An implant is a metal "root" which can be placed into the jawbone. Once integrated with your bone, the implant can be used to support a crown, a bridge, or secure a removable appliance, or eliminate the need for a removable appliance. The dental implants used by most dentists and dental specialists are root-form implants, which means that they are used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Dental implants provide an exciting option for people missing some or all of their teeth. They look, feel, and function like your own natural teeth.

There are many benefits to receiving a dental implant over other forms of treatment:

- Neighboring teeth do not have to be compromised
- Implants allow you to keep your jaw structure
- They look and feel like natural teeth
- Dental Implants can replace partials and are used to secure loose dentures

Sometimes different manufacturing brands of implants provide a better benefit to the patient. That is why we use implants from 3i, Nobel, Straumann and Zimmer.

Before an implant is placed there must be sufficient bone for the implant to be put into and there must be enough space below the sinus cavity for the implant to fit. If either of there requirements are not met your doctor can use bone regeneration techniques and/or perform a sinus lift to prepare your mouth for an implant.

After the implant site has been prepared and it is ready for your implant to be placed, a couple of steps must be taken:

1) An incision is made into the gums using very precise measurements, then using a very small drill, the jawbone is given a "tap" that will allow the implant to be placed. After the implant is screwed into place, the gums are closed up and the healing process begins. This process can take approximately three to six months to ensure the implant has fused with the bone and created a sturdy base for the new teeth.

2) When the implant is ready, an abutment is attached to the implant, which allows for a new crown to be placed or a denture to be attached.

A single tooth implant procedure may be done if a tooth has been extracted or is missing. A titanium implant base is placed into the jawbone to resemble the tooth root. We allow a period of time to allow for the jawbone to heal over the implant base before fitting for a crown.

Next, an abutment is screwed into the base of the implant to allow for a crown to be fitted on top. Finally, a custom fabricated crown is placed over the abutment to function like a real tooth.

Multiple tooth implants may be placed if you need or desire to permanently replace an extracted or lost tooth. Titanium implant bases are placed into the jawbone to replace the job of the tooth roots. We allow a period of time to allow for the jawbone to heal over the bases before fitting for a crown. Next, abutments are screwed into the bases of the implants to allow crowns to be attached. Finally, custom fabricated crowns are placed over the abutments and will function like a real tooth.

In many circumstances, all of the upper or lower remaining teeth need to be removed due to advanced periodontal disease and/or dental decay. One approach is a full upper or lower plate; however, this treatment modality is not recommended. The treatment of choice is to replace the upper or lower teeth with caps that are in place permanently and supported by dental implants. A common goal of treatment is to have (12 teeth caps) supported by 8 implants. The 4 caps that are not supported by the implants are connected to adjacent implant-supported caps. With this optimal approach, the maximum amount of bone is preserved.

Finally there is a solution to loose, uncomfortable dentures. If you are tired of using dental adhesives, unable to eat what you want, or have trouble speaking and are embarrassed by it, mini dental implants may be for you. After eighteen years of continuous clinical trials, mini dental implants offer an option for those who have trouble wearing removable dentures. Dr. Scott Danoff, at Danoff Dental & Associates, can accommodate patients who have loose and ill fitting dentures, with a new and proven, minimally invasive procedure, usually in about one hour.

This state-of-the-art implant technology offers immediate attachment to the patient's existing dentures allowing for secure eating experiences. Patients can throw away their denture adhesives, says Dr. Danoff. This procedure requires no tissue cutting or sutures and patients have very minimal discomfort following the procedure. They can immediately leave the office with their dentures firmly in place and enjoy their next meal without the worries they had prior to the treatment. According to Dr. Danoff the advent of this new implant technology can offer patients mini dental implants at about one-half the cost of previous implant procedures. Patients who have had this treatment are pleased with the results and are much more comfortable eating and speaking. Now, those who have lost teeth for various reasons, have more options in their treatment planning. These mini implants are the ideal treatment for patients with an ill-fitting full lower denture that slips and slides and can also be used for full upper denture stabilization. Two to six mini implants are used to stabilize a denture.

For patients missing one or more teeth, Dr. Danoff can place mini dental implants and restore teeth in the form of crowns and bridges in one visit. The mini implants cost about one-half what the standard larger implants cost and healing is immediate as compared to four to eight months for the standard ones. Dr. Danoff states, There is still a place for standard implants, but the minis offer many advantages. Many patients do not have adequate bone available for standard larger implants and minis are their only alternative?.

There are actually two phases to implant dentistry.

Phase 1:
Using very accurate surgical techniques, an incision is made in the gum tissues and implants are placed into dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in the jawbone. First the gum tissue is opened and the jaw bone is tapped with a small drill then drilled with a wider drill. The implant is inserted into place. The gum tissues are then closed and the healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from 3-6 months to ensure a strong base.

Phase 2:
An abutment is secured to the top of the implant. A new tooth crown is placed onto the implant abutment.

Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or your dentures.

Dental implants that can be placed to accept a full arch of teeth. The arch is removable yet functions like a full set of normal teeth.

On the day of your appointment please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled time. This has proven to help patients settle in and release the pre-surgery nervousness. We will make you as comfortable as possible during your visit.

We recommend bringing along a friend or relative on the day of your treatment. Depending on the procedure itself, you may be receiving anesthesia and possibly other medication during the surgery. It is important that an adult accompany you to the office, stay during the procedure and drive you home after your recovery.

We will provide you with detailed information regarding medication, food, drink, and other preparations that you may need. Please follow their instructions on the day of your treatment. We will also provide you with complete post-surgery instructions including cleaning and maintenance instructions, and if necessary we'll provide you with prescriptions for any medications necessary to reduce the post-surgery discomfort and to help you toward a speedy recovery.

We'll arrange follow-up appointments to assure you maintain a beautiful, natural smile for years to come.

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

BLEEDING. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding area for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call the office for further instructions.

SWELLING. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon as it is the body's normal process in repairing itself. Swelling does not always appear immediately. It may take 12 to 24 hours before swelling becomes apparent. Swelling may not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-surgery. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs post-surgery. Two baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days call the office.

DIET. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hot food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

PAIN MEDICATION. You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by Danoff Dental & Associates, LLP not to take it.

HOME HYGIENE CARE. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem, but be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas. Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Physical activity could cause throbbing or bleeding of the surgical implant area.

WEARING DENTURES. You will always have teeth during your recovery period. Temporary partial dentures or full denture arches should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days.

Before making the decision in going the implant route, ask yourself if there is another option. We offer many different implant alternatives.

The different alternative options to implants that we provide are:
- Tooth Supported Bridge
- Removable Partial Denture
- No Treatment

If you still have more questions about dental implants, such as age factors and restrictions after you receive your implant please check out our Implant FAQs.