The purpose of a dental implant is to replace any teeth that are missing due to disease or injury. A titanium or titanium alloy abutment is inserted into the jawbone to create a permanent foundation for a crown. Bone grows around the abutment within four months. Once the abutment is secure, the remaining crown of the implant is added.
In some patients, the bone degradation is severe enough that there is too little bone for an implant. Dentures, while a possible solution, are problematic. Patients frequently complain about a lack of force when biting or chewing, an uncomfortable fit, and dentures that slip or come unglued. Bridges also can loosen. In both cases, bacterial infections of the gums are a risk. For these patients, Same-Day dental implants end up being a beneficial option.
CT Scans Grade Bone Loss Prior to the Surgery
As the bone degrades, bone loss tends to be more significant on the side of the jaw. Bone retention in the front of the jaw is optimal, so there is no need for bone grafts prior to the implants. Rather than relying on standard x-rays, periodontists take CT scans of the jawbone to assess the quality and volume. The CT scan also helps the periodontist avoid the inferior alveolar nerve and the sinus cavity.
One-Day Procedure
With a single implant, you return to the periodontist over a span of weeks for insertion of the implant, castings, and insertion of the final crown. Same-Day Implant can be performed in just one day in most cases.
A surgical plan is created prior to the day of the surgery. The day before, you take antibiotics and use an antiseptic rinse. On the day of the surgery, you receive anesthesia and the surgery proceeds once you are sedated. Teeth are extracted, if necessary, and holes for the abutments are drilled. The abutments are inserted, incisions are sutured, and the implants are put in place on the abutments.
Future Treatment Fees Are Lower
During the dental surgery, four implants are inserted in appropriate spots on the front jaw. Two are inserted at an angle for additional support, but the positioning also helps avoid nerves to avoid pain. Each dental arch attaches to those four implants. The implants are permanent, so there is no fear of them slipping while you talk or chew.
With bridges or dentures, there is the risk of a broken device. Same-Day Implants are designed to last. In fact, a study released in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry listed implant survival rates at 92.2 percent.
While the Same-Day Implants cost more, in the long run you can save money by avoiding additional treatments. It is important, however, to choose a periodontist who is skilled in Same-Day Implants because it does require a higher level of surgical skill and experience with prosthetics.
Great Coverage with Same-Day Implant
With the Same-Day Implants, up to 14 teeth are replaced at one time. After arriving for the procedure in the morning, you leave later in the day with 14 teeth on the upper jaw and/or 14 teeth on the lower jaw.
Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry provide a full range of implant options, including Same-Day Implants. Learn more by watching Dr. Gallardo’s video on Same-Day Implants. When you’re ready to discuss pricing and more details regarding the procedure, schedule an appointment with the Miami periodontists at (305) 447-1447.