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 very much like natural teeth. For the person who has lost teeth, they offer the chance to regain the ability to eat normally with teeth that appear as natural as possible. To discuss getting dental implants in the Wilmington, DE area, please feel free to contact us at 302.477.1800 to setup an appointment.
 To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants in Wilmington, DE, are discussed.
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What are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. After they are surgically placed into the jawbone, the bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong support for artificial teeth. After the implants have healed to the bone, small posts known as abutment are attached to the implant and protrude through the gums. These abutments are what the final dental restoration are attached to.
Implants also help preserve the jaw bone structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For some patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three (lower jaw) to six (upper jaw) months following surgery, the implants are gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary tooth replacement over the area. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Rafetto will expose the implants and attach small posts (abutment) that will anchor the artificial teeth. Your dentist will take impressions of these anchors and construct the artificial teeth to fit over them. While the process takes time from start to finish, most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Recent Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Rafetto often places implants in a “single stage”. This process involves the placement of small healing caps on the implants so that they protrude slightly through the gums at the time of surgery. They do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but still require time for healing before artificial teeth can be attached to them.
There are some situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction - further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
In selected cases, advances in dental implant technology have made it possible to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called “immediate loading,” greatly simplifies the surgical process.
Questions about dental implants in Wilmington? Please call us for a consultation with Dr. Rafetto, 302.477.1800.
Dental Implant FAQs
Why dental implants?
When you lose one or more teeth – whether it is 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 mouth. Implants offer a means to replace missing teeth in a way that most closely mimics natural teeth.
Who actually performs the implant treatment?
Implant treatment involves a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Rafetto performs the actual implant surgery and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, your restorative dentist (general dentist) fits and makes the final prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What types of prostheses 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 (generally less then the number of teeth being replaced). A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw.
The number of implants needed will vary 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. |
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Why choose dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?
At the most basic level, implants replace the support system originally supplied by the roots of teeth. By doing so, they allow fixed or removable dental restorations to be self-supporting. In some cases, implant placement eliminates or minimizes the need to sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth in the effort to support a fixed dental restoration. In other cases implants can help to anchor and stabilize removable restorations such as partial or full dentures in a manner that would not otherwise be possible.
Are you a candidate for implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. Most patients do have adequate residual bone in the area to support implant placement. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, there are techniques available to improve your chance of having implants, such as bone grafting.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. If desired, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous anesthetics may be utilized.
Do Implants require special care?
Once the implants are in place, they should 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.
Where is treatment performed?
Dr. Rafetto 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. |
Questions about dental implants in Wilmington? Please call us for a consultation with Dr. Rafetto, 302.477.1800.
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