Dental Implants 

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants have revolutionized the replacement of missing teeth. In the past 30 years, dental implants have provided a foundation for the replacement of teeth that look, feel, and function like your own natural teeth. Patients can chew with ease and smile with confidence.

There are many advantages to dental implants in comparison to conventional types of dental restorations. Removable dentures and fixed bridges have significant disadvantages. Removable dentures slip and cause difficulty with speaking and chewing. Fixed bridges often mean reducing adjacent healthy teeth to support the replacement teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that are placed into the jaw bone which act as a foundation to replace missing teeth. The jaw bone actually fuses to the implant through a process known as “osseointegration” to provide a stable platform on which to build replacement teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gum tissue provide anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants also prevent bone deterioration in areas of missing teeth and preserve the facial structure.

The Surgical Procedure

In most circumstances, dental implants are placed in the jaw in two stages. First, the titanium dental implants are placed into the jaw bone and then covered up by the surrounding gum tissue. For the next 4-6 months, you should be able to wear a temporary denture and eat a normal diet. Once the jaw bone has fused to the implant, the implants are surgically uncovered and a healing screw is placed into the top of the implant that protrudes through the gums. You then return to your dentist to have the artificial teeth constructed on the implants.  During this process, most patients experience little disruption in their lives.

There are some situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction This minimizes the number of surgical procedures required.

Implant placement is a team effort between an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and your Restorative Dentist. Dr. Gill performs the tooth extractions, bone grafting (if necessary), and placement of the dental implant. The Restorative Dentist (your Dentist) fabricates the artificial teeth.

Dental implants can often be placed in the office with local anesthetic. However, if necessary, intravenous sedation or general anesthetic can also be used.

• Dental implants are titanium screws that act as tooth root substitutes
  
• The implant fuses directly to the jaw bone by a process known as osteointegration
  

What Types of Dental Prosthetics (Replacement Teeth) are Available?

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all the missing teeth in both your upper or lower jaws. Single tooth replacements are supported by single implants. These replacement teeth are permanently affixed and can only be removed by your dentist. Multiple teeth can be replaced and supported by 2 or more implants. Replacement of all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw can also be supported by dental implants. The number of implants required depends on whether the prosthesis is fixed (can only be removed by the dentist) or removable. Once dental implants are placed, they will last many years if they are properly maintained. This means regular dental check-ups and good home oral hygiene.

Contact Us for More Information About Dental Implants Today

Please contact us for information about dental implant surgery at (604) 532-9686 or submit your info into our convenient online contact form.

“Excellence in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery”