Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for permanent replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Liberto. Following this comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning, you will be referred for implant placement, typically by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or Periodontist referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone; following thorough planning, this is an extremely predictable procedure with success approaching 98%! Small posts, or abutments, are then attached to the implant which emerge through the gums. These posts are custom anchors for permanent tooth placement or to significantly stabilize a denture.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. Doctor Liberto will coordinate the entire implant procedure, from your initial visit, to surgery, to final tooth placement. Following surgical placement, the implant fixtures usually remain beneath the gum surface for a period of 8 weeks to as long as 6 months, depending on the location in your mouth, gradually bonding with the jawbone. Dr Liberto will provide you with the best temporary option during this healing or integration phase. Today, itis becoming possible to sometimes place an implant at the same time a diseased tooth is removed! It is also possible to place a temporary tooth on that implant placed on the same day as the extraction! This is very exciting and provides a seamless transition to a permanent replacement for a lost tooth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar; it is however more common today for the implant to be placed in one step, this will not require uncovering or a second minor surgery and allow immediate access for final tooth placement. Dr. Liberto can then start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken, then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure, from implant palcement to permanent tooth, usually takes three to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
PLEASE SEE OUR PHOTO GALLERY, access from the dropdown menu, click on cosmetic procedures, then photo gallery.
Implants Gallery