Dental Implants
Dental implants 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 and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Rontal. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. 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 soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final crown, bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The dentist will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. We can then start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes four to six months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
Teeth in a Day – It only seems too good to be true
People ask me questions about my “Teeth in a Day” program, because it is so hard to believe that such a thing is possible. They wonder if it is real, how long does it last, if they are too old to participate, and how painful the process might be. Teeth In a Day is also referred to as “Bar Attachment Denture″, which points to the fact that we can place four dental implants as a fully customized non-removable unit.
Implants differ from dentures and “Teeth In A Day” is the next step in the evolution of full-arch tooth replacement. The process provides a practical way to receive non-removable replacement teeth in a single day. The teeth look natural and fit securely without adhesives. They never rub, create sore spots, slip out of place, or fall out. Another payoff is that the implants do not affect the taste and enjoyment of food the way that dentures will, because the roof of the mouth is not covered by a dental apparatus.
The improvement in chewing ability, teeth stability, and overall comfort is dramatic and immediate. Since Teeth In A Day are permanent, they don’t need to be removed at night and require no special cleaning. People can eat whatever tough, chewy, or sticky foods they like. Smiles are bright and natural because the teeth look and feel real. Teeth In A Day provies a wonderful solution for people with failing teeth or currently wearing dentures.
When the implnts are first placed, a temporary set of teeth preserves the new smile until the permanent teeth are ready to be put into place. The implants fully integrate with the bone in about 4-6 months. Following the complete healing of the bone, the final permanent restoration is attached to the implants. Once the bone cells have fully integrated with the implants, the implants provide a lifetime of functionality. The teeth that are attached to the implants will need to be replaced as they wear out over the years but the length of time can be maximized by bi-annual visits to the dentist for oral exams, cleaning, and checking.
The “Bar Attachment Denture″ technique has been employed successfully in Europe for almost 20 years. Following nearly two decades of monitoring, 95 percent of those first patients are still enjoying the full function of their beautiful teeth without any problem!
Patients will experience varying degrees of discomfort with Teeth In A Day, and sedation is always an option for patients who prefer it. However, the majority of soreness will be from tooth extractions, not implant placement. Unlike dentures, the new teeth will not be rubbing against sensitive gum tissue so most of the discomfort is dramatically reduced.
Age is not a factor for this procedure but dental implant candidates should be in good health. Smoking, diabetes, and severe osteoporosis can inhibit the healing so be thorough about your medical history when discussing it with us.
To summarize, the Bar Attachment Denture dental implant technology behind Teeth In A Day offers the following benefits:
– Provides a permanent attractive smile
– Ensures a 98% success rate – highest of any dental procedure
– Eliminates dentures
– Improves appearance, comfort, and speech quality
– Permits normal eating (Eat what you want, when you want, where you want)
– Promotes long-term facial integrity
– Eliminates health issues associated with failing teeth and prevents bone loss and gum recession associated with missing teeth
– Reduces amount of care necessary for teeth