Dental Implants in Tampa, FL
If you have one or more missing teeth and you'd like an alternative to traditional dentures, the answer you're looking for may be dental implants. In Tampa, FL, people can learn about and receive this treatment at the office of Patrick Johnson DMD, PA. We can give you back a full set of permanent teeth!
Implants differ from traditional dentures in that they are actual prosthetic roots upon which a denture is attached. A small titanium screw is inserted into the bone where the missing tooth's root used to be. Over a period of a few months, this screw will actually conjoin with the bone, forming a fully functional root that is even stronger than the original. A custom-made denture is attached to the screw, and it functions just like a normal tooth. No more worrying about dentures falling out when you eat or laugh, or having to remove them for cleaning or sleeping!
We at our office make it a point to keep up with the latest implant technology, and Dr. Johnson has received extensive training in implantology. We've performed many of these procedures, and patients are always excited about the results.
If you're interested in dental implants, Tampa, FL dentist and periodontist Patrick Johnson DMD, PA can provide the care you need. We want to help you have confidence in your smile again! Call us today and ask about the innovative new implant procedure called TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™.
Procedures
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors in the gums for replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
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 restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Johnson will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™
TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™ is a revolutionary concept providing patients with fully functioning teeth or dental implants in one single procedure that lasts about an hour. This technology was recently developed by Nobel Biocare and allows for collaboration between both the restorative doctor and the surgeon. This merging of knowledge and experience achieves not only increased safety, but also a more precise implant placement. In addition, the fabrication of a final prosthesis is completed prior to the surgery. The computer-guided implant surgery is done in an arthroscopic fashion without requiring any flap reflection. This benefits the patient in that there is less postoperative discomfort, less swelling, and less bruising. Often patients can resume their normal activities the next day.
The process starts when a CAT scan is taken of the patient's jawbone. This CAT scan allows for the generation of a 3-D model of the jawbone that can then be used in virtual reality software to plan the implant placement without the presence of the patient. The results are more accurate implant placement and less chair time for the patient at the surgery office.