Dental Implants: Experience Matters
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. If properly cared for, they can last a lifetime.
Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Kessler and Dr. Monteleone specialize in minimally invasive implant surgery. They have performed thousands of implant and bone grafting procedures over the past 4 decades combined.
Dental implant surgery is, of course, surgery, and is best done by a trained surgeon. Dr. Monteleone and Dr. Kessler have the specialized education and training in the complexities of the bone, skin, muscles and nerves involved, to ensure you get the best possible results.
A 2014 study suggests greater implant success rates when performed by a specialist, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But, most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.
How much time is required for a dental implant replacement?
Typically, 4-6 months after implant placement. We frequently use a minimally invasive, flapless approach with a CAD/CAM fabricated surgical guide stent for our implant placement procedures. This state of the art technique is called CT Guided Implant Surgery. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to flapless surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
After the surgeon places the implant, it “heals” for 4-6 to six months and undergoes “integration” with the jawbone. During the healing period, you may be given a temporary prosthesis by your dentist until the permanent crown is put in place.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your surgeon will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary pain medication. Dr. Monteleone or Dr. Kessler or will prescribe the appropriate medications for your situation.