Periodontal Procedures
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.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
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 bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the 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.
Dr. Louie has received extensive training in implantology. He has been successfully placing implants since 1994. Through continuing education, Dr. Louie is abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry
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 this consultation visit, Dr. Louie 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.
Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors in the gums for 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 hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
For the first three 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 temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Louie will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
Computer-guided surgery
The use of cone beam volumetric tomography (which is similar to a CT scan) has enhanced our ability to visualize the bone at the surgical site prior to dental implant placement. This advanced imaging capability allows us to determine the amount of bone you have for dental implant placement, as well as to visualize when needed anatomic structures such as nerves and sinuses before we place the implant. In some cases, this allows us to place the implant using a minimally-invasive procedure using a computer-generated surgical guide. The implant surgery is done in an arthroscopic fashion without requiring any flap reflection. This technology achieves not only increased safety, but also a more precise implant placement. In addition, in some cases the fabrication of a final prosthesis may be completed prior to the surgery. This benefits the patient being that there is less post-operative discomfort, less swelling and less bruising. Often, patients can resume their normal activities the next day.
The process starts when a 3-D scan is taken of the patient's jawbone. This is done in our office using Planmeca Pro-max 3D Cone Beam imaging technology, which minimizes the radiation dose to the patient. This imaging allows for the generation of a 3-D model of the jawbone, which can then be used in virtual reality software to plan the implant placement without the presence of the patient. The results are more accurate implant placement, and less chair time for the patient at the surgery appointment.