restore comfort, function, and the appearance of your smile
Dental Implants
Oral & Facial Surgery Associates has made dental implants a cornerstone of our practice. Each year, our surgeons replace hundreds of damaged and missing teeth with natural-looking, durable restorations. We also use the treatment to improve the fit and function of dentures.
Patients choose Oral & Facial Surgery Associates for dental implants because we:
- Are specialists with years of practice in the procedure.
- Have resources that make the experience convenient, safe, and
- Have training in twilight and full sedation to make the experience comfortable.
- Participate in ongoing skill development and leadership in implant techniques.
As a patient, you will receive care from our specialists in oral surgery as well as your restorative dentist. The Oral & Facial Surgery Associates implant center will coordinate your appointments so that you have both quality treatment and the most convenient experience possible.
The Purpose of Dental Implants
Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants
You may be a good candidate for dental implants if:
- You are missing a tooth or several teeth
- You have teeth that require extraction
- Your dentures are not working well or fitting comfortably
- You prefer a solution that is long-lasting, natural-looking, and fully functional
Dental Implant Process
- Consultation and Initial Evaluation
All implant placement surgeries at Oral & Facial Surgery Associate begin with an initial consultation and examination. An in-depth evaluation of your oral health will determine your candidacy for dental implants and the most appropriate type of restoration for the implants.
- Extractions and Bone Grafting
In some cases, damaged teeth will be removed to make space for the implant in the jaw, and a bone graft will be placed to make the jaw bone strong enough to support the implant.
- Implant Placement
Small incisions are made to place each implant directly into the gums and jawbone. You will be under sedation during the actual surgery, allowing you to comfortably receive dental implants.
- Osseointegration
Over a period of four to six months, the surgical site is allowed to heal, and the implant can fuse with surrounding jaw bone tissue.
- Abutment Placement
The gums will be reopened to expose the dental implant and attach the abutment before the gum is closed around the abutment.
- Restoration Placement
A fitted prosthetic is permanently screwed into the implant abutment, serving as the visible part of your new tooth or teeth. Depending on how many teeth had to be restored, the restoration for your dental implants may be one or more porcelain crowns, a dental bridge, or an implant-supported denture.
Approach to Dental Implants
Start by scheduling an appointment with our practice. During your visit, your surgeon will assess the area of concern and evaluate your needs. For example, if you have lost a tooth recently and require a replacement, your treatment will differ from a patient who has had a missing tooth for multiple years and may have experienced bone loss.
Following your assessment, your oral surgeon will prepare an individualized treatment plan and share the timeline for your care. Our practice believes that specialists in each area should perform your dental work to provide the optimal outcome, which is why:
- Our specialists in oral and maxillofacial procedures will plan and place your dental implants.
- Your restorative dentist will fabricate and attach the new teeth or dentures.
- The implant center will coordinate each visit and be your single point of contact.
What to Expect with Dental Implants Placement
Patients treated in our facilities may have several different treatments as part of their dental implant procedure, including:
- Extraction of existing teeth
- Bone Grafting to strengthen the implant sites
- Placement of the dental implants
Whether and when you receive these treatments will depend on your needs. For example, some patients lack the bone tissue to support implants and require extensive grafts that will need time to heal. However, in many cases, Oral & Facial Surgery Associates can extract teeth, add grafts, and place dental implants in a single visit.
Before you receive dental implants, the oral surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgery Associates will use 3D modeling to plan their placement. Your oral surgeon will duplicate the model’s position, depth, and other features in the surgery. This precision leads to longer-lasting, more natural-looking outcomes.
During the procedure to place your dental implants:
You will receive safe and monitored anesthesia.
Our surgeons are skilled in multiple anesthetic protocols and will keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. Anesthesia services are offered at our facilities.
Your oral surgeon can replace as few or as many teeth as necessary.
Even patients who are restoring the entire arch of teeth may only require 4-6 implants (“All-on-4®“).
You’ll never have to go without teeth.
Your restorative dentist will attach a healing cap or a temporary set of teeth to the dental implants.
Expect to return to our practice in two weeks and again 10 weeks after your procedure. At the final appointment, your oral surgeon often will obtain a digital impression for the restorative dentist. This will give your dentist everything necessary to create your new teeth. When these restorations are ready, your restorative dentist will connect them to the dental implants, completing the treatment.
The advantages of dental implants.
A Natural Look and Feel
Since implant-supported restorations replace the entire structure of your tooth, they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth for improved comfort and aesthetics.
Enhancing Oral Health
By replacing the roots of your tooth, instead of just the crown, implants stimulate the jaw and prevent the tissue deterioration associated with tooth loss.
Durability
While all restorations will experience normal wear and tear, implant-supported restorations typically require fewer replacements than traditional options. In addition, the implant posts can last a lifetime with proper care.
Unlimited Diet
Implants fuse with the tissue in your jawbone, creating a strong, sturdy bond. This process allows you to eat with confidence and enjoy all your favorite foods again.
Get to know us.
At Oral & Facial Surgery Associates, we know how to help you. Our board-certified surgeons and expert staff can provide the care you need to relieve the discomfort you feel.
