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 like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny 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 that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Dr. Tendler, Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Theiss can help you determine if dental implants are right for you to replace one or more missing teeth. We invite you to read more about this secure, natural-looking option to restore your smile.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Tendler, Dr. Shapiro or Dr. Theiss will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Tendler, Shapiro or Theiss is 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 implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Tendler, Dr. Shapiro or Dr. Theiss will perform 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 implant process.
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 the dentist.
Drs. Tendler, Shapiro or Theiss can perform 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.
Why Dental Implants?
Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s 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 yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
How It Works
Our 5-Step Dental Implant Process
From your first consultation to your finished smile — here’s exactly what to expect at every stage of your dental implant journey.
Initial Consultation & Evaluation
We start with a complete dental exam, take 3D X-rays, and discuss your oral health goals. We essentially confirm whether dental implants are the right option for you before moving forward.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Next, we create a tailored treatment plan. This involves determining how many implants you need, assessing your jawbone structure, and choosing the best way to restore your smile.
Implant Placement Surgery
Next, under local anaesthetic or with a bit of sedation to help you relax, we carefully put in the titanium implant post. We want it in just the right spot, and we’re not going to rush it.
Healing & Osseointegration
After that’s done, we just have to sit back and wait for a few months while the implant starts fusing with the jawbone. It’s a clever bit of biology that creates a super-solid base for your new tooth.
Final Restoration & Smile Completion
Finally, we put the finishing touches on your new smile by attaching a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. Suddenly, you’ve got a full, healthy-looking smile that’ll make you feel like a million bucks!
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended. That said, note that patients who have undergone wisdom teeth removal in Boca Raton are often excellent implant candidates once healing is complete.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place, they will 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.
Financing for Dental Implants
First, check with your dental insurance carrier to see what portion, if any, of dental implants they cover.
CareCredit offers no-interest and low-interest loans for medical or dental procedures including dental implants.
Dental implants are an investment in your health as well as your appearance. A full set of teeth makes eating a pleasure again, making it easier to eat a balanced, healthy diet. A full set of teeth also preserves the contours of the face, keeping you from looking older.
You’ll want to discuss all your options with your dentist and oral surgeon, but don’t let the initial cost discourage you from getting dental implants.
I arrived in Boca from Chicago for a vacation with a swollen chin and jaw I could hardly chew and swallow. I was referred to Dr Tendler and when I spoke to Mindy and explained my situation she squeezed me in that day. Dr Tendler put me on an antibiotic but by the next morning I was worse so Dana and Mindy had me come in to see Dr Shapiro. Dr Tendler had been scheduled to go out of town and Dr Shapiro was going out of town in two days. But he examined me and did some research and conferred with Dr Thiess. Together they made a plan for me to have Dr Thiess do surgery to drain and eliminate an abscess. They explained that they might have to pull a tooth but Dr Thiess told me as I was wheeled into surgery that he would do his best to not pull a good tooth. The surgery was in a hospital so I could have IV antibiotics. Dr Thiess did not pull a tooth but drained the abscess. He was so nice and kind and made me feel comfortable about having him perform the surgery even though I had just met him. All three doctors were kind and treated me as if I was their own mother.
I saw Dr Thiess two more times in the following two weeks. The offices are clean and bright and modern—no old fashioned medical green. The doctors have very up to date equipment and knowledge.
Special shout out to Dana and Mindy at the front desk who couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. I came in scared but they and the doctors and other staff were so professional. I strongly recommend Florida Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for anyone needing such dental procedures. I can’t thank Dr Thiess, especially, for the wonderful care he gave me.
Dr. Theiss and his staff were wonderful! If you are ever in need of an oral surgeon in Boca Raton, he is fantastic. I highly recommend!
Thank you Dr. Theiss, Ester, Manuela & Dana.
I had emergency extraction in the Boca Raton office and received exceptional service. From the warm welcome from Dana, the calming disposition of Ester, the caring guidance of dental assistant Manuela, to the professionalism and wonderful chair side manner of Dr Theiss, the stressed person that had walked in left well treated, calm and with renewed faith that there are still professionals that care more about their patients, rather than the bottom dollar. The office is beautiful… and ladies Dr. Theiss’ voice, as he described every step of the procedure was heavenly😇 Or maybe it was the laughing gas😂. Regardless, I HIGHLY recommend this practice and these professionals. Thank you again ❤️
