Dental Implants

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.

Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. For more information about dental implants or to schedule a consultation appointment, call our office in Manhattan, KS at (785) 539-7429.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium zirconium 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 zirconium, 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 help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

What Implants Do We Place?

For our patients we provide excellent surgical placement of Straumann implants. They are the leading implant provider world wide and have been recognized for this since 1974. In comparison to other companies, Straumann implants are trusted due to their extensive clinical and scientific research that has been supported by more than 700 scientific publications. With over 14 million implants sold, Straumann holds a 97% survival rate over a 10 year period, which is the highest rated percentage to date.

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 food 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. Nomani will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. 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.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, your oral surgeon is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of twelve weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called “immediate loading”, actually performs the implant placement.

Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Nomani 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?

Single Implant and Crown

**A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth with each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant.**

Fixed Implant Supported Bridge

**A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants.**

Fixed Complete Maxillary Prosthesis

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 (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Nomani performs in–office implant surgery in a hospital–style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. 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.

Why You Should Choose Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it is 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.

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 35 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.

Dental implants not only serve for the aesthetics of your oral structure but also for the the improved quality of chewing or eating, facial and bone structure, and the long lasting survival rate of the prosthesis.

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. Additionally implants do not require adjacent teeth to be ground down to accommodate for support. Implants also allow your surrounding teeth to stay intact and preserve the facial and jaw bone structure.

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 the 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 general anesthesia.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, you will need to visit your general dentist to follow up with any additional restorative work. The implants 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. Implants should be treated as your permanent teeth would be treated and taking good care of your oral hygiene and regular dental visits is crucial to extending the survival rate of the implants and crowns.