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Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which 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.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that 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 that protrudes 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

At Northwest Oral Surgeons most patients can have their implants placed in a single surgical procedure. We will first consult with your dentist to determine the exact location for placement of the implant. The implant replaces the root of your tooth. Your dentist is needed to make the crown portion of the replacement tooth. Our Schererville office is where we do the implant procedures, with either local anesthetic or IV anesthetic. After placement of the implant a small portion of the implant will be visible protruding slightly through the gum tissue. The gums heal around this portion of the implant and it prevents us from having to do a second surgery in most cases. If you are wearing a denture or a temporary replacement tooth you will be able to wear it over the healing implant, right away after surgery.

The ITI Dental Implant System has revolutionized implant dentistry. We have chosen to use this system for several reasons. Unlike many other systems that need to heal for 4 - 6 months prior to placing teeth, in most cases teeth can be placed on ITI implants after only 6 - 8 weeks of healing. They have a very high rate of success and great longevity. This implant system is also the easiest for your dentist to use, reducing problems like loosening of the crowns and eliminating additional steps in making the crowns.

Pain after placement of implants is analogous to the pain of having a tooth extracted. Frequently we place the implant at the time of tooth extraction and most patients actually experience less discomfort than with simple tooth removal alone.