Dental Implants in Cherry Hill

If you lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease or another cause, there is hope. Dental implants are changing the way people live!

What are Dental Implants?
Evaluation
The Surgical Procedure
The Restorative Procedure
What Types of Implants are Available?
What Types of Prosthesis are Available?

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants 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 and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are root sized 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 (abutments)  that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These abutments provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental Implants also help preserve facial structure and prevent the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Evaluation

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we will refer you for a DentaScan (Dental CAT Scan).  We will then use a program called Simplant that takes the results of that scan and formats them into three-dimensional images allowing implants to be placed with greater efficiency and less chance of trauma to the nerves or sinuses.

We will consult with you and review our findings and address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. For more advanced cases, guided surgery may be performed. Using Simplant Information and a Chairside Scan, a 3 Dimensional drilling guide, may be fabricated. This allows for exact placement in areas with limited spacing.

First, implants are placed within your jawbone.  Healing time following surgery varies from person to person based on a variety of factors such as the hardness of the bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.

For the first three to six months following the surgery, dental implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone (osseointegrating).  You should be able to wear temporary dentures if needed during this healing period.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Benedon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar (abutment). You will then move on to the final restorative phase.

The Restorative Procedure

After two weeks of healing, you will be able to start having your new teeth made. An impression will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory. The lab will fabricate abutments that are connected to the implants. The teeth to be replaced are then made over the abutments.

The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

 

 

 

What Types of Implants are Available?

Dr. Benedon has been using the Dentsply AstraTech Implant System™, where esthetics are integrated into the implant system design for many years with great success.

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 a professional.