Dental Implants  | Austintown & Boardman OH

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What Are Dental Implants? | The Surgical Procedure | Surgical Advances | What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available? | Why Dental Implants? | Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations? | Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants? | What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used? | Do Implants Need Special Care?

What Are Dental Implants?

The dental implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves only one surgical procedure. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Secondly, a small metal cylinder which protrudes through the gums, called a healing cuff, is secured to the implants.  You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist may be forming new replacement teeth.

The entire procedure usually takes three to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Billy and Dr. Wagley at Mill Creek Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them.  There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Billy and Dr. Wagley perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent replacement teeth. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

The decision of what sort of prosthesis you may be a candidate for is one that is made between you,  your dentist and Dr. Billy, Dr. Wagley and Dr. Wagley.  Using our state-of-the-art cone beam CT scanner, we can use this technology to digitally treatment plan your particular case, with accuracy never before imagined. A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Billy, Dr. Wagley and Dr. Wagley perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting or implant surgical procedures.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your gateway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 50 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

If you are considering dental implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.