Dental Implants

Implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What are dental implants?

Dental Implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone in place of missing teeth. These metal anchors act as "root" substitutes. Bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for the artificial teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Renewed self - confidence
Enhanced ability to chew
Preservation of facial structure - Keeps you looking young!
Preservation of jaw bone to adjacent teeth.
The healthy teeth around the missing tooth no longer have to be compromised in order to accommodate a bridge.
NO more loose dentures that may slip at the most inopportune moment.

Implant Systems

Dr. Landis is knowledgeable about many different systems. He will be glad to work with your restorative dentist to find the right system for you. These are companies that are worldwide leaders in the Dental Implant Industry.

Astra

3iBiomet

Biohorizons

Dentsply

Keystone

NobelBiocare

Zimmer

Getting Started

The first step is the initial consult. During this visit we will conduct a thorough examine of your teeth and mouth. We will review your dental and medical history to ensure that dental implants are appropriate for your dental treatment.

If you do not already have a panoramic x-ray of your jawbone we will take the x-ray and evaluate your jawbone for implant placement. In certain cases more sophisticated radiographic studies such as CT scans are introduced into the treatment planning phases. This information will allow us to create a comprehensive treatment plan to meet your dental needs.

Phase I of Surgical Procedure

Once you have agreed to continue with the implant placement the procedure is most often completed in two phases. The first phase is the placement of the titanium implant that will bind with the bone to form a solid anchor for your new tooth. This can be done under sedation or local anesthesia, which ever is your preference. Your comfort is our primary concern. The procedure takes about an hour. The implant is covered with gum tissue and allowed to bond with bone over the next several months.

Phase II of Implant Placement

After the implant is allowed to bond with the bone over a 3-6 month period of time (depending on location – upper/lower jaw). The implant is checked to verify the integration or that bonding has occurred.

You then return to your restorative dentist to have the final restoration made for your implant. This may be a single crown or a full arch restoration.

What if I need more than a single implant?

The procedure is much the same for a single implant. Dr. Barsamian will decide how many implants are needed to accomplish the dental outcome you are wishing to achieve.

In the case of multiple implants the appliance used to restore your teeth may be removable or fixed. This is determined during the planning stages prior to the surgical placement of the implant. The procedure to place the implants remains the same. This is coordinated with your restorative dentist by Dr. Landis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Implant?

A dental implant is a small "anchor" made of titanium. It is inserted into the jawbone to take the place of your missing tooth root. After osseointegration, or when the surrounding bone has attached to the implant, a replacement tooth is secured to the top of the implant.

Will my new teeth look natural?

Your new teeth will look and feel like your natural teeth.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to have an implant. General good health and adequate bone in the jaw are the key requirements. Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants.

How successful is the procedure?

For more than three decades, dental implants have been used successfully with people just like you. Good oral hygiene is an important factor in insuring long lasting results from your implants.

Is the procedure painful?

Anesthesia is used during the surgical procedure to eliminate any discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for any discomfort after surgery. Most patients indicate that the discomfort is minimal once they arrive at home. Many feel great the next day and are able to return to work.

How much will the treatment cost?

The cost will be determined by the number of implants that will be placed, the type of prosthesis recommended and your particular case. This can only be determined after a thorough examination by your dentist.

Will my insurance pay for implants?

Your insurance coverage will depend on your individual plan. It may be possible to obtain additional coverage. Check with your insurance company to see if they can extend your plan.

How long will it take?

The dental implant process involves several steps and the overall treatment period varies greatly by patient. The typical treatment time lasts several months, but in some cases implants can be placed and restored immediately.

Glossary

Surgeon

Refers to the clinician who places the implant into your jawbone.

Restorative Dentist

Refers to the clinician who fits your replacement teeth.

Prosthesis

Your artificial tooth or teeth.

Abutment

The piece that connects to the implant and allows the replacement tooth to fit on top of the implant.

Edentulous

Without teeth. Patients are fully edentulous when they are missing all of their teeth. Patients are partially edentulous when they are missing only some of their teeth.

Osseointegration

The biological process where the surrounding bone attaches to the dental implant.

Resorption

When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. This unhealthy bone loss can make your jawline recede.