Dental Implants

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One of the services our Evansville, IN & Owensboro, KY surgery team can provide you is dental implants. Dental implants are changing the way people live and are now considered the standard of care.

They are designed to act as the root of the tooth and 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, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

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

The surgeons at Tri-State Oral Surgery perform 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.

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone fuses with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. 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.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first two to four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually fusing with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The implant is uncovered and small posts, called healing abutments, are attached. The abutments 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 four to six months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life with minimal pain.

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, at Tri-State Oral Surgery we can place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of eight 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, place implants, and place immediate temporary crowns the same day.

Why 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’s 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.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than forty 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 or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and a Restorative Dentist. While one of our surgeons performs the actual implant surgery, and, if necessary, initial tooth extractions and bone grafting, your restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?
There are several reasons: Implants do not sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space! In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient. Lastly, 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 the outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without IV 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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What are Dental Implants?

The Surgical Procedure

Surgical Advances

Types of Prostheses

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

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Dental Implant FAQ

Why dental implants?

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?

Are you a candidate for implants?

What type of anesthesia is used?

Do Implants need special care?

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