A dental implant is an artificial tooth that looks and works just like a real tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace lost or broken teeth, and can also help prevent deterioration of the jawbone.
Dr. Barsky specializes in restoration and replacement of missing teeth and their associated structures through the use of dental implants.
Every South Florida resident and visitor knows how important having a great smile is to looking and feeling your best. This is true from Miami to Brickell to Coral Gables, and in today’s fast-paced world, feeling and looking your best has never been more important.
Unfortunately, everyday life events can result in lost or damaged teeth. This can lead to a reduction of confidence, poor oral hygiene, bone deterioration, trouble speaking and eating, and a host of other negative health manifestations. One of the best solutions for such problems are dental implants.
A dental implant is a metal screw that is placed in the jaw and has an artificial tooth attached to the screw. This restoration looks and feels just like a real tooth. Moreover, unlike some other tooth replacement techniques, dental implants do not need to be removed overnight, and are cleaned when you brush and floss, just like a real tooth.
The result is a natural-looking tooth that is fused to your jaw just like your real teeth are. Many patients have found that dental implants are the best option for replacing their missing or failing teeth, because it looks and feels just like a natural tooth.
There are several implant procedures from which to choose. You and the doctor will choose the best option for you. The procedures include:
Dental implant surgery replaces tooth roots with metal (often titanium) screw-like posts, and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that appear and function like natural teeth. The surgery additionally stops deterioration in the jawbone.
Dental implant procedures are performed in stages and may involve several procedures. The type of dental implant selected by the doctor is determined by the patient’s goals(ed note: replace with “aims to obtain”?) and the condition of the jawbone to which it will be anchored. The titanium in the implant fuses with the jawbone, so the implants won’t slip, make noise or damage bone the way bridgework or dentures may. The dental materials used here do not deteriorate.
Dental implant surgery is usually done as an outpatient, in stages:
After the abutment is placed, the gums must heal for one to two weeks, before the artificial teeth can be attached. Once the gums heal, more impressions will be made of your mouth and remaining teeth. The impressions are used to make the artificial teeth.
Once the metal implant post is placed in the jawbone, osseointegration begins. During the process, the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. The process can take up to six months. It provides a more solid base for your new artificial tooth, as do the roots of your natural teeth.
Bone grafting may be required if your jawbone isn’t strong or is too soft to support the post and tooth. The powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts great pressure on the bone. If it can’t support the implant, the surgery could fail. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant. With bone grafting, a piece of bone is removed from another part of the body, often the hip, and is transplanted to the jawbone. It can take up to nine months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant. At times, only minor bone grafting is needed, which can be done at the same time as the implant surgery.
The dental implant procedure begins with the removal of old tooth roots and preparing the jawbone for surgery. Once this process is finished, the jawbone will be given time to heal.
If your bone is too soft to support the implant, then you may require bone grafts. Bone grafts help to strengthen the bone where the dental implants will be located so that it can withstand the powerful chewing forces of the jaws. Depending on the extent of the grafting required, it may be possible to do the graft at the same time as the implant procedure.
Once the jawbone has healed, screw-like metal posts are inserted into the jawbone. The posts are usually made of titanium. After they are inserted, the screws fuse with the jawbone and become anchored the same way a natural tooth would be. As a result, the implanted tooth will not loosen, slip, or make noise in the way that some other restorations might.
Once the metal posts have been attached, the patient will once again experience a recovery period, as the jawbone must heal and fuse to the metal posts.
All of this information explains why dental implants are fast becoming the procedure of choice in the Miami area for replacing lost or damaged teeth. The benefits simply make it better than other options for many patients.
There are a number of things that you can expect as a result of dental implants. First, your broken teeth will be eliminated, and you’ll have natural-looking teeth. Many patients report a boost in confidence. Patients feel more comfortable with their smile, and as a result they will smile more.
Patients have also reported that it is easier to eat and chew their favorite foods. Removing broken teeth and replacing missing teeth makes it easier to maintain oral health as well. Consequently, some patients report better breath and whiter teeth.
Another benefit that patients experience is an easier time talking and communicating. This isn’t only because they are more comfortable with the appearance of their teeth, but also because teeth are important to forming certain words and sounds.
Those who transition to dental implants from dentures have reported that they are more comfortable and convenient because they can’t slip and don’t have to be taken out.
After each stage of surgery you may need to eat soft foods while the wounds heal, usually 10-14 days. Usually, your prosthodontist will use stitches which dissolve and don’t require removal. If not self-dissolving, they will be removed in about ten days.
If you have missing or broken teeth, currently use dentures or a tooth-supported bridge, then you probably will be a candidate for dental implants.
The initial dental implant consultation with the doctor it typically a conversation in his office to learn about your smile goals and the procedure options available. The Dr. Barksy uses models and patient before & after photos to demonstrate what is possible with dental implants. To determine if dental implants are right for you, the doctor will document your health history, medical conditions, medications and also perform a comprehensive examination.
A treatment plan is customized for your needs. The extent of surgery, condition of the jawbone, and many other factors are considered. Other healthcare professionals may be included for related issues such as clearance for surgery from your primary care physician.
It is important to have a consultation with a Board Certified Prosthodontist in order to properly determine if dental implants are the right choice for you. If you’re located in the South Miami , Coral Gables, Pinecrest or Greater Miami area, contact Dr. Todd B. Barsky, DDS, FACP. Dr. Barsky is a board certified prosthodontist in private practice in Miami. He is a fellow of the American Board of Prosthodontists. He utilizes state-of-the-art techniques and processes and cutting edge materials to ensure that you get the best possible experience and outcome with your dental implant procedure.