What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are screw-like titanium posts that are surgically embedded into your jaw to replace the structure of a missing tooth or teeth from the root to the crown. Implants fuse to your jawbone during the recovery period through a process called osseointegration and act as your natural teeth to stabilize the surrounding bone. An implant is not required for every missing tooth. Only four to six strategically placed implants are necessary, even for full dentures. This treatment, also referred to as “same-day” implants, is ideal for supporting a bridge or denture.

Losing permanent teeth can affect every aspect of your daily life and cause embarrassment and discomfort. Dr. Gabriel Strauss offers dental implants to provide you with the ultimate restorative treatment for missing and severely damaged teeth.

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Implants Are The Next Best Thing To Natural Teeth

Dental implants are screw-like titanium posts that are surgically embedded into your jaw to replace the structure of a missing tooth or teeth from the root to the crown. This treatment offers a high level of stability and support for a strong, functional smile for years to come.

Long-Lasting Results
When placed by an experienced periodontist, dental implants can last a lifetime and provide unrivaled support.

A Natural Look And Feel
Implant-supported restorations look, feel, and function just like natural teeth and can make you feel more confident in your smile.

Unparalleled Stability
Implants are embedded into the jawbone so unlike traditional dentures, restorations stay in place while you eat, speak, and smile.

Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?

Patients missing all or some of their teeth may be candidates for dental implants. This is also an excellent replacement for patients who wear traditional dentures and find them uncomfortable or unstable. There are certain candidacy requires for implants, including:

Sufficient Bone Density: You need to have enough bone tissue in your jaw to properly support implants. Some patients can qualify after a bone graft.
No Smoking: Since smoking can interfere with implant fusion, you will need to be a non-smoker or willing to quit for a period of time.
Good Oral Health: Before placing implants, Dr. Strauss will check to make sure you are free from periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
Good Overall Health: Certain health issues, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can interfere with your ability to heal after implant placement.

How Does Implant Placement Work?

You will begin the implant placement process with a consultation with Dr. Strauss. He will communicate with all your physicians and general dentist to provide the best care possible. He will also thoroughly examine your gums, jawbone, bite, and your overall oral health.

If there are any issues such as periodontal disease, Dr. Strauss will recommend a preliminary procedure so you may become eligible for implants.

On the day your implants are placed, you will receive some form of sedation. Dr. Strauss will use a dental laser to create precise access points in your gums and will then place the implants along with an additive to stimulate bone growth. The osseointegration period will take three to six months. You may receive a temporary restoration to wear during this time.

Recovering After Dental Implant Placement

You may notice some minor swelling, bleeding, and discomfort for a few days after implant surgery. Dr. Strauss will provide you with instructions on how to best care for your implants as they heal. Some steps you can take to reduce discomfort include:

Using Ice Packs To Reduce Discomfort And Bruising
Sleeping With Your Head Elevated To Ease Swelling
Taking Prescription Or Over-The-Counter Pain Medicine
Using Gauze To Stop Bleeding

About one to two weeks after your procedure, you may need to return to our office to have sutures removed.

Care for Implants Just Like Natural Teeth

Implant-supported restorations act just like natural teeth. Once your treatment is complete, you can care for your restoration in the same way. To help your implants last a lifetime, you should:

Brush And Floss Daily
Attend Regular Exams And Cleanings
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

If you notice excessive bleeding or if your symptoms begin to worsen after the first few days, contact us immediately.

Risks and Benefits

There are some risks and side effects associated with the dental implant procedure. You may experience some bleeding, minimal pain, bruising, or swelling in the days following your procedure. This is normal and should subside within a few days. There is also risk of infection, damage to some of the remaining natural teeth, surrounding tissues, nerve, and blood vessels. Working with an experienced periodontist like Dr. Strauss significantly lowers these risks.

The most significant benefit of dental implants is that because they act as your natural teeth, they actually improve your oral health. Dental implants are a permanent restoration, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle and discomfort of traditional restorations like dentures slipping out of place. Dental implants make practicing good oral hygiene easier because you care for them just as you would care for your natural teeth. Dental implants restore the function and appearance of your smile, which can make you more confident in social settings.

Dental Implants