Dental implants are changing the way people live. They 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, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
The 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.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. If teeth need to be extracted, Dr. Schafer and Dr. Oppenheim can often place the implant at the same time of the dental extraction. For the first three to four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.
After the implant has integrated to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Our doctors will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire process usually takes four to five months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
All-On-4
All-on-4 dental implants are a revolutionary solution for patients who need extensive tooth replacement. This technique involves the placement of a complete arch of prosthetic teeth (either upper or lower) supported by at least four dental implants.
Dr. Schafer and Dr. Oppenheim have invested in the most current technology for this procedure: the iCam4d Scanner. This technology allows this process to be fully digital and means the whole process is more accurate, and much easier for the patient and the restoring dentist. Our office is one of the few offices in the whole Austin region utilizing this technology.
The traditional approach for full arch dental implants required the placement of multiple implants (typically six to eight) to support a complete set of teeth. However, the All-on-4 technique allows for the attachment of a full arch of teeth using just four strategically positioned implants. This method is beneficial for patients who have lost many or all of their teeth and are seeking a more permanent and stable alternative to traditional dentures.
The key benefits of All-on-4 dental implants include:
Fewer implants: Using only four implants reduces the need for extensive surgery or bone grafting in some cases, making it a more feasible option for patients with reduced bone density.
Immediate function: In many cases, a temporary set of teeth can be attached to the implants the day after the surgery, allowing patients to have functional teeth almost immediately.
Improved stability: The strategic placement of the implants ensures better stability and support for the prosthetic teeth, giving patients confidence in their ability to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about the teeth shifting or coming loose.
Preservation of bone: Dental implants help stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that commonly occurs with missing teeth.
Enhanced aesthetics: The prosthetic teeth are designed to look and function like natural teeth, improving the overall appearance and restoring confidence.
The All-on-4 procedure typically involves careful planning, including detailed imaging such as CT scans, to determine the precise location for implant placement. After the implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, a temporary set of teeth is attached. Over a few months, the implants integrate with the bone, and a permanent set of teeth is custom-made and attached, providing a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While our doctors perform 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.
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 your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving the outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
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.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
- A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth; each prosthetic tooth attaches to its 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 (overdenture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Our doctors perform 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 hip or tibia.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
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.