We are a full-service dental office, providing complete
family dentistry. Dr. Salem's practice encompasses
preventative, prosthetic/reconstructive, oral surgery,
gum/soft tissue management, root canal therapy, implant and
cosmetic dentistry and treatment of Temporal Mandibular
Joint disease.
We offer a broad range of treatments and services all under
one roof. Some procedures are not listed - please call our
office for more information.
Patient Education:
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Dental Implants
Please note that the detailed
information on these pages graphically describe and
illustrate, to some degree, surgical procedures. We
offer this to you because we feel that you should be
fully informed of all procedures, and that you will
feel more comfortable with a better knowledge of
exactly what is involved in the implant procedure.
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Implant Overview
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Continue our Implant Patient
Education. |
Candidates
Who makes a good candidate for implants?
Your mouth should be examined by a
restorative dentist before the decision to perform
the dental implant procedure is made. He/she
determines the condition of your jaws and gums while
assessing the fit of the present dentures or the
tooth gap. Your doctor may also take X-rays and/or
computer images, and will make replicas of your
teeth and jaws.
Factors that may affect the decision to use
implants include diabetes and allergies, along with
any medications you take, alcohol and drug use, and
smoking. Very few medical conditions actually rule
out the use of dental implants. The health of your
gums and oral tissues and the shape of your jaws are
also important factors in the decision to use dental
implants. |
Process
How do dental implants work?
Dental implantation is a three-stage process:
  
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A first
surgery places the implants under your gums,
inside the jaw. When the bone grows around
the implants, they become firmly fixed. This
is called osseointegration. In order
for osseointegration to occur, the implants
must remain covered for three to six months. |
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After the
healing period, an easy procedure is
performed to expose the implants and place
abutments (securing post) into the implant
shafts. The abutments will be used to hold
the new teeth. Immediately, the implant
post can be loaded. |
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In the
third and final phase, the dentist creates
and fits the replacement teeth to your
mouth. This involves making impressions,
bite registrations (aligning the teeth so
that they come together correctly), bridge
fittings, and tooth and color selection. |
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| Single tooth
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| Multiple Teeth
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| All Teeth
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| Augmentation
RIDGE MODIFICATION
A key to implant success is the
amount and quality of the bone where the implant is
to be placed. Deformities in the upper or lower jaw
can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place
dental implants. This defect may have been caused by
periodontal disease, wearing dentures, developmental
defects, injury, or trauma. Not only does this
deformity cause problems in placing the implant, it
can also cause an unattractive indentation in the
jaw line near the missing teeth that may be
difficult to clean and maintain. To correct the
problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to
expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled
with bone or bone substitutes to build up the ridge.
Your dentist can tell you about your options for
graft materials, which can help to regenerate lost
bone and tissue. Finally, the incision is closed and
healing is allowed to take place. Depending on your
individual needs, the bone usually will be allowed
to develop for about four to twelve months before
implants can be placed. In some cases, the implant
can be placed at the same time the ridge is
modified. Ridge modification has been shown to
greatly improve appearance and increase your chances
for successful implants that can last for years to
come. Ridge modification can enhance your
restorative success both esthetically and
functionally.
SINUS AUGMENTATION
A key to implant success is the
quantity and quality of the bone where the implant
is to be placed. The upper back jaw has
traditionally been one of the most difficult areas
to successfully place dental implants due to
insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close
proximity to the sinus. If you have lost bone in
that area due to reasons such as periodontal disease
or tooth loss, you may be left without enough bone
to place implants. Sinus augmentation can help
correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and
developing bone for the placement of dental
implants. Several techniques can be used to raise
the sinus and allow for new bone to form. In one
common technique, an incision is made to expose the
bone. Then a small circle is cut into the bone. This
bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity, much
like a trap door, and the space underneath is filled
with bone graft material. Your dentist can explain
your options for graft materials, which can
regenerate lost bone and tissue. Finally, the
incision is closed and healing is allowed to take
place. Depending on your individual needs, the bone
usually will be allowed to develop for about four to
twelve months before implants can be placed. After
the implants are placed, an additional healing
period is required. In some cases, the implant can
be placed at the same time the sinus is augmented.
Sinus augmentation has been shown to greatly
increase your chances for successful implants that
can last for years to come. Many patients experience
minimal discomfort during this procedure.
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