Dental Implantsperiodontics • rocky hill, nj • princeton, nj
General InformationDental implants are a research proven method of tooth replacement that mimics nature. A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that replaces the root of your damaged, diseased, or missing tooth and provides an anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture. Because implants do not require your dentist to sacrifice an adjacent tooth for support, they help to preserve your natural teeth – and they never decay or need root canal treatment.
Dr. Horowitz received his training in Implantology in 1985. He was a participant in the first course offered specifically for periodontists at the Medical School Leuvan, Belgium given by Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, the father of modern implant surgery. Through taking multiple continuing education courses, and because of his position as Associate Professor of Periodontics in the division of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at New York University, Dr. Horowitz is abreast of the most current information and techniques on implant dentistry and bone regenerating procedures. EvaluationIf, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your doctor will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success. We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled. Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors in the gums for replacement teeth. For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves only one surgical procedure. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person, based on a variety of factors. In some cases, your dentist may be able to place a temporary restoration the same day the implant is inserted. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. In some cases where “one stage surgery” is not possible Dr .Horowitz will uncover the implant and attach a small healing collar. After a few weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. In most cases the entire procedure usually takes 3 to 4months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life. Sinus Lift ProcedureThe maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Sinuses are like empty spaces that have nothing in them. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone. There is a solution and it’s called a sinus graft or sinus lift graft. The dental implant surgeon enters the sinus from where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus. Keep in mind that the floor of the sinus is the roof of the upper jaw. In many cases implants can be placed at the same time the sinus procedure is accomplished. If not enough bone is available, the Sinus Augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed. The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option other than wearing loose dentures. These surgeries are performed in the out-office surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.
|
|||||||||||||
|
