Dental Implants

About Dental Implants

Dental Implants were originally developed for patients that had lost all their teeth and as a result could not wear dentures. This treatment was developed over 20 years ago in Sweden. Over the last 15 years the emphasis of implant treatment has been on replacement of one or more missing teeth in patients who do not wish to contemplate a denture or simply replace removable dentures with teeth that are fixed in place. Long term clinical studies continue to show improving success rates in patients who have had implants for many years.

Dental Implants are an excellent option for patients in good general health that may have lost teeth for any reason. They have an excellent success rate and do not rely on adjacent teeth for support as does a fixed bridge. They look and feel like natural teeth and under proper conditions and with correct maintenance they can last a lifetime.

What is an Implant and are they successful

An implant is very simply a Titanium screw that replaces the root of one or more missing teeth. Titanium is a biologically inert material that is used successfully in medicine for procedures such as hip and knee replacement. The reason dental implants are so successful is that once they are placed the bone around the implant grows on to the implant surface and the implant becomes part of the jaw bone. This process which is called Osseointegration normally takes from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on such factors as bone quality and biting forces.

In approximately 5% of implants placed, the bone does not grow onto the implant surface and these implants may become loose. A loose implant is normally detected within the first 3 months after implant placement. Patient’s general health may affect the success rate of implants. It has been shown that factors that such as Smoking and uncontrolled medical conditions such as Diabetes may influence bone healing and implant success.The ideal candidate for a dental implant has good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

    Most patients who have implants are surprised at how little discomfort they have after the procedure.

Is this treatment painful?

Most patients who have implants are surprised at how little discomfort they have after the procedure. We will give you written instructions on how to take care of your mouth following implant placement and we would normally see you to check healing within the first 2 weeks.

Dissolving stitches are normally placed. You will be given the after hours contact phone numbers of Dr. Grossberg, Dr. Todes or Dr. Kalos if you have any questions following the procedure.

Most dental implant placement is normally carried out under local anesthetic in the same way you would get a filling. Some patients prefer to have sedation in addition to the local anesthetic and arrangements can be made for general anesthetic with an anesthetist if necessary.