Dental Implants
Dental Implant Presentation |
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed. |
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Dr. Cameron has been providing implant services since 1982. He has used multiple implant systems and placed thousands of implants. Dental implants provide your dentist with the structure necessary to replace lost teeth. To you, the patient, implant treatment results are beneficial in many ways. First your ability to eat, chew and speak are improved. Implants feel like teeth and provide many happy smiles. Implant dentistry improves cosmetics and personal satisfaction.
What are Dental Implants?
The dental implant used today is called a root form implant. It is made of titanium and is approximately ½ inch to ¾ inch in length. The implant is surgically placed into the jaw structure. Over several months time, the jaw grows and attaches to the implant. Following this “healing” time, the implant is strong enough to support your replacement “teeth”.
Surgical Care
There are several ways implant surgery is accomplished. The traditional surgery involves placement of the implant and closure of the gum tissue over the implant while healing occurs. A second, smaller surgery is then performed some months later to uncover the implant for use. With more advanced implant designs and better surgical techniques single stage implants can be placed. In these cases, the implant is never covered with gum tissue and healing occurs while the implant is exposed. Dr. Cameron’s decision to use a single stage implant is usually made at the time of implant placement and is based on the bone quality and the patient’s overall health.
A third method of treatment involves immediate extraction of a tooth with immediate insertion of an implant. This technique can be a traditional 2 stage treatment or a single stage treatment as discussed above.
The Implant Team Approach
Surgical placement of your dental implants and your final restoration (prosthesis) are provided by a treatment team. Dr. Cameron works both before and after your surgical care with your chosen restorative dentist. Your restorative dentist will provide you with any temporary prosthesis during your surgical care and ultimately fabricate your final prosthesis. Dr. Cameron has unique insight into your restorative needs as well – prior to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, he practiced restorative general dentistry.
Final Prosthetic Options
Your treatment options will be unique to your particular situation. Loss of a single tooth will generally be replaced with a single implant and crown; (the implant represents the root and the crown is the visible portion of your tooth). Loss of multiple teeth can be replaced with several options. The prostheses can be fixed (not removable) or removable. Any number of teeth can be replaced with dental implants; the number of implants necessary will be based on the number of teeth to be replaced and the quality and quantity of bone available for treatment.
Operative Setting
The actual implant surgery is completed in either our office based surgicenter or in the adjacent ambulatory surgical center. Both facilities are accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) and Medicare.
Implant Candidate Evaluation
Patients need to be evaluated both by X-ray and by clinical examination. Some cases will require more sophisticated CT scans. You will need a consultation with Dr. Cameron and your restorative dentist to determine your specific needs and your ability to have implant treatment