NavigationDental Implants in Wilmington DE
Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental Implants are a Permanent Tooth Replacement Option
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. at Wilmington Office Phone Number Wilmington Office Phone Number 302-477-1800
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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, Wilmington Office Phone Number Wilmington Office Phone Number 302-477-1800.
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Missing teeth making you feel ashamed? We can help.
Louis K. Rafetto, DMD, PA
Patient Review by Mary M
I was terribly nervous about having the implant procedure done and was absolutely astounded at how simple it turned out to be. There was no pain whatsoever during and after the procedure. Dr. Rafetto and his entire staff are excellent, friendly and reassuring. They all made me feel very comfortable and at ease from start to finish. I would very highly recommend this practice!
- Mary M
Patient Review by Fred C
My Dentist Erin Rautio recommended me to Doc Raffeto for an implant procedure, Both of my experiences with my Doctor have been the best in Delaware.
- Fred C
Patient Review by Eric M
Dr. Raffetto performed two implants last week. Before the surgery I was apprehensive about the proceedure. Office staff and Dr. Raffetto were very helpful explaining the proceedure and the recovery. The surgery took less than an hour including waiting for the anasthesia to take effect. The implant proceedure was virtually painless. The doctor explained what he was doing as he did it. Recovery was as predicted. Very minor pain and swelling. If i ever need another dental surgery I will call Dr. Raffetto.
- Eric M
Patient Review by Joyce L
I have 3 dental implants, all put in place by Dr. Rafetto. Before the first one, I thought the procedure would hurt and that I would have a lot of pain afterward. This certainly was not the case. Each time, the implant went in easily and I had very little discomfort afterward. I returned to my normal diet after just a few days. I recommend dental implants to anyone who wants to maintain the integrity of their jaw bones (and their entire mouth) after losing a tooth. And I highly recommend Dr. Rafetto!
- Joyce L
Patient Review by Eleanor C.
Excellent
- Eleanor C.
Patient Review by Laurie P
I don't think anything scares me more than having work done on my teeth. But when I first walked into this office I felt at ease. I was always greeted with a smile. All of the procedures were clearly explained and I was given plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Throughout the procedures Dr. Rafetto checked on my comfort and wanted to make sure that I was OK. I felt like I was the most important patient of the day. After all of my procedures I always received a follow-up call to make sure that I was doing OK and had the opportunity to ask any questions. I know that every patient is treated like this. I highly recommend this office. I also am a little less scared about getting work done at least in this office.
- Laurie P
Patient Review by Terri S
When my new, BIG puppy (Golden Retriever) knocked a tooth loose near the front of my mouth while we were playing, and I found out I would not be able to keep the tooth, that I would need a dental implant, I thought it was "the end of the world." All my life, I have been EXTREMELY dental phobic; I cannot even imagine someone more afraid of dentists than I have been. I did some research and finally decided upon Dr. Rafetto to do the procedure. I could not have made a better choice! The procedure went so smoothly, the staff was so kind and reassuring through the whole process, and my recovery has been remarkable. The staff did such a terrific job of coordinating appointments for me between myself and my new dentist that they referred me to, that I didn't have to spend time doing all that, myself. If I had only known this would be a painless procedure with such a good outcome, I would not have agonized for so many days and nights in fear and anxiety. With Dr. Rafetto, I am losing my awful fear of dentists, and actually feel very comfortable and confident about my follow-up appointments. I cannot express enough gratitude to him and to each and every one of the members of his staff. I have not experienced one bit of pain at Dr. Rafetto's competent fingertips!!! If anyone out there is reading this because they need an implant or any type of procedure, if you go to this office, please do not waste your time worrying about it; you will be treated well, and if your experience is like mine, you won't feel a thing! Have no fear 🙂
- Terri S
Patient Review by Lori L
I was very anxious and upset to learn I had broken my tooth to the point of having to have it extracted. My dentist called Dr. Rafetto, who saw me the same morning. I was quickly made to feel at ease by the very experienced doctor and staff. At my follow up appointment the process of placing an implant was explained and I was told it would be less difficult for me to go through than the extraction. I was apprehensive - but that was completely true! The implant process was not difficult or painful. I did not even need Advil after the procedure. I would recommend Dr. Rafetto and his fantastic team without hesitation - especially to cowards.... like me!
- Lori L
Patient Review by Lorraine M
Dr. Rafetto and his staff were absolutely wonderful. The procedure of two implants that I had at there office was minimally invasive, and the pain was less then per say a filling being done. If I needed the procedure again I would definitely return to the office, Dr Rafetto and the nursing staff were beyond helpful and very nice during and after the procedure to make sure my comfort level remained high. I would recommend the office for this procedure and for your dental needs, they give you the confidence you need to continue with happy and healthy smile.
- Lorraine M
Patient Review by Taylor P
I had a great experience in the office here and was very well cared for!
- Taylor P
Patient Review by Taylor P
I had a great experience in the office here and was very well cared for!
- Taylor P
Patient Review by Janet M
I haven't been seen in several years, when I called requiring an appointment, it was like they just saw me yesterday, felt great when needing a doctors visit.
- Janet M
Patient Review by Christine G
Both of my experiences with Dr. Rafetto and his staff were great. When I make an appointment with them, I know I'm in good hands!
- Christine G
Patient Review by Carole Z
Staff is amazing and very courtious, professional and top notch for a dental service!
- Carole Z