Dental Implants
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the oral surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Walzer, Dr. Sullivan, Dr. Hlousek, Dr. Jones, Dr. Chambers and Dr. Kufta are 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 implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Walzer, Sullivan, Hlousek, Jones, Chambers or Kufta 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 dental implant process.
Patient Reviews for Dental Implants
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Oral Surgery Specialists
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Chambers and his team were quick, efficient, friendly and put me at ease. If an extraction can be described as pleasant, this is how I would describe it. Highly recommended.
- James K
Patient Testimonial
Excellently run office. Dr. Walzer provides clear explanations, is friendly, skilled, great! No question is a bad question. He and the staff are helpful all around.
- Christopher J
Patient Testimonial
My poor tooth had gone through (with my general dentist) a root canal, followed months later by an extraction, which was to be followed up with a surgeon to perform an implant and possible sinus lift. Luckily, I did not need the sinus lift (I hugged Dr. Jones when he told me that). My anxiety after going through so much with this particular tooth was sky-high, but Dr. Jones' assistants, Kiana, Tatiyanna and Carrie, were so kind, calming and reassuring, they are definitely superstars at what they do. I cannot thank them all enough - the procedure went very quickly with very, very little pain, almost none at all. Thank you again, Dr, Jones, Kiana, Tatiyanna and Carrie! I hope my other teeth stay in check, but if they don't I'll be back! I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
- Karin R
Patient Testimonial
I cannot say enough positive remarks about Dr. Sullivan and his staff at the Pasadena Office. I highly recommend them to everyone that requires oral surgery.
- Mary H
Patient Testimonial
Dr Chambers was very personable and made the process very easy and calming. Dental appts can be nervewracking but everyone in the entire office makes you feel very comfortable and are very professional.
- Walter B
Patient Testimonial
Thanks again Dr Hlousek once again you made a Sure that I had a pain-free procedure. I’d like to especially thank your teammates Johannie and Kristen Who were very kind and communicated clearly during the procedure. They were extremely professional and efficient and most of all non judgmental about my cowardice!! Haha Thanks again
- Edward R
Patient Testimonial
I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Hlousek and his entire staff. From start to finish, the standard of care that I received throughout my treatment plan was exceptional. I was a challenging case as a nervous patient who required multiple procedures. Dr. Hlousek and his team always helped put me at ease, and he succeeded in delivering me the best implant solution. I could not be happier with the results, and I am so grateful to them. I highly recommend this practice!
- Brigitte G
Patient Testimonial
I came in today to have a implant done by Dr. Sullivian. He was awesome made me feel peaceful him and the ladies that assisted him. He also call me that night to check to see How I was doing.I was so impressed by his care of his patient.
- Janet H