. Depending on your needs, your treatment may be completed in three steps.

Stage 1: A dental implant is selected specifically for you and placed in the predetermined position. This site is normally where you had one or more missing teeth. The implant replaces the natural tooth root and provides structural support. Depending to what implant system was used for you (in accordance with your available jaw bone) the implant is left in place from as little time of 10 weeks and up to 6 months.

Branemark Implant: An incision is made at the site of the implant. The site is prepared and the implant is placed in the jawbone. The site is covered for three to six months to allow the bone to grow around the implant.

Stage 2: We will make models of your teeth. The models will be sent to the laboratory to create your replacement tooth (teeth).

Stage 3: We will attach your final crown to your implant. The result is the look and feel of natural teeth. Chewing and speech is restored or improved, while bone structure is preserved.

The most beautiful result begins with a commitment to excellence.