Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They 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, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?


The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

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 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. Drs. Fitzgerald, Twersky, and Alkhatib 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, Drs. Fitzgerald, Twersky, and Alkhatib is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six 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.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Drs. Fitzgerald, Twersky, and Alkhatib 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 Prosthesis Are Available?

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.

Drs. Fitzgerald, Twersky, and Alkhatib 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 Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you 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.

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.

Why 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.

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 you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving 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, 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.

Oral Surgery Associates, LLC

5 out of 5 stars based on 85 Dental Implants reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional. Excellent experience.

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Had 2 teeth pulled. Please make novacaine in the roof of my mouth less painful. It was bad. I hope you have laughing gas for my next appointment.

- Kathy M

4 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Love Dr. Horne!!!!! He is extremely competent, explains the entire procedure fully and is very compassionate.

- Lisa F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was anticipating a terrifying procedure, but I had a great experience!

- Christina o

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent experience. Fast painless. Fast healing with excellent after care.

- Diane A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional organization. Dr. Horne is very and his staff are very competent.

- Philip G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

From my initial consultation to the actual procedure, Dr. Horne inspired confidence and made me feel at ease. I’m a little “dentalphobic” and Dr. Horne and his staff were efficient and compassionate throughout — and it really helped me through my procedure. Highly recommend!

- Mike S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

A very professional medical practice made up of professional people.

- Tim B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everything is explained in full detail and Dr. Horne is extremely gentle, staff is top notch. Will always use again; hopefully will never have to.

- Wendy D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was taken in for the procedure at the appointment time with no waiting. The implant went smoothly and quickly.

- Robert B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional

- William M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Office is run extremely efficiently. I never had to wait. Everyone was pleasant and showed concern especially about any anxiety I had. Dr. Twersky was quite calming and did a great job on a difficult patient.

- Barbara G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Twersky is very knowlegible, communicating the details of procedures to the patient. He took the extra time and effort to ensure it was performed correctly.

- Michael W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Turns out, I used this same practice 30 years ago for emergency oral surgery. They were great then and great now!

- Tom F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience with my procedure

- Suzanne M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very satisfied with the overall service.

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Alkhatib and his staff in both offices are friendly and a pleasure to work with.

- Kim V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Yes I would recommend. Friendly, caring and accomodating

- Louise C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great Staff, great Doctor! It was a very good experience. Best thing- no pain.

- Matthias M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent

- Carl B

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