Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS, FRISCO, TX, DENTAL IMPLANT ORAL SURGEON / DENTIST, Dr. Mark Davis

Dental Implants 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.

Dental Implants Presentation

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

What are Dental Implants – “Tooth Root” / Dental Surgical Posts / Titanium Posts?

The implants themselves are variable sized titanium posts (or surgical posts), which are surgically inserted into the jawbone where teeth and root structures are missing. These titanium anchors act as tooth root replacements. The surrounding jaw bone bonds with the titanium oxide surface, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small abutements are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These abutements and dental implants provide stable anchors for the artificial tooth crown.

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

The Implant Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two separate surgical procedures. First, implants are surgically placed within your jawbone by a Dental Implant Oral Surgeon. Dr. Mark Davis is a Dental Implant Dentist / Dental Implant Oral Surgeon. For the first six to eight weeks following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures, or a single tooth replacement appliance, and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Mark Davis will uncover the implants and attach small posts (abutments), which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth/crowns. These posts will be visible above the gum tissue. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months, and in select cases, less time. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Mark Davis, in select cases, is able to place single stage implants (One surgical procedure). These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth/crowns are placed. 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.

Who actually performs the Dental Implant placement?

Dental Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a General Dentist.  As a Dental Implant Dentist and a specialist Dental Implant Oral Surgeon, Dr. Mark Davis places Dental Implants in coordination with your general Dental Implant Dentist.  While Dr. Mark Davis performs the actual Dental Implant Surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the general dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your general Dental Implant Dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis (crowns or dentures) needed during the implant process.

What types of prostheses are available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used for one tooth replacement.  Each tooth crown attaches to its own implant, making it as close to a natural tooth as possible. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more missing 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. Mark Davis performs in-office Dental Implant Surgery in a hospital-style operating suite at Frisco Oral & Dental Implant Surgery, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Should I replace my teeth with Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to cosmetically replace your missing tooth or teeth and improve your life. When you lose several teeth, whether it is 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 doorway 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 thirty-five 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 would you 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. After several years of wear, dentures can cause bone loss and the need for bone grafting if dental implants are desired at a later date.  Once educated concerning dental implants, one realizes there are other options to fill missing spaces other than traditional dentures or bridges.

Are you a candidate for implants?

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

What type of anesthesia is used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without IV conscious sedation/general 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 general dentist.