Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which 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.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, these posts protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for your General Dentist to reconstruct your bite and smile with artificial replacement teeth.

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

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 temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Gray will uncover the implants and attach small posts, these titanium roots act as anchors for the artificial teeth (crowns). These posts protrude through the gums. After your General Dentist places the artificial teeth, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Bone Grafting and Regeneration

Major and minor bone grafting

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Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.

There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.

These surgeries are performed in the out-office surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.

Platelet Rich Plasma

In addition Dr. Gray's office has the newest breakthrough in bone grafting: a Platelet Rick Plasma Centrifuge. Utilizing this specially designed centrifuge a small volume of the patient's blood is withdrawn, and placed in the centrifuge. Utilizing a unique dual chamber and a gentle spin cycle the patient's plasma, rich in platelets, can be added to the bone graft to speed healing. Dr. Gray, or his staff will be happy to discuss this treatment option with you.

Sinus lift procedure

This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.

Ridge-augmentation

In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.

Distraction Osteogenesis

This is an exciting new field for regeneration of lost bone structures of the mouth and face. Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) involves placement of a distraction device which is then slowly separated over a period of days or weeks to grow new bone to replace lost bone structures.