Implant treatment is a procedure performed by a periodontist working with a restorative dentist and a laboratory as a team. All are specially trained in their part of the implant treatment.

What is an implant?

A dental implant is a small man-made titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The dental implant consists of three parts (see diagram): 1) the implant, which replaces the root. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth; 2) the abutment, which serves as a connector between the implant and the crown; and 3) the crown or tooth, which is fabricated by a dental laboratory, placed by a restorative dentist and attached to the abutment. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants may also be used to support and retain dentures. Dental implants are a proven restorative option with a long clinical history. Dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth loss.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. If one, a few or all teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth. Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Your dentist and our periodontal office will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history. At this time all your questions can be answered.

Is there any pain or discomfort involved?

Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they anticipated. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist may recommend that you speak with another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.

How will I benefit from dental implants?

The benefits of implant treatment include appearance, the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food, and often protection of your remaining teeth and jawbone. Dental implants offer many benefits never before available for the treatment of missing teeth. In short, dental implants will look, feel and function like your real teeth.

How long will the treatment take?

Treatment time will vary depending on your particular situation. Nowadays it is often possible to get well functioning and esthetic looking teeth within a few days. In some cases it may be necessary to wait longer before finishing the restoration in order to obtain an optimal result.

How much will it cost?

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. It is important for you to know that you do not necessarily need an implant for each missing root. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have Dr. Mangelson examine your mouth. After a diagnostic examination, he will recommend the treatment that is best for you and what your investment would be for the procedure.

How long do implants last?

Implants and the companies that manufacture them have been around for over 30 years. Dental bridges supported by implants from Nobel Biocare have been shown to last over 15 years in 90% of cases. Most patients can expect them to last a lifetime.

Is it important to take care of the implants after the treatment is completed?

Yes! Maintaining care of the implants will help to assure the long-term success of your treatment. You will be responsible for daily plaque removal, which can be accomplished through brushing and flossing around your restoration. Dr. Mangelson and our staff of hygienists and assistants will show you how to properly care for your implants. You should visit our office at least twice a year for maintenance appointments and examination.

Benefits of dental implants

Improved appearance
There are two parts to every tooth. : the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part and the root is the unseen part which anchors the tooth in your jawbone, providing stable support for your crown. When an entire tooth is lost – crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may occur making the face look older. Dental implants can stop this process. There are many ways to replace tooth crowns, but only dental implants can replace the entire tooth including both crown and root. Dental implants look, feel and function like your own natural teeth.

Improved comfort
Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture, resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort. Implant-supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.

Improved speech
With ill-fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Implant-supported replacement teeth allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.

The Procedure Step by Step
Below is a short step by step description of the procedure.

Examination and planning
From examination and planning through restoration, dental implant treatment usually takes place in your dentist's office or in the office of a periodontist, like Dr. Mangelson.

Placing dental implants
Under local anesthesia, the periodontist exposes the jawbone, then inserts the appropriate number of dental implants. In most cases, the patient is able to resume normal activities the next day. Other procedures may be performed at this time like bone grafting, tissue grafting, or sinus lifts. These will have been discussed with you at the time of the treatment planning.

Bone Healing
After the dental implants are placed, they are covered with gum tissue while the bone heals. In many cases the dental implants and the abutment can be placed at the same time. During the next three to six months, implants bond with the jawbone. Temporary crowns, bridges or over-dentures are optional during the bone-healing period.

Connecting the abutment/Bone Healing
In many cases it is possible to place the abutment at the same time as the implant and a fixed temporary solution may be constructed immediately or within a matter of days. If immediate placement of the abutment is not possible or desired the dental implants are completely covered by the soft tissue while the implants bond with the jawbone. This usually takes three to six months. Different temporary solutions such as crowns, bridges or over-dentures can be used during this time. You will be asked to return to our office for follow-up examinations.

Restoration
When the soft tissue has healed, the restorative (your general) dentist takes impressions that are used in designing the final teeth or prosthesis. The impressions are sent to a dental lab where the crowns (or tooth) portions of the implant are made. Once the crowns are complete, the restorative dentists will attach the crown to the abutment and the process is complete. And you are now ready to enjoy your new beautiful smile.