Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and when properly placed and restored should look and function like natural teeth.  Patients with dental implants can confidently chew and smile again.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts which are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These titanium posts act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds to the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

The Surgical Procedure.

The placement of dental implants involves either one or two surgical procedures. First, the surgical phase involves placement of the implants into your jawbone with the implant completely buried (two-stage) or a small metal healing cap can protrude through the tissue (one-stage).  Regardless of a one or two stage surgery, the implants need a three to six months healing period for the implant to fuse to your jawbone (osseointegration). You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. If the implant required a two-stage procedure, Dr. Thurgood will uncover the implants  and attach small posts, which will allow the gum tissue to heal around the implant for placement of an artificial tooth. These posts will not be seen when the artificial teeth are placed. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances.

Also, Dr. Thurgood is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of three months of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction - further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure is called “immediate restoration.”

Who performs the implant surgery?

Implants are a team effort between Dr. Thurgood and your restorative dentist. While Dr. Thurgood performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, your dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Why would you 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.  Implants also help to maintain facial structure and prevent bone loss in edentulous (missing teeth) sites.

What type of anesthesia is used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Care of my dental implants.

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