Dental implants enhance quality of life for many people in need. They are designed to lay the framework for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A person regains the ability to just about anything with natural-looking teeth and that facial contours will be preserved.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone in place of the missing teeth. These metal anchors become tooth root substitutes. Jawbone bonds with the titanium, creating a solid foundation for artificial teeth. Next, the small posts that protrude through the gums are attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for the artificial teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. Accordingly, dental implants serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.
What surgical procedures are involved?
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 utilize temporary dentures and eat a soft diet.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Dianati 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.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Dianati is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, 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 as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Why Dental Implants?
Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you 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.
Who Came Up with the Concept of Dental Implants?
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 new hope and possibilities to those with missing teeth.
Do the Surgical Procedures Require Anesthesia?
The majority of dental implants can be performed under local anesthesia.