Implant Dentistry
Implant Dentistry will change your life.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want to talk with Dr. Faktor about replacements that are as natural aspossible. If dentures don't work for you, you may want to consider dental implants. Unlike dentures, which can be removed, we can restore your mouth with dental implant restorations that are permanently anchored into the jaw.
You are a good candidate for dental implants if you have jawbone ridges that are in good shape and healthy oral tissues. We have restored many patients who were told before that they could not have dental implants. When implants are place into the jaw bone, a chemical and mechanical bond is formed. The jawbone actually grows around the implant.
With dental implants, you get a perfect fit, and they will look and feel as good as (or better than!) your original teeth.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone.
As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration.
After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures.
To learn how implant dentistry can preserve your smile, contact our office now.
The Procedure
A thorough evaluation must be made of the patient’s existing bone quantity and quality. This can be done with either conventional digital radiography or the use of a CAT Scan. Most patients present with enough bone to support an implant but in certain cases additional bone augmentation might be necessary. The use of bone grafts consisting of sterilized bone taken from either a human bone bank or artificial bone is placed in and around the site of where the implant is intended. The procedure involves surgically placing the implant in the position of where the original teeth were located. Implants can be placed in one or two stages depending on bone type. The later of the two requires a minor procedure to uncover the implant and have a healing cap placed. The majority of patients describe very little to no discomfort.
Care and maintenance
The benefits of implants are many. They are a titanium root structure unlike teeth will “Not” decay. However they can harbor bacteria like natural teeth which could cause bone loss around the supporting bone. This is why regular cleanings two or three times a year is necessary. Cigarette smoking is not a contra-indication to placing implants but it does have negligible effects on the integration of newly placed implants and the longevity of the supporting structures. Cigarettes reduce the blood supply through vaso-constriction which in essence limits nutrients and oxygen rich blood cells to the area.
