Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are supportive structures that are anchored into the jawbone to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. Implants can meet your individual needs whether you are missing one, a few, or all of your teeth.


How Are Implants Like Natural Teeth?

All teeth are structurally composed of two parts – the root which is fixed in the jawbone and the crown which is the visible part we eat with. An implant is like a new root. It provides a supportive base that becomes fixed in the jaw and actually stimulates bone attachment and helps maintain long-term bone height. The prosthesis is the artificial crown. This is connected to the implant by a small piece of metal called an abutment.

Why Would You Choose Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types of Restorations?

There are several reasons:

  • You may not want to sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space
  • Removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient
  • Dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and embarrassing


How Are Implants Done?

No matter how many teeth are being replaced, the basic procedure is the same. Implants are a three-step process. The first two steps are surgical, the third step involves making and attaching your new teeth. During the first surgery, an incision is made in your gum and a precise hole is gently drilled into the bone and the implant is placed into position. The gum incision is then stitched closed. The jawbone will need to heal around the implant for several months. At the end of the healing period, the gum is surgically re-opened and the abutment(s) is attached. Impressions can usually be taken 2-4 weeks after the second surgery so that work can begin on making the final, permanent crown. The last step of the process is the attachment of the new prosthesis. Some implants may be single stage without a second procedure to open the gum tissue.





What Types of Prostheses Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) you choose. A removable prosthesis (overdenture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed one is permanent and removable only by the dentist.





Is Everyone a Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth will be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.


What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting repairs implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaws, hip or tibia (below the knee.) Sinus bone grafts are also done to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called Guided Bone Regeneration or Guided Tissue Regeneration.



Frequently Asked Questions
about Dental Implants

This presentation has been designed to answer your many questions regarding Dental Implants.

Click the picture to begin an interactive educational presentation.




Who Actually Does the Implants?

Implants are a dual effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Greenberg performs the actual implant surgery, (and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary), the restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. The restorative dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process. Dr. Greenberg performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia. Dr. Greenberg also performs all of the bone grafting procedures which include obtaining bone from the jaw, hip or tibia.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

The possible infrequent complications of dental implants include bleeding, infection and numbness of the adjacent gum, lip and chin. Injury to nearby muscles or sinus cavity can sometimes occur as well as implant failure caused by incomplete healing of bone. Later, bone loss around the implant, implant/bridge fracture or breakage are also possible.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.

Consent Forms

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Click here to view the consent for Two-Stage Osseousintegrated Implant with Sinus-Lift/ Bone Grafting Procedure Click here to view the consent for Two-Stage Osseousintegrated Implant Surgery