Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
Thanks to technological advancement, more and more people are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are a long-term solution that is embedded in your jawbone, just like your natural teeth. Unlike fixed bridges or removable dentures, dental implants will not develop cavities, affect neighboring healthy teeth or lead to bone loss in the jaw. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. Oral surgeons use sophisticated dental procedures and anesthesia to reduce anxiety and pain throughout the surgery, and in some cases, patients can return to work the next day!
The Procedure
Sometimes when a person is considering dental implants they assume the procedure will be more complicated, painful and time-consuming than other dental care options. The fact is, it’s not! Trained oral surgeons take great care in making sure you are comfortably sedated before, during and after the surgery. Next, they identify the correct location and insert implants that consist of a metallic frame into your jawbone beneath a portion of your gums. These frames or posts are positioned in this area to account for the placement of a new tooth. Once the dental implant is in place, replacement teeth will be able to be mounted onto them. The implant is typically made from titanium and is placed into the gum line with a surgical procedure. This surgical procedure ensures that the dental implant won’t loosen over time. See the video below for more information.
Dental implant surgery is, of course, surgery, and is best done by a trained surgeon. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) has the specialized education and training in the complexities of the bone, skin, muscles, and nerves involved, to ensure you get the best possible results. A 2014 study suggests greater implant success rates when performed by a dental specialist.
Implants are made of titanium metal that “fuses” with the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration.” There’s no short cut to get around that process, and it usually takes several months once the implant is put into your jawbone. Osseointegration, however, is why implants never slip or make embarrassing noises like dentures, and why
After more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants first placed by oral and facial surgeons in the United States continue to function at peak performance. More importantly, the recipients of those early dental implants are still satisfied they made the right choice.
Pain, Discomfort and Recovery Time
Pain, discomfort and recovery time are obviously big concerns when considering dental care options, so the question is just how bad will it be with dental implants? The dental implant process begins with the before mentioned concerns in mind, and oral surgeons ensure comfort, pain alleviation, and quick recovery by using both local and general anesthesia methods. When you begin your dental implant process you will be sedated and comfortable throughout the process. This not only makes for a pleasant experience on your end but also allows for the surgeon to be extremely precise and timely with the surgery without worrying about any complications due to involuntary responses by the patient. Proper anesthesia throughout the implant process has allowed many patients to be comfortable, and back to work as soon as the next day.
Dr. Andrew Slavin
Dr. Slavin has extensive experience with more than 25 years as a practicing physician. He is also Board Certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; a distinction he has been re-certified for twice. He also has extensive experience in dental implant reconstruction and bone augmentation techniques. He is committed to bringing you today’s advanced technology provided with the personal attention you deserve because your care is our first priority. He is now Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Good Samaritan Medical Center where he uses his finely honed techniques to help all those who require the expertise which can only be provided by a surgeon with Dr. Slavin’s vast experience.