Procedures
Dental Implants
Dental implants are changing the way people live. Implants 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.
What Are Dental Implants?
A Dental Implant is a tiny titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. This metal screw acts as a new tooth root. During healing, the bone fuses with the titanium screw and creates a strong foundation. A post is then attached to the implant, and this protrudes through the gums to support the new tooth.
Implants provide stable anchors for one or more replacement teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when natural teeth are lost.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, the implant is placed within your jawbone. For the first two to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually fusing with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is working on your new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Pennington 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.
Surgical Advances
Using the advances dental implant technology, in select cases, Dr. Pennington 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. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called “single stage implants”, reduces the time required to receive your new teeth. Ask Dr. Pennington if you are a candidate for single stage implants.
Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the restorative dentist. Dr. Pennington will perform any tooth extractions, the actual implant surgery and any necessary bone grafting, your dentist will fit and make the permanent prosthesis or teeth. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What Types Of Prostheses Are Available?
The number of implants that you will need varies depending upon which type of prosthesis (artificial teeth) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachment and can be removed by the patient daily for cleaning. A fixed prosthesis is permanently in place and removable only by the dentist.
Dr. Pennington typically performs implant surgery in an operating suite in her office, optimizing the level of sterility. If you have special medical or anesthetic needs, you may require implant surgery in the hospital operating room at Southeast Georgia Health System, Camden campus.
Why Dental Implants?
If you have lost or are missing one or several teeth, whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years, dental implants can provide renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
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 a lifetime of comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: Removable dentures can be inconvenient and embarrassing, and fixed bridges require the sacrifice of healthy tooth structure from adjacent teeth for support. Anytime a tooth is cut down for a bridge or a crown (cap), this can lead to caries, and eventually the need for a root canal or extraction.
Are You A Candidate for Implants?
If you are considering implants, you must have your mouth thoroughly examined and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, you may require surgery to grow more bone or gum tissue, called guided bone or soft tissue regeneration.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, or with the addition of intravenous sedation or general anesthesia
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 dental specialists.