procedures
Dental implants are often described as “the Cadillac” of the options for replacing lost or missing teeth. Placing implants is a surgical procedure, and therefore best accomplished by someone with training and education in surgery and implant dentistry.
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.
procedures
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 or integrates 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.
procedures
The Surgical Procedure
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 the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a normal diet while the implant is healing. Once the implant has integrated, you will then return to your dentists’ office for placement of crowns, bridges, or dentures on top of the implant.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins.our surgical team 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 procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
procedures
Dental Implants 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.
procedures
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology,our surgical team is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them but do require a minimum healing time before artificial teeth can be placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Whileour surgical teamperforms 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.
procedures
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 (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
our surgical teamperforms 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 jaw, hip, or tibia.
procedures
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 discovered the concept of bone-bonding to titanium in 1952 and termed the process ‘osseointegration’. Over many years, the ability to apply the concept to replace lost teeth was developed by Branemark and others. In 1982, many years of scientific research on the topic was presented in Toronto, ON, and eventually formed the basis for what we have today to replace missing teeth. Dr. Branemark’s initial designs remain today and are available from Nobel Biocare. Today, numerous other companies produce implants, each with different design features that are felt to optimize success.
procedures
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.
procedures
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 outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
procedures
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or IV anesthesia.
procedures
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 dentist and/or specialist.
Procedure FAQ
Questions About Dental Implants
Who may be a candidate for dental implants in Waterloo?
Patients considering dental implants need a careful oral examination, review of medical and dental history, and imaging. If the mouth is not ideal for implants, bone grafting or other preparatory treatment may be discussed.
What type of anesthesia may be used for dental implant surgery?
Many dental implant procedures can be completed in the office with local anesthesia, IV sedation, or IV anesthesia, depending on the patient's health, treatment plan, and clinical needs.
Why might bone grafting be discussed before implants?
Bone grafting may be recommended when the jawbone needs more volume or support before dental implant placement. Imaging helps the team evaluate whether grafting is needed.
Do dental implants need special care?
Dental implants require daily oral hygiene and regular dental follow-up. The care plan should be reviewed with the surgical and restorative dental team.