Dental Implants

Tooth loss stemming from injury or disease can cause jawbone deterioration which will ultimately lead to a "melting away" of the jaw's bone structure. This deterioration will cause a collapse of facial structures resulting in visible aging. While nothing can take the place of your own healthy teeth, dental implants are an excellent alternative. Dental implants provide a comfortable, secure alternative of restoration that look and feel like your own teeth. Used successfully for many years, dental implants anchor prosthetic (artificial) teeth into your jawbone to provide a stable fit. Implants can meet your individual needs whether you're missing all, a few, or only one of your teeth.

Q:	What is an implant?
A:	An implant is a tiny titanium post inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The jawbone bonds with the implant creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Under "twilight sedation", the implant will be surgically installed using sterile technique.
Q:	Who is a candidate for dental implants?
A:	Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. An implant consult is crucial in outlining a course of treatment for you.
Q:	What is the process for dental implants?
A:	Your dental implants may be positioned and your prosthesis (artificial teeth) constructed by one or more dentists. Your oral surgeon will prepare your jaw and surgically place the implants, which will hold your new teeth in place. Then your restorative dentist makes your prosthesis (artificial teeth). The overall process takes four to six months for completion. Your commitment, both during and after the implant process, is also important. For the best long-term results, you'll need to have regular check-ups and practice good oral hygiene. Your initial dental evaluation is important in formulating your specific, personalized treatment plan. Knowing your dental history helps your surgical specialist and restorative dentist decide if you're a good candidate for implants. A dental exam and tests help determine where implants can be positioned in your jaw. After developing a treatment plan, your dentists will present you with the information you'll need to decide if implants are right for you. At UOFS, it is our goal to provide you with a positive, comfortable experience that promotes overall well-being and a positive self-esteem. Drs. McIlwain, Carlson and Link, collectively, have 55 years of experience placing implants. Patients are encouraged to ask questions regarding their treatment. Prescriptions for antibiotics and pain control as well as pre-operative instructions will be given during the consultation phase. Dental implants are performed on an outpatient basis in an in-office setting. Implants are placed using sterile technique to minimize any risk of infection. Under careful monitoring, patients are intravenously sedated in order to provide complete comfort and eliminate intra-operative pain. The procedure can take one - three hours depending on the number of implants. Post-operative instructions for Implant Surgery will be given to the accompanying caregiver. After surgery, the patient will remain in recovery observation for at least 30 minutes or until discharge criteria has been met