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Dental Evaluation
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If you are missing one or more teeth you may be a candidate for dental
implants! Dental implants can change the quality of your life! There are
several factors which must be considered before an implant can be offered as a
treatment alternative. Your doctor will give you a thorough examination,
looking at your existing teeth and bone, your upper and lower jaws, and your
gum tissues. You will be asked to fill out a form to review your medical
history and find out if you are taking any medications, or have any medical
problems which should be reported to the doctor.
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Diagnostic tests may include taking impressions of your mouth for diagnostic
models, periapical type x-rays to see below the gum and evaluate the teeth and
bone, as well as a panoramic radiograph which will survey both your upper and
lower jaws in one bigger x-ray. Your dentist may also suggest that a CT scan
is necessary for a better three-dimensional view of your bone.
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 Your dentist should explain the benefits and the risks of the suggested
procedures, and offer alternative treatments where appropriate. Hopefully
with the help of your dentist, your questions concerning how implants can be
used to replace missing teeth can be answered. If you do not have a dentist
and have questions regarding this process, please feel free to
leave a message
and perhaps we can address your concerns.
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Placing the Implants -
The First Surgery
©1993-2001 by Scott D. Ganz, D.M.D.
The implant only replaces the lost tooth root. It is placed under the gum and
into the bone where it will undergo a process called "osseointegration." This
means that the bone will grow around and adapt to this new "root." This
process may take 3 - 6 months depending upon the condition of the existing
bone.
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Attaching the post - The Second Surgery
©1993-2001 by Scott D. Ganz, D.M.D.
Once the implant has achieved an integrated state, it is then "activated."
Through a second minor procedure the buried implant is uncovered, and a
healing collar is placed. After about two weeks impressions may be made, or a
new post will be placed on the implant which will then support a new temporary
tooth.
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Creating Your New Teeth - Making the Prosthesis
©1993-2001 by Scott D. Ganz, D.M.D.
After your dentist has evaluated your bite, the new post, and the surrounding
gum tissue, the final restoration (crown) will be made. This can be either
cemented or fixated with a screw to the underlying post. The implant, acting
as a new root will now support a new crown!
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Maintenance & Routine Checkups
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Cleaning your teeth:
Implant supported restorations act just like your natural
teeth and need the same type of care and cleaning. Your dentist will suggest
methods of cleaning your new teeth, and will advise you to return for regular
check-ups. Just as plaque and calculus buildup can cause problems with teeth,
they can cause problems for implant supported teeth too.
Routine Checkups:
Your dentist will give you a maintenance schedule to follow. It is important
that you return to your dentist for an assessment of your implants, gums, and
teeth.
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 Audio Instruction Files
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