Dental Implants

Dental implants have come a long way over the years both in technique and appearance. Dental implants, while one of the greatest advancements in dentistry need to be administered by a skilled and qualified surgeon if it is to be a safe, predictable and painless procedure.

Dental Implants - the natural choice!

The most common and successful form of dental implants available today are “root form” dental implants, which go beyond basic tooth replacement and essentially replace the root of a tooth as well.

Natural tooth roots, which are embedded in the bone, basically hold the bone in place and help support the teeth.

The Miracle of Dental Implants

With dental implant surgery, replacing missing tooth roots with dental implants can preserve the bone. Eventually, the bone will form a strong bond to the dental implants where they will serve the same functions as natural tooth roots.

Not only will this provide a strong foundation for biting and chewing, but the dental implants will also allow for the replacement of the entire missing tooth, which was never before possible. Thanks to years of progress and improved techniques, dental implants will look, feel and function like natural teeth if done properly.

Will My Dental Implants Be Done Properly?

This will often come down to the periodontal professional you rely on to do the work. Basically, you need to consider three different aspects before moving forward with dental implants.

1. The quality of the dental implant

The type (brand) and the quality of the dental implant used are extremely important for long-term success. There are hundreds of dental implant manufacturers, but only a handful has a history of success.

As your dental implant surgeons of choice, we only use proven performers so that you receive the very best dental implants. We do not use cheap or undocumented brands. After all, dental implants will be with you for life! Shouldn’t you have the very best in both care and dental implant materials?

2. The quality of the surgeon

In most states, any dentist can declare him or herself to be a dental implant specialist, even without proper training. In fact, a general dentist could attend a weekend course and be placing dental implants into a patient upon his or her return.

The last thing you need is an unqualified dental professional treating you with dental implants. When you choose Drs. Johnson and Jaynes and dental implants for your periodontal needs, you can rest assured knowing that our doctors are well qualified.

Drs. Johnson and Jaynes completed the rigorous process to become Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology. Along with their credentials, our staff is well trained in assisting the doctors during implant placement procedures.

It is also very important to know how many dental implant procedures your potential surgeon successfully completes on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Periodontal surgeons that only do a few dental implants each year may not be experienced and skilled enough to provide the level of treatment and ongoing care that you’ll need.

3. The quality of follow up care

You need to know that your surgeon will be available to provide ongoing care after you receive dental implants. With Drs. Johnson and Jaynes, along with their caring staff, we will be able to assist you throughout your post-operative recovery.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are numerous benefits to dental implants over conventional replacements or procedures, including:

Dental Implants help preserve your jawbone

The human jawbone maintains its integrity through proper stimulation from the roots of the teeth. When a tooth is missing that portion of the jawbone atrophies and wastes away. This is why denture wearers have the “sunken” appearance.

Dental implants help save the adjacent teeth

Traditional replacements like bridges or partials permanently damage the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space. Dental implants are independent of the neighboring teeth and will not damage you natural look.

Dental implants are a lifetime restoration

Properly placed and maintained dental implants will last you a lifetime. Crowns, bridges, and partials only have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years.

Dental implants feel natural

Dental implants feel and function just like your own teeth. There are no restrictions on the types of food you can eat. Many find that they can return to eating the kinds of foods they’ve missed for years with dental implants

Dental implants can give you an internal “facelift”

Because dental implants restore the health and the density of your jawbones and because our facial muscles can be used properly again, most patients notice a visible tightening of their face, and can regain their youthful appearance.

What’s Involved with Dental Implant Procedures?

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is an evaluation and consultation. This usually involves x-rays and may include taking impressions for models of your teeth. If you have already lost a significant amount of bone, additional x-rays taken at another facility that specializes in this type of x-ray may also be recommended.

During the examination, we will be evaluating the area(s) of your mouth where teeth are missing, including the amount of bone available to support the placement of implants. We will also be evaluating the type of replacement teeth that will meet your needs. A review of your health history will indicate whether there are any medical conditions that could prevent you from being a candidate for implant treatment.

2. Dental Implant Placement Procedure

The dental implants are placed in the bone using a gentle surgical technique. Depending upon the type of implant, it may or may not need to be placed completely under the gum tissue.

Following the implant placement procedure, the implants are left undisturbed for a period of 3-6 months so that the bone can grow around the implants to form a strong biological bond to them. During this bone “remodeling” phase, you will have some type of temporary replacement teeth, so that you never have to be without teeth during treatment.

3. Abutment Attachment Procedure

Following the appropriate bone-remodeling period, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each dental implant. The permanent replacement teeth will eventually be attached to the abutments.

4. Fabrication of Replacement Teeth

A series of appointments will be needed to take impressions of your teeth and the implant abutments; place temporary replacement teeth; select the appropriate shade for your replacement teeth and try them for a proper fit. In between these appointments, the laboratory technician will fabricate your replacement teeth and underlying structures that will be attached to the dental implants.

5. Completion of Dental Implants

Once the above phases are complete, then your new dental implants will be fixed to the abutment and you’ll have a beautiful new set of teeth that look, feel and function like the real thing.

6. Ongoing After Care

We’ll continue to provide care throughout all phases of your dental implant procedures, even after completion so that you have the best experience possible. From pain management to maintenance or adjustments, our staff is dedicated to your satisfaction and long-term care.

To learn more about the dental implants our office uses, please click on the links!