Missing Teeth
Implants
The next best thing to real teeth is a dental implant or multiple implants to bring back that healthy smile. Once again you’ll be able to enjoy secure eating comfort. Having that confidence translates to every aspect of your life. You needn’t settle for whatever nature has doled out to you—we can very nearly fool Mother Nature!
Whether it is a single tooth, several teeth, or all the upper or lower teeth that are missing, implants may be the best option for realizing a comfortably functioning smile again.
When you come in for your initial consultation, we will make a complete set of records so that a custom treatment plan may be presented to you with different options available to meet your needs. At that time, we will discuss with you whether you are a candidate for implant placement.
Will I have to travel to different offices for each stage of my implant treatment?
You will only need to visit one office. Dr. McGarry performs implant surgery and then completes the implant treatment by placing final restorations. Dr. Brackett’s patients may consider an inside referral to Dr. McGarry for the surgical procedure and then final restoration by Dr. Brackett. However, if your procedure includes special circumstances which the doctors feel will be better served by an outside referral, they will advise at your consult.
Will I be sedated, and is the implant procedure actually considered a surgery?
Implants are considered a surgical procedure, however, the procedure may be performed painlessly without IV sedation. Should you require a sedative, the doctors can prescribe a medication beforehand that will relax you. In some cases you may become so relaxed you are in a “twilight sleep”. We refer to this as a “conscious sedation”. In this relaxed state, you will remain aware of your surroundings and be able to respond to conversation should someone ask a question. Of course, the normal novocaine or deadening medication will be administered to eliminate any discomfort.
How long will the surgery take, and can I drive myself before/after surgery?
The surgery time will vary depending on whether or not any extractions are needed and the number of implants placed. It is imperative that you have someone drive you to the office on the surgery day, and then make sure you have that same person stay or arrange for transportation home. It is important that you not drive while under the influence of the sedative medication. You may be given a prescription for an antibiotic and/or pain medication. Directions for usage will be printed on the bottle and outlined by the doctor. If you are taking pain medication, do not drive or operate any type of machinery. You will also be given an instruction sheet which outlines do’s and don’ts for the next few days. Should you experience any difficulties such as continuous or uncontrollable bleeding, or discomfort that cannot be controlled by the prescribed medications, call our office at once. You will be asked to return within a day or two for a check-up appointment. Your appointments thereafter will be scheduled according to the doctor’s directions.
How long does it take for the implants to heal?
Healing time for lower implants is approximately 12-13 weeks. Implants placed on the upper arch usually take approximately 24-26 weeks to heal. Note that healing time for all patients is not the same. As an implant patient, you may take a few weeks longer, or in some cases, a few weeks less, to heal. The doctor will determine how the healing is progressing for you on your return visits.
Will I have the restorations placed immediately?
Dentures and/or restorations may be placed immediately, or the doctor may determine a certain amount of time must lapse before final restorations may be placed. A temporary prosthesis or crown may be placed in lieu of the final restoration until the doctor feels the patient’s progress will allow final placement.
Complete Dentures
With the introduction of implants, denture therapy is becoming less widely used but continues to be a real solution for many patients who have lost some or all of their teeth due to periodontal disease, decay or trauma.
Dentures may be implant-supported or tissue-supported. They may be removable or fixed (unable to be removed). We will determine the best choice for your unique situation after a thorough examination along with digital imaging to determine the extent of bone loss.
While an implant-supported denture will be the most stable appliance, conventional (tissue-supported) dentures, when fitted properly, will also improve the quality of your life by enabling you to once again feel confident to smile and enjoy eating.
Removable Partial Dentures
When several missing teeth need to be replaced, a removable partial denture can provide many years of trouble-free service.
Fixed Partial Dentures
Fixed partial dentures differ from removable partial dentures in that they may not be removed from the mouth. Whether permanently attached to an implant or to adjacent teeth, the appliance will afford the patient a stable chewing surface to solve the problem of the missing teeth.
Bridge
A bridge is exactly what it sounds like—a bridge over the space left by a missing tooth supported on either end by the adjacent teeth. Whether fixed or removable, a bridge may a viable solution to bring back a complete smile.