Dental Implants

The dental implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Important: Treatment planning is the cornerstone to successful implant dentistry. Record taking, photos, 3D x-rays, intermediate prosthetics or immediate load require a team approach with the restorative surgeon. Implant dentistry is unique because it starts at the final treatment goal and works to achieve that goal. The oral surgeon, who is ultimately responsible for the final results, is key to the treatment planning.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first eight to 12 weeks following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, or have a healing cap that protrudes through the gum. This allows gradual bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Hecht will uncover the implants and attach small posts, which protrude through the gums and 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.

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Hecht is able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of 8-10 weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are situations in which 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 during a single visit.

Implants are a team effort between an oral/maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Hecht performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth. Each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Hecht performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Once you learn about dental implants, you realize you can improve your 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.

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 renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of people facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.