Dental Implant FAQ
Livermore, CA
 The implants themselves are tiny titanium cylinders, 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 bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Why Dental Implants?Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth whether its a new situation or something you have lived with for years chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself. Loss of teeth may ultimately lead to severe bone loss and distortion of facial appearance. Many patients who have been wearing dentures for decades have been told that they do not have enough bone for implants. With modern treatment and techniques this is no longer true.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than thirty-five years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Who Actually Performs the Implant Placement?Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Beckley performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (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 (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (overdenture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Dr. Beckley performs outpatient office implant surgery or in a surgery center if indicated. 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
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution to tooth loss and are a solution that can even be permanent. While traditional treatments restore many of the functions of your missing teeth, they cannot restore stimulation, which means your jawbone continues to lose mass. As a result, bridges and dentures need to be periodically changed to accommodate changes in your jawbone.
Why Would You Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types of Restorations?There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a partial at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Are You a Candidate for Implants?If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without sedation.
Do Implants Need Special Care?Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
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Livermore: 925-290-7727
