DENTAL Implants and bone grafting
Merheb Surgical Arts IN Peoria & Pekin, IL
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are transforming how people live by providing a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Individuals who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat a variety of foods, knowing that their teeth appear natural and their facial contours are preserved, allowing them to smile confidently again.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors serve as substitutes for tooth roots. The bone fuses with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
Implants not only restore your smile but also play a crucial role in preserving your facial structure. They help prevent the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing, supporting both your oral health and overall well-being.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Merheb
As a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon and oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive medical and dental training, Dr. Merheb provides personalized care designed to enhance both function and facial aesthetics.
The Surgical Procedure
Implants are placed within your jawbone. It typically takes about three months for the implant to integrate into the jawbone.
The implant process requires a collaborative effort between your oral and maxillofacial surgeon and restorative dentist. While Dr. Merheb performs the implant placement surgery, your dentist will design and fit the permanent prosthesis.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacement of missing teeth. They provide aesthetic results while maintaining bone and preserving the integrity of the surrounding teeth. Implants can replace individual teeth as well as provide full arch replacement allowing patients to smile and enjoy their favorite foods.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR IMPLANTS?
During your consultation with Dr. Merheb, he will examine your mouth and review your X-rays. If you have missing teeth, a 3D cone beam scan may be needed to assess the availability of bone. Additionally, a surgical guide may be created to ensure optimal placement for patients receiving implants in aesthetically sensitive areas, those with limited bone availability, or those requiring multiple implants.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, or with IV sedation depending on patient preference.
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. Regular appointments with your dentist will ensure long-lasting results.
BONE GRAFTING
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed, leading to insufficient quality and quantity of bone to support dental implant placement.
Fortunately, today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed, which increases the success of implant procedures and helps restore both functionality and aesthetic appearance.
When is bone grafting done?
Bone Grafting, also known as socket preservation, is typically done at the same time as tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, a space is left where the root or roots used to be. Although the body gradually fills this space, it often does so by pulling the surrounding walls inward, which results in a narrowed jawbone. Bone grafting fills in the space where the roots once were and creates a “scaffolding” for your body to fill in with your own bone, ensuring optimal bone quantity and quality. While bone grafting is most commonly done in conjunction with future implant placements, your dentist may also recommend this procedure to preserve the space and provide support for the surrounding teeth.
Where does the bone come from for grafting?
While there are various types of bone grafting materials available, including synthetic, bovine, and human bone, Dr. Merheb typically uses cadaveric or human-donated bone due to its predictable and safe results.
What does the timeline look like from extraction to implant?
