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Dr. Martin R. Aidelbaum Inc. |
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Steps in Obtaining Dental Implants 1. Examination/Consultation A thorough oral examination and medical consultation by the dental team responsible for implant treatment is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. This team consists of your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and your restorative dentist. Working as a team, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon places the implants and, after healing takes place, the restorative dentist designs and places the artificial teeth that are supported by the implants. During the examination, you will give a complete medical history. Be sure to give all information, including any health problems, allergies or medications you are taking. |
Your examination may include several types of x-rays to provide essential information about the jaw bone and its anatomy, models of your jaws, and possibly certain blood tests. Based on the results of this examination, the dental team will discuss all aspects of your case with you. Together you will decide if dental implants are appropriate for you.
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| The dental team responsible for implant treatment will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. |
2. Preparing for Implant Surgery
Following are tips to help you prepare for your implant surgery appointment:
Clothing - Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up. If intravenous anesthesia or sedation will be administered, tight sleeves can make this difficult.
Transportation - Arrange to have someone accompany you to your surgical appointment and drive you home afterward. You may be drowsy for awhile after anesthesia, and driving yourself is unsafe.
Diet - If intravenous anesthesia or sedation will be administered, do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery appointment.
Medications - Adhere to any medication schedule that is prescribed by your surgeon prior to surgery.
Anesthesia - Modern anesthesia technology now makes it possible to perform even complex surgery in the dental office with little or no discomfort. During surgery, one or more of the following is used to control pain and anxiety: local anesthesia that numbs the surgical area; nitrous oxide-oxygen (sometimes called "laughing gas") to relax you; intravenous sedation for relaxation; and general anesthesia that puts you to sleep. Your surgeon will fully explain the type of anesthesia that is most appropriate for your needs.
| With the use of modern anesthesia technology, complex surgery can be performed in the dental office with little or no discomfort. |
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3. Implant Surgery
The placement of endosteal dental implants requires two different surgical procedures. In "Stage 1" surgery the implants, or "fixtures" are placed in the bone. In "Stage 2" surgery, which takes place after osseointegration is complete and the submerged implants are solidly anchored in bone, the fixtures are uncovered and special posts called "abutments" are attached to the implants. These abutments project above the gumline into the mouth, and the final artificial teeth will be fitted onto them.
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| The portion of the implant that is fitted onto the abutments) and is visible in the mouth is called a prosthesis - they can be either of a "fixed" or "removable" type. A fixed implant prosthesis can involve a single tooth (top left) or several teeth (bottom left). A fixed prosthesis can only be removed by your dentist, but is designed to allow you to clean it. A removable prosthesis (right) is similar to a full denture and can be removed from your mouth for cleaning |