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Dental Implants
Dental Implant Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
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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 themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The implant becomes rigidly fixated within the bone over several weeks providing a strong foundation for the replacement tooth to be placed on it. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, by preventing the continuous bone deterioration that 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. Dental implants are the most successful implant in the human body. The 10 to 20 year success rate for a dental implant is 97%. This is much higher than the success rate for a fixed bridge, which is in the lower 80th percentile.
Dr. Flynn has received extensive training in Implant Dentistry. Both doctors have been successfully placing implants since 2001. Through continuing education with some of the most world renowned dentists, both doctors are abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry. Their goal is to help provide you with a strong, well engineered foundation to appropriately support your dental restoration.
Evaluation
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 doctor will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.
Procedures
Dental implants are titanium anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts, known as abutments, are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors for the replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person, based on a variety of factors that include the amount and hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
Often for the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. Missing teeth are often replaced by a temporary prosthesis such as a temporary crown, flipper (temporary partial denture), or denture. Your restorative dentist designs the final crown, bridge, or denture which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Flynn will uncover the implant(s) and attach a small healing collar. After two to four weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then abutments or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the abutments or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Full mouth cases may take longer. Most patients do not experience any significant disruption in their daily life.
