Dental Implants
Dental Implants have revolutionized the way dentists replace missing teeth for their patients. Dental Implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants are made from commercially pure Titanium. They are placed into the jaw bone using the concept of osseointegration as developed by Dr. P.I. Branemark over 30 years ago in Sweden. Following Dr. Branemark’s methods, Drs. Shulman, Fredd, Spampata and Deasy have achieved predictable success rates in their placement of dental implants.
Dental Implant Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants at our offices in Lansdale, Horsham and Harleysville, PA are discussed.
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Recent technological advances in the manufacturing processes of dental implants have further improved implant success rates. The surgeons at OMS Associates place Osseotite Implants manufactured by the 3I Corporation of Florida and ITI Implants manufactured by Straumann, AG of Switzerland.
Dental Implant Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the dental implant process, please click the image on the left. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about dental implants.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
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Our patients may be missing teeth for a variety of reasons. Sometimes one or more teeth never develop. Such teeth are said to be congenitally absent. Other times teeth are lost because of tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, or traumatic injuries.
Optimum dental treatment usually involves the replacement of missing teeth to allow for normal biting and chewing function, and to prevent the abnormal shifting of other teeth into the spaces created following the loss of teeth. Additionally, the loss of one or more teeth usually leads to a loss of jaw bone structure (atrophy) which makes replacing teeth difficult and can change the facial appearance. The restoration of missing teeth with dental implants allows for the restoration of normal biting and chewing function and can stop the atrophy of the jaw bone and potential alteration of facial contours that usually ensues after the loss of teeth.
When teeth are congenitally absent or lost due to dental disease, the area of the jaw bone from where the teeth were extracted changes in shape owing to a loss of bone volume. This loss of bone volume must sometimes be addressed before Dental Implants can be place to help replace the missing teeth. When the surgeons at OMS Associates remove unrestorable teeth in anticipation of replacement of dental implants, they employ the most current techniques to preserve the jaw bone and thus allow the subsequent successful placement of dental implants.
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The Dental Implants themselves are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. After surgery to place the Dental Implants into the jaw bone, the bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. After a healing period of 3 to 6 months, small posts or abutments are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
The surgical philosophy embraced by the surgeons at OMS Associates is that a Dental Implant is only successful if it is precisely positioned so that the dentist can place a well functioning, aesthetic dental restoration on the implant. To that end, the doctors work very closely with your dentist to carefully and thoroughly develop your treatment plan so that you may achieve an optimal result. Often the dentist will make a guide template to be used during the surgery to facilitate the proper positioning of the implant in the jaw.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Associates was the first surgical practice in the Delaware Valley to place Titanium implants according to the Branemark method. The doctors have maintained a strong commitment to studying and employing the most current advances in surgical technique. The surgeons at OMS Associates have also been involved in the education of 30 dentists in the prosthetic techniques of dental implant restorations. Currently the doctors are the Educational Directors of the Suburban Implant Study Club which conducts regular continuing education meetings for many dentists.
The Surgical Procedure
Dental Implant surgery is an office procedure that is often performed under local anesthesia or under IV Sedation Anesthesia.
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 as the bone heals around the implants and thus gradually bonding them with the jawbone. This is the process of osseointegration. If necessary, you should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist can begin the steps to form your new replacement teeth.
After the bone has healed and the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeons at OMS Associates 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 report to us that they experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Dental Implant Module
Learn even more about dental implants and see and hear patient testimonials please click here.