Surgical Services
Dental Implants
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 which 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. Farber has received extensive training in Implantology. He has been successfully placing implants since 1985 and through continuing education, are abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry.
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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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.
Procedures
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
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. Dr. Farber will uncover the implants and attaches 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.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
If you are missing one or more teeth and choose to have it or them replaced, several treatment options are available.
- A "flipper" is a removable plastic tooth that is inexpensive but fragile and temporary.
- A cast partial denture is also removable but is precision cast in metal for longer service life. Wire clips hold it in place.
- A fixed bridge is cemented into place using crowns or "caps" on the teeth adjacent to the open space for support. Crown placement usually requires removing or reducing the outer layer of the tooth.
- Full dentures or plates are the traditional solution for people who have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws. The success of a full denture depends upon the individual's jaw size and shape, his or her oral habits, and his or her adaptability. Some people adapt well to full dentures while others are not able to adapt. Dental implants can be used to provide support for the replacement of one tooth or all of an individual's teeth. After years of research and clinical trails, we can now provide this option in addition to the traditional treatments just described. Implant-supported teeth can be cemented, screw-retained, or removable and can be made attractive, stable and comfortable for almost any patient.
What are the advantages of a single-tooth implant over a bridge?
A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge.
Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved. With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth root may begin to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.
What are the advantages of implant-supported bridges over fixed bridges or removable partial dentures?
Dental imlants provide several advantages over other teeth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported bridges replace teeth without support from adjacent natural teeth. Other common treatments for the loss of several teeth, such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are dependent on support from adjacent teeth.
In addition, because implant-supported bridges will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth root may begin to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.
There are 5 phases to implant treatment. They are:
1. Diagnosis/ Treatment Planning,
2. Implant Placement
3. Implant Uncovering
4. Prosthetic Phase (a.k.a. making the teeth)
5. Maintenance Phase
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning.
Many patients are concerned because they want dental implants, but do not know if they are a good candidate for implants. This will be determined by Dr. Farber and your restorative dentist. 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 In addition to standard dental radiographs, Dr. Farber uses a highly sophisticated imaging program called Simplant. Simplant allows Dr. Farber to analyze CT scan data directly on the computer and simulate implant placement before any treatment takes place. This sophisticated technology allows Dr. Farber to determine your body’s ability to support a dental implant before any treatment takes place. He can analyze bone density and volume very accurately. This helps to assure many years of comfort and function from your dental implants.
Following the diagnostic phase Dr. Farber will work closely with your restorative dentist to formulate your treatment plan. He will then present his findings to you during a treatment conference. Your specific needs and considerations will be addressed. 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.
The implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the bone. Implants act as tooth root substitutes. The implant only replaces the root of the missing tooth. The gum and bone is made numb with a local anesthetic. Using special instruments, a socket is created carefully, avoiding damage to the bone. The implant is gently inserted into the socket where it will undergo a process called osseointegration. This means that the bone grows onto the surface of the implant. This takes between 6-24 weeks in most instances depending on the condition of the bone. Sometimes the implants are submerged under the gum during this healing phase. Sometimes they are left exposed flush with the gum. If they are submerged, then a second procedure will be needed to expose the implant after it has integrated with the bone. If the implant was not submerged, the prosthetic phase can begin once osseointegration is complete. Many times a single tooth can be replaced with 3 visits and only 8 weeks of time.
If the implants were submerged at the time of placement, a second procedure will be needed to expose the implants. This is minor procedure in which a small incision is made in the gum in the area of the dental implants. A titanium healing abutment "post" is placed on top of the implant and the gum is sutured around it. The prosthetic phase (restorative work) can usually begin in 2-3 weeks time.
Your restorative dentist will make the replacement teeth that are held in place be the dental implants. This will take varying lengths of time depending on the type of restoration planned. Your dentist will discuss this with you before treatment begins. Your implant restoration may be cemented onto the implants, or it may be screwed into place. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a segment of missing teeth, or a whole arch of missing teeth. Implants can also be used to secure a loose denture.
The dental work required to complete your treatment is complex. It is, however, considered more comfortable and more pleasant than conventional dental care. Frequently, most of the work can be done without using even local anesthesia.
Your restorative treatment will be done in your restorative dentist's office. It begins with specialized impressions that allow us to produce a replica of your mouth and implants. They will also make "bite" records so that they see the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. With this information, they will make the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants. Various types of abutments exist. Frequently, we can use standard abutments. Other times, custom abutments must be made of gold or a tooth-colored ceramic material. As you can imagine, these custom-made abutments add to the cost and treatment time involved. Which abutment to use is a decision that often cannot be made until after healing is complete and impressions have been made.
The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment is different for each patient. No two cases are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail. If you are having only a few teeth replaced, there as few as three short appointments may be required. Between appointments, your restorative dentist will need time to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth.
 If your final restoration is a removable denture, you will need to see your restorative dentist as many as five office appointments (although it may be fewer) over the following several months. During these appointments, they will perform a series of impressions, bites and adjustments in order to make your new teeth as well as the custom support bars, snaps, magnets, or clips that will secure your teeth to the implants. During this period, they will make every effort to make certain you have comfortable temporary replacement teeth.
In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your treatment to be completed anywhere from two to 12 months. Your restorative dentist will give you an estimate of the costs of their part of the implant process. It is also difficult to give you a specific time frame for completion of your treatment until after the implants are ready for restoration.
Just like natural teeth or like the finest automobile, dental implants need ongoing maintenance if you are to realize their full benefit over many decades. This will include proper care at home as well as professional maintenance. Dr. Farber will work closely with your dentist to custom tailor your maintenance program to your specific needs.
Most patients experience minimal disruption to their daily lives when undergoing dental implant treatment. Most people never have to walk around without teeth during the entire process. This will be discussed with you before any treatment takes place. We believe in no surprises!!
Sinus Augmentation (Sinus "Lift" Procedure)
Often large sinuses preclude the placement of dental implants in the back area (posterior) of the whole jaw. A simple procedure that allows the sinus floor to be raised, thereby allowing the placement of dental implants.
Implants are placed in the regenerated bone, following the sinus augmentations procedure (or at the time of the procedure when possible).
Various bone grafting materials are used to encourage your bone to grow quickly. These materials help stabilize the dental implants. The graft materials are replaced naturally by your own bone as it grows into the area.
Implants can now be placed in a predictable and successful manner in the areas of the upper jaw where there is minimal bone.
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