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Over 40 million people in the United States are missing some or all of their natural teeth.  For many individuals, the loss of function and embarrassment caused by missing teeth alters their quality of life.  Teeth are lost for many reasons including tooth decay, periodontal disease (gum disease), and trauma.  If missing teeth are inadequately replaced, it can result in severe discomfort, poor chewing ability and inadequate denture retention during chewing and speaking.

Tooth loss causes an eventual shrinkage of the gums and jawbone.  Dentures, which are commonly used to replace missing teeth, accelerate this shrinking process due to the constant pressure they exert upon the underlying bone.  This causes the dentures to “slip” or “click” and leads to decreased chewing function, social withdrawal, and emotional stress.  If left untreated, pain and ulceration of the gum tissue also may occur, caused by abrasion from the loose dentures.  In addition, many people dislike using denture adhesives, or have nausea or gagging when wearing complete dentures.

Although replacement of missing teeth has been attempted for centuries, it wasn’t until recently, that permanent replacement was possible.  Utilizing a technique called “Osseointegration”, a process by which a physiologic bond forms between your bone and the implant, oral & maxillofacial surgeons can now replace most missing teeth with stable, long lasting "dental implants". 

Advances in surgical procedures and materials have made it possible to attach prosthetic teeth directly to the jawbone.  This successful technique (Osseointegration), utilizes small titanium anchorage units as permanent tooth root substitutes.  Once in place, bone tissue unites with the titanium root substitutes to create a permanent biological bond and a lifelong foundation for artificial replacement teeth, dentures, or bridges.  The surgeons at Associates for Oral & Maxillofacial surgery use “endosseous implants,” the most advanced implant system available.

Dental implant surgery is typically a two stage procedure.  However, with advances being made in implant surgery, a one stage procedure may be possible in ideal situations, and a temporary crown may be placed immediately or within a few days of implant placement.  The total process takes between three to six months for bonding of the titanium fixtures to living bone.  However, this is totally dependent upon the location of the implant placement, the quality of tissue in the surrounding area, and the patient’s compliance with hygiene and overall health status.  If bone or soft tissue grafting are required this process could take up to a year or longer.

A typical Stage I surgery involves the surgical placement of the titanium fixtures (root substitutes) into the jawbone beneath the gum surface.  This procedure is performed in our office under either local or general anesthesia.  The implants we use can replace an entire set of teeth or randomly missing teeth.  Existing conventional dentures or partials can usually be relined after the initial healing period of 7 – 10 days.  Your individual surgeon will let you know what to expect and whether or not you may wear a prosthesis, i.e. denture or flipper, before the end of this healing period.  After the initial healing period though, you will be allowed to wear a prosthesis during the three to six months of Osseointegration required before your second surgery.

Stage II surgery involves the surgical removal of the gum tissue covering the implant fixture and the attachment of a “healing abutment.”  This is a cap that screws into the top of the implant and sticks out above the gum tissue.  The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the abutment for four to six weeks before the permanent abutment and crown are placed.  Some restorative dentists may place a temporary crown on for a few months to help sculpt the gum tissue, so that when the final crown is placed, it will have a more natural and esthetically pleasing appearance. Stage II surgery is a short procedure and may be done with a local or general anesthetic.

In this day and age, dental implants are considered the “standard of care” for the replacement of missing teeth.  With the advances in implant surgery, research supported techniques, and materials used over the past four decades, implants have become a very successful way to replace missing teeth and help aid in the anchorage of dentures.  Successful Osseointegration depends upon the following:

Overall general health.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and care of your implant after surgery.

Adequate healing time to prevent complications.

Creating a "stable" bite (occlusion) when the final restorations are placed.

Avoidance of infection.

Compliance with post-operative instructions given to you.

Dr. Savage and Rajagopal have received extensive training in the techniques of dental implantation and successfully perform the procedure on a regular basis.  Each of our offices has specially trained implant teams made up of outstanding, highly trained support staff and surgical assistants.  The key to our success is that our surgeons work closely together with your restorative dentist and our implant team to assure that you receive the highest quality of care.

Providing patients with a better quality of life is a satisfying reward for our practice.  Many patients with dental implants say their ability to eat, speak and smile without the worry of slipping or clicking dentures has made a significant improvement in their quality of life.  In fact, patient studies have indicated that biting and chewing with Osseo integrated dental implants feels very similar to natural teeth.  We believe that no one should suffer from the problems that accompany missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures.  Our goal is to help you restore missing teeth with comfort and confidence. 

At the time of your initial consultation, your surgeon and implant coordinator will fully explain what your treatment plan entails, give you options, and let you know whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants.  At this time, we will also provide you with an estimated fee for the procedure and discuss payment options and insurance coverage.  There is no charge for the initial implant consultation.

We encourage you to watch our video on dental implants to help educate you further and to help you make an informed decision on whether dental implants are right for you.  If you would like to set up an appointment for an implant consultation to see if you are an implant candidate, do not hesitate to contact any of our offices.