Dental Implants

The replacement of hopeless or lost teeth has been a revolution in dentistry. Our office has been a leader in these techniques. Thorough planning and precise placement are essential for your success. Your treatment is individually tailored to your needs. The details of your care will be discussed and clearly defined.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post which is inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants help to preserve the facial structure by preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, smile, laugh and enjoy life.

Dr. Dobbin has received extensive training in placing dental implants. He has been placing dental implants since 1988.

Computer Guided Dental Implant Surgery

Computer guided dental implant surgery represents a giant step forward in replacement of teeth with dental implants at no additional cost. All of our implant patients get an ICAT scan in our office which delineates the topography of the bone three dimensionally. By coupling this information from the scan with special software on the computer, Dr. Dobbin performs the surgery on the computer before the actual surgery. A surgical guide is then created by the software which allows for precise placement of the dental implants. By planning the surgery in this manner, the surgery can be done in an "arthroscopic" manner with smaller incisions and less resultant trauma to the patient. Therefore, the patient has less postoperative pain and less "downtime". Computer guided implant surgery provides greater patient satisfaction.

The Surgical Procedure

Dr. Dobbin 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. The implants are placed with local anesthesia with or without I.V. sedation depending.

Using the surgical splint generated by the computer Dr. Dobbin places the implants in an arthroscopic manner. The implants require a minimum of 6 weeks to heal before the artificial teeth are placed. There are situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction - further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in implant dentistry have made it possible to place implants with crowns at one visit. This process, "immediate loading", greatly simplifies the implant process.

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Dobbin performs the actual implant surgery (and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary), your dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

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 your dentist recommends.(fixed or removable) A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or female attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removed only by the dentist.

Why dental implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you realize that there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth – whether recently or previously – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of your life. Dental implants can be your pathway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?

It is simple - dental implant prostheses function like your natural teeth and avoid the embarrassment of a denture that slips out of place or the need to "shave down" teeth for fixed bridges.

Do Implants need special care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you maintain good oral hygiene in brushing and flossing and keeping regular appointments with your dentist.