Dental Implants

Dr. Skoretz has extensive experience in creating and executing treatment plans to replace a single missing tooth or many teeth using permanent dental implants. Call our office or contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored to your jaw and holds a replacement tooth or dental bridge in place. Dental implants are permanent and stable; and in contrast to traditional bridgework, they allow existing teeth to remain intact. Dental implants also help prevent bone loss associated with missing teeth, and they look and feel like natural teeth.

Missing Teeth and Bone Loss

Missing teeth and loose dentures lead to bone loss and premature aging. Losing one or more of your teeth starts a chain of events that can have dire physical and cosmetic consequences. The most obvious result is a gap in your smile. Less obvious however is the loss of chewing function, the inability to eat a complete diet, and the most serious consequence, bone loss.

Your jaw bone needs the chewing action of your teeth to stimulate it and keep it strong. Otherwise the bone will begin to disappear. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged. Tooth replacement with dental implants is the best solution for missing teeth to prevent bone loss.

Today’s dental implants

Modern dental implants are precision devices, available in several different designs to address your specific needs. The most common type is a titanium screw that is anchored into the jaw bone where it serves as a post for a custom made dental crown. Once the crown is in place, you may not be able to tell it apart from your natural teeth. If a patient’s jaw structure is limited due to existing bone loss, it is possible for a custom made metal framework to be fitted directly onto the what is left of the jaw bone to serve as a reliable anchor for a dental implant.

Titanium dental implants have been placed extensively since the 1970s with a high degree of success. Titanium offers the benefit of being lightweight and strong, and it is a biocompatible material, which means that it will not be rejected by the body. Titanium is the most widely used metal in orthopedic joint replacement and dental implants, and as an added note: Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants can be placed in most adults who are in good to moderate health. Dr. Skoretz will discuss your full medical history before beginning treatment, and he will explain the benefits and risks associated with surgical dental implants to see if tooth replacement with implants is right for you.

What can I expect during a dental implant procedure?

Dr. Skoretz must perform oral surgery to anchor the dental implant into your jaw bone. The procedure is done in our dental office with local anesthesia and sedation dentistry techniques. Dr. Skoretz will first install an implant post, which will anchor your dental implant to your jaw bone. An artificial tooth, or dental crown, will then be attached to the implant post. The dental crown will be custom made to match your other teeth.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The process can take three to nine months to complete. Each patient heals differently, so times will vary. If a patient has good bone quality, posts can be placed and replacement teeth may be fitted in one appointment.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

The success rate for dental implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient's overall health. Dr. Skoretz will assess your needs and discuss your individual situation and your options for the best dental care.

How do I care for my dental implants?

It is important to floss and brush around your dental implants at least twice a day. Dr. Skoretz will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new implants during and after treatment. Practicing good oral hygiene is critical for the success of dental implants.

What is the cost of dental implants?

Since dental implants involve surgery and are more involved, they typically cost more than traditional bridgework and dentures. However, considering the durability of dental implants and the potential long term solution to missing teeth and bone loss associated with missing teeth, the value of a dental implant becomes much more apparent.

Some dental implant procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Our dental office offers reasonable payment plans as well.

Tooth replacement options

Dental Crowns
A dental crown is made by modifying a badly damaged tooth and cementing a prepared crown to the modified tooth. Dental crowns are a viable solution only if the root of the tooth in question is still functioning and intact.

Dental Bridges
A fixed dental bridge is a tooth replacement that spans the area of a missing tooth. The replacement tooth is anchored to the adjacent teeth on both sides of the replacement, and it requires that two or more healthy teeth be ground down and fixed with dental crowns to serve as anchors for the dental bridge.

Dental bridges solve the cosmetic problem of missing teeth, but will not stop bone loss associated with those misssing teeth. Additionally, the healthy teeth that are ground down to serve as posts are left at greater risk for cavities and future repairs, possibly leading to additional healthy teeth being sacrificed for posts and continued bone loss beneath the bridge.

Dentures
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and the tissues connected to those teeth. They are a viable option in many tooth replacement scenarios, but like dental bridges, they do not prevent bone loss associated with missing teeth. They can also be uncomfortable for patients and require a change in diet. Dentures also require special cleaning and maintenance that must be performed regularly.

Dental Implants
With dental implants, healthy teeth are left alone. The implant stimulates the jawbone during chewing much like a natural tooth, and this minimizes or eliminates bone loss associated with the missing tooth. Many leading dental organizations now recognize dental implants as the best option for tooth replacement.

Single Tooth Replacement

A missing tooth may be replaced with a dental implant if there is adequate bone at the site. Modern implant procedures can even regenerate bone to safely place an implant in an area where bone loss has occured. An implant is placed in the bone below the gum tissue, an abutment is attached to the implant, then a custom-made crown is attached. The crown will be matched to your existing teeth and it will be indistinguishable in look and feeling from a real tooth. The tooth has been replaced without disturbing the healthy teeth next to it and bone loss has been eliminated.

Multiple tooth replacement

Implants can also be used to replace several teeth. The implants are placed in the bone below the gum tissue. After healing, the abutments are attached to the implants. They will hold a custom-made bridge made to match to your existing teeth. The teeth have been replaced without disturbing the healthy teeth next to them, and bone loss has been halted.

Implant-supported prosthesis (removable)

If all your lower teeth are missing, five implants may be used to support a lower denture. If all your upper teeth are missing, six or more implants may be used to support an upper denture. You will be fitted for a custom-made bar that attaches to the implants to support a new denture. Your existing denture may be modified to be worn during this period. The new denture will have attachments which snap or clip it into place. Your new teeth are firmly supported by the jaw, stimulating it and preventing further bone loss. You will be able to remove the denture easily for cleaning.

Implant-supported prosthesis (Fixed)

If all your lower or upper teeth are missing, a permanent bridge may be attached directly to the implants. You will be fitted for a custom bridge that screws directly into the implants. The screw holes will be covered after insertion. Your new teeth will be firmly supported by the jaw, stimulating it and preventing bone loss. Dr. Skoretz will be able to remove the prosthesis when necessary for cleaning and maintenance.

Implant-stabilized denture

If all your lower teeth are missing, two to four implants may be used to stabilize a lower denture. Dental implants can provide stability to your existing loose denture. After healing, special posts are attached to the implants. Your old denture may be modified to fit onto the posts, or a new denture will be made. The denture can be taken out each night for cleaning.