What Dental Implants Can Do For You - Anthony M. Polimeni, DMD

What Dental Implants Can Do For You
Anthony M. Polimeni, DMD
What Dental Implants Can Do For You
Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth
Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture
Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable

An option for tooth replacement
One of the most exciting and innovative procedures in contemporary dentistry has been the use of endosseous (root form) dental implants to replace one or several teeth. While implants have been used in dentistry for over 25 years, new surgical and restorative techniques have made implants a predictable and very successful method of tooth replacement. Today dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, to replace multiple missing teeth, or to stabilize poor fitting full or partial dental plates.

A dental implant is a substitute for a natural tooth root. The implant is a small anchor shaped like a screw or cylinder that is made of a material (usually titanium) that is very compatible with the body. The implants serve as an anchor to the replacement teeth, which are attached to the implant via a post that extends through the gums.

Although dental implants have given many patients a "third" set of teeth, not everyone may be candidates for implants. The ideal implant candidate is in good general health, has good oral health, and has adequate bone available in the jaw to support and house the dental implant. The patient must also be willing to commit to routine follow-up and maintenance visits to check the health and status of the restored implants.

We can help you decide if implants are a viable option to help you replace missing teeth. A complete and thorough dental examination by us is essential before making a decision. We will update your medical history, check your dental condition, thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and supporting bone in the jaw. Your occlusion or bite will be evaluated and any necessary x-rays will be taken. We may prescribe that a computer assisted x-ray of your jaw be taken so that the correct size, shape, and type of implant can be selected for your particular situation. Once all of this data is collected, your dentist and Dr. Polimeni will consult with you regarding your implant options, risks and benefits of treatment, and alternatives to treatment.

When a tested and proven dental implant system is used, your dental implants can have a success rate greater than 90%. In fact, dental implants have lasted as long as 20 years and may last a lifetime. Dental implant treatment will vary depending on each patient's specific needs. The first step is the surgical placement of the implant within the jaw bone. This surgical procedure can be done very comfortably in the dental office with local anesthetic (novocaine) for most patients.

The surgical procedure is generally well tolerated and often the post-operative course is as easy as the removal or extraction of a tooth. Once the surgery is completed, the implant must heal within the jaw bone for a period of 4 to 6 months, while the patient's own bone grows up to and fixates the implant within the jaw. When the implant is ready to be exposed, a second procedure is done to attach a small post or healing collar to the implant. This extends the implant from the bone level projecting it through the gums. After this second surgical procedure the implants are ready to be built upon. The patient will then return to the dentist so that the final restoration can be placed on the implant(s).

Once the implant restoration is in place and completed the patient will be instructed as to the care of the implants. This care is very similar to the way we care for and clean our teeth.