Surgical Procedures

• Before Anesthesia
• Bone Grafting
• Cleft Lip & Palate
• Dental Implants
• Facial Trauma
• Jaw Surgery
• Wisdom Teeth
• Pre-prosthetic Surgery
• Oral Pathology
• TMJ Disorders
• Sleep Apnea
• Platelet Rich Plasma

Dental Implants

Introduction to BioHorizons 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.

Implants, are tiny titanium posts,  which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing and act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone where the bone bonds with the titanium and creates a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Then, small posts, called abutments, are attached to the implant, and they protrude through the gums. The abutments provide stable anchors for the attachment of new artificial replacement teeth.

This new concept for tooth replacement was developed by Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, more than thirty-five years ago. Dr. Branemark made renewed comfort and self-confidence a reality for many of us who experience the embarrassment of tooth loss.

Implants will help preserve your smile and facial structure, and they prevent bone deterioration that can happen if teeth are missing.

With dental implants, you can finally eat virtually anything again, and you know your teeth and facial contours look natural.

With dental implants, you can smile with confidence!

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first two 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 a temporary replacement for the tooth/teeth and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Our doctors will uncover the implants and attach abutments, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. 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 most recent advances in dental implant technology, in certain situations, our doctors are 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 "immediate loading," greatly simplifies the surgical process.

 Click here to read our Dental Implants FAQ

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

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. Ford performs interoffice 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.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to 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.

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a "partial" at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft procedures at NMOFS are performed in the office under  general anesthesia but can also be performed under local anesthesia as well.

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.