The Advantages of 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. Dental implants can improve your appearance, comfort and self-confidence. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything,. By improving your chewing ability you can enjoy more nutritious foods, contributing to better overall health and well being. Implants can also help prevent the undesirable deterioration of the jawbone and facial changes that follow the loss of teeth. In short, dental implants improve the quality of your life. Fortunately a persons age does not influence the success of dental implants. Whether you are a teenager or in your eighties, chances are good that you are a candidate for treatment. In fact, some of our most satisfied patients have been elderly patients that almost gave up and felt they had to live with ill-fitting dentures. If you are healthy enough to have teeth removed in a dental office you're probably healthy enough to have implants placed. Dental implants offer a predictable alternative to a variety of dental problems including: Poor denture stability Inability to speak properly with dentures Inability to chew with removable teeth Denture sore mouth or irritated gums Gagging caused by dentures Ill-fitting removable teeth and need for relines Loose teeth from gum disease Missing single teeth Oral defects from accidents or trauma What are Dental Implants? A dental implant is a metal device that replaces the root portion of the lost natural teeth. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone where the teeth are missing. The bone bonds to the implant surface and anchors the artificial root creating a strong and stable foundation for the replacement teeth. The implants may heal under the gum tissue. Temporary teeth may be worn during he healing period. The replacement teeth are then fastened to the implants after the bone has healed. In some cases we use implants which ma be immediately fitted with artificial teeth. Dr. Misch uses several different types of implants and will choose the best implant system for long term success. Decades of research and clinical use have proven the success and predictability of dental implants. Implants are made of materials which are compatible with your body so there is no chance of rejection. To date there is o time limit on the life expectancy of successful dental implants. The Surgical Procedure Before your implant surgery a thorough examination is performed to formulate a treatment plan. This will include radiographs and occasional a CT scan. Our office is equipped with computer software to analyze your CT scan and determine the optimum surgical plan. The placement of dental implants is usually performed in the office. We offer many forms of anesthesia for your comfort including intravenous sedation. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. Most patients report that the discomfort after surgery is minimal and less than they expected. Medications are prescribed to control soreness and most patients wear temporary teeth during the healing period and eat a soft diet. Depending on the quality of the jawbone the implant healing period may be three to six months. In some cases the implants may be immediately fitted with artificial teeth after the surgery. Implant Replacement Teeth After the implant has bonded to the jawbone the process of fabricating the replacement teeth or prosthesis may begin. If the implants are healing under the gum tissue a minor surgical procedure is needed to expose the implants into the mouth. Small posts are placed onto the implants which will fasten to the replacement teeth. There are several different types of implant replacement teeth or prostheses. The implant teeth ma be fixed into place much like your own teeth. Replacing teeth in this manner is called a crown for a single tooth replacement of a bridge if several teeth are replaced. The implant teeth may also be made so they are removable. The removable prostheses is fastened to the implants with attachments so you can take the prosthesis ot ot your mouth if necessary. This is called an implant overdenture. Dr. Misch will discuss your alternatives before treatment begins to determine the best option in your case. It may take only a few or several appointments to fabricate the final implant prostheses. The length of treatment is determined by your needs and the complexity of your case. Implant dentistry is a highly technical form of treatment. Dr. Misch's practice focuses on dental implants and he has devoted his professional career to advancing the field of implant dentistry Our office provides comprehensive specialty care including bone grafting, implant surgery and implant reconstruction. Many patients are referred to our office by their dentist because of Dr. Misch's reputation and standing in the field and his unique specialty practice providing both surgical and prosthetic care.