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 tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone integrates with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Godino or by a Periodontist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon suggested by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Procedure

Prior to implant placement, Dr. Godino will take impressions of your mouth to design the final positions and contours of the teeth being replaced. With this design the surgeon can then place the implant(s), with the help of a guide stent made from the plan, in such a position in the jaw that achievement of the desired result is possible. If the placement of the “root substitutes” are not planned properly, the restorative phase could become a “failure” due to inability to place the crowns in a desired location. Dr. Godino has extensive experience in treatment planning and communicates optimally with his specialists and labs to achieve the best result possible.

Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

The extent of the procedure depends on whether you are placing one implant or a whole mouth full of them. For most patients, who replace one or two teeth, the placement of dental implants involves two procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone in a surgical visit. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath a healing cap which protrudes through the gums. We may suggest you wear a temporary removable bridge during the integration stage to hold the place of the adjacent and opposing teeth and also for esthetic reasons.

After the implant has integrated to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The specialist will remove the healing cap and attaches the post to the implant. At this time, the patient is coordinated with Dr. Godino to come right over to our office to begin impressions for the final crown(s). A temporary is then placed over the post and in two weeks the final crown(s) is fitted and cemented. The entire process usually takes four to seven months. As you can imagine, the larger the number of implants, the more complex the case and more visits and time may be necessary. Most patients do not experience any significant discomfort or much disruption in their daily life.

A Lifestyle Improvement

Dental implants have brought naturally beautiful, confident smiles to patients for over 30 years. This means more than just restoring teeth, it means restoring and improving your quality of life. With implants, chewing and speech problems caused by missing teeth may be restored or improved, and a natural appearance may be achieved. Whether you are missing one or all of your teeth, implants may allow you to enjoy your favorite foods and have the confidence you desire for an active professional and social life.