Dental Implants


What Are Dental Implants?


The 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  or abutments, protrude through the gums eventually attaching the implant to the artificial replacement teeth.


The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear a “flipper” or temporary replacement tooth or denture and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is designing new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Draper will uncover the implants and attach abutments that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, the implants will not be visible. The entire procedure usually takes four to six months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Draper is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of ten weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. More commonly, implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures and shortening the period of overall treatment time to finalization.

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

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?



Why Dental Implants?




Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?


Dentures function poorly. Eating and chewing foods that most people enjoy such as steak, “corn on the cob” or apples, can be difficult if not impossible. Why sacrifice enjoying the foods you like when technology allows for a return to normal function?


Are You A Candidate For Implants?

With current advances in implant science, nearly everyone is a candidate for implants. If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your bone is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended at the time of evaluation.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

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

Do Implants Need Special Care?
