Patient Information



Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything. They now can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.

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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What are Dental Implants?

The best way to describe a dental implant is to compare it to a real tooth. A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. The part of the tooth that you see and eat with is called the crown. Beneath the crown is the root, which anchors the tooth through the gum tissue to the jaw bone. When you lose a tooth, you loose both the root and the crown. To replace a tooth, we first have to replace the root. Essentially, a dental implant is a new root. The titanium root is fitted into a socket that we create in your jaw, replacing the lost root of your natural tooth.

Dental implants come in various shapes and sizes and have different types of surfaces. The actual implant selection will depend on a variety of factors related to your specific treatment needs and the most appropriate one(s) will be used. Once an implant has been placed in the jaw, the bone around the implant will need to heal for two to six months, depending on how hard the bone is. When this initial phase of healing is completed, a support post called an abutment will be placed into the implant itself and then a new crown will be placed on top. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jaw bone. The bone bonds with 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 whole process is done with little or no discomfort. Most patients claim it is less discomfort than having a tooth removed.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dr. Farber has received extensive training in implantology. He has been successfully placing implants since 1985 and through continuing education is abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry. Dr. Farber has placed over 1000 dental implants.

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, Dr. Farber 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.

Computer Enhanced Treatment Planning

We are the first office in Suffolk County to utilize a special software called "simplant". This unique software allows up to evaluate your dental CT scan in three dimensions for bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location for the best possible placement of your dental implants. This also allows us to work closely and smoothly with your restorative dentist to ensure and ideal result where your dental implants are concerned.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. 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. The implants will be uncovered and small posts will be attached which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed by your restorative dentist, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life during the whole process.

For More Information:

Implant Procedures

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