Procedures

Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. Modern implants (Osseointegrated Implants- implants bonding to bone) are designed to provide a firm foundation for the replacement of teeth. Osseointegrated implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth may loose the ability to eat comfortably and speak confidently. This loss can have an effect on an entire personality. Fortunately osseointegrated implants can help. Drs. Barbieri, Colameo & Berardo will work closely as part of your dental implant team and with your restorative dentist to prepare your jaw for placement of the appropriate implant prosthesis. We are confident that your restoration will appear natural and your facial contours 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 implants themselves are titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth-root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone and the bone bonds (osseointegrates directly with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implants that protrude through the gums. These posts will provide stable anchors for artificial replacement of your teeth. Implants will also help to preserve the facial structure and prevent bone deterioration that normally occurs when teeth are lost.

The Surgical Procedure

The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure, with all the attendant risks, benefits and alternatives associated with any surgery. For most patients, the placement of dental implants will involve two surgical procedures. During first stage surgery, implants are placed within your jawbone. For three to six months following your first stage surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding (osseointegration) with the jawbone. You should be able to wear your temporary dentures and eat a soft diet throughout this healing phase. During the osseointegration phase your dentist will be planning for the final prosthetic replacement of your teeth.

There is much discussion today about “immediate implants”. This concept involves either:

• The removal of a tooth and the immediate placement with an implant
• The placement of an implant with the immediate placement of a functional restoration.

While this type of treatment on occasion is possible, it is not the standard of care, and most times is contra-indicated. During the consultation and treatment-planning phase of your treatment, this concept may be discussed if it pertains to your case. It is our philosophy and goal to optimize our surgical procedure in an effort to provide you with the very best chance of a successful outcome. Our surgical recommendations are always based on sound, well-researched biological principals that are uncompromising.

After the implants have integrated (bonded) to your jawbone, the second phase of treatment begins. The doctors will uncover the implants and attach small posts that will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. Once the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure may take up to six months. The doctors will work very closely as part of your restorative team to ensure that your implant experience will have a minimal impact on your daily routine.

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