What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts which are 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. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Zafar will uncover the implants and attach small posts which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that 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, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which 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, laugh and enjoy life.

Evaluation

If, 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 specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Nadeem Zafar, who holds a Masters Degree in Dental Implantology. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Procedure

Dental implants are like ‘artificial roots’. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small attachments are fixed onto the implant which protrude through the gums. These attachments provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, integrating with the jawbone. You should be able to wear a temporary prosthesis (teeth) and be able to eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has integrated with the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Zafar will uncover the implants, attach a small healing collar.

Two weeks after that Dr. Zafar can then commence the fabrication of your new teeth. An impression must be taken of the implants, this is then sent to a specialized Dental Laboratory where they will carefully hand craft your new teeth to a very high standard. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.