About Dental Implants

Dental implants are tiny, screw like posts made from titanium that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Dental implants provide stimulation and encourage growth in the bone and surrounding tissue. There are three separate parts that make up dental implants. First, the implant itself, which is made from titanium and placed into the jaw where it becomes naturally fused with the bone. In this way, dental implants are able to match the structure of a tooth root and function as a natural tooth would. After the implant becomes fused with the bone, it is fitted with an abutment that protrudes slightly above the gum line. Finally, a crown is put in place to give the dental implants a natural appearance.

Research proves that dental implants are a better long term method of tooth replacement than dentures or fixed bridges. Because they prevent deterioration of the bone, there is no harm to the facial structure. Titanium is also naturally compatible with the body and does not cause irritation or harm surrounding teeth. Dental implants are held steadily in place and do not slip, which makes it easier to talk and eat than it would be with partial dentures. They also look and feel natural. With proper oral care, dental implants can last an entire lifetime.

Dental implants have become the preferred method of both single and multiple tooth restoration. This is largely because of their natural appearance and functionality. It is rare that a patient will be unqualified for dental implants. A perfect candidate is someone who possesses good overall oral health and practices proper hygiene. Patients who suffer from gum disease or bone loss may require treatment for these issues before they are able to receive dental implants.

Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or a full mouth of teeth. They can be used to support dental crowns as individual teeth and bridge work or to stabilize your dentures. Life’s too short to live with dentures that slip when you eat or speak.

Our patients can also undergo the All-on-4® technique. In this approach, four mini implants are placed, along with the denture restoration, in a single office visit.

1. Eliminates the need to "cut down" the neighboring teeth to make a bridge.
2. Maintains the jawbone structure.
3. Feels and functions like natural teeth.
4. Does not rely on other teeth for support.
5. Replaces partial plates and may be used to secure loose dentures.
6. Cleaned and flossed like a natural tooth.

There are actually two phases to implant dentistry.

Phase 1: Using very accurate surgical techniques, an incision is made in the gum tissues and implants are placed into dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in the jawbone.

First, the gum tissue is opened and the jaw bone is tapped with a small drill and then drilled with a wider drill. The implant is inserted into place. The gum tissues are then closed and the healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from 3-6 months to ensure a strong base.

Phase 2: An abutment is secured to the top of the implant placing a new tooth crown onto the implant abutment. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or your dentures.

In many situations it is possible to remove the diseased and/or loose teeth and replace them with dental implants at the same time. In almost all situations simultaneous bone grafting is completed. This method of treatment reduces the number of surgical visits. It also speeds up the entire process enabling the implants to be ready to receive (caps/crowns) more quickly.

BioHorizons offers ten comprehensive dental implant lines, covering virtually every surgical and prosthetic indication or clinician preference. Our dental implants carry a lifetime warranty and are clinically-proven by some of the most thorough and in-depth research in the industry.

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

BLEEDING. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding area for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call the office for further instructions.

SWELLING. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon as it is the body's normal process in repairing itself. Swelling does not always appear immediately. It may take 12 to 24 hours before swelling becomes apparent. Swelling may not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-surgery. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs post-surgery. Two baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days call the office.

DIET. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hot food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

PAIN MEDICATION. You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by Implant and Family Dentistry not to take it.

HOME HYGIENE CARE. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem, but be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas. Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Physical activity could cause throbbing or bleeding of the surgical implant area.

WEARING DENTURES. You will always have teeth during your recovery period. Temporary partial dentures or full denture arches should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days.

Before making the decision in going the implant route, ask yourself if there is another option. We offer many different implant alternatives.

The different alternative options to implants that we provide are:

• Tooth Supported Bridge
• Removable Partial Denture
• No Treatment