Surgical Procedures

Dental Implants

Considering dental implants in Lighthouse Point / Broward County? Call us to schedule a consulation, 954.941.2277.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The dental implant is the new “root” for a crown that your dentist ultimately builds upon the implant. 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 bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. Actually, in osteoporotic women, dental implants have been found to prevent loss of bone in the jaws.

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

Dr. Ross has received extensive training in Implantology. He has been successfully placing implants since 1994. Through an extensive three year surgical residency and masters program, as well as continuing education, he is abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry.

Evaluation

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 this consultation visit Dr. Ross and his experienced staff will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.

Procedures

Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors in the gums for replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves one surgical procedure. Implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first six to sixteen weeks following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. This short healing period is possible only because of the sophisticated implant system (The ITI dental implant from Straumann that Dr. Ross chooses to utilize. You will be able to wear temporary teeth and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final crown, bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the restorative phase begins. In rare occasions second minor procedure is necessary by Dr. Ross. He will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes two to five months. This is a vast change from on a few years earlier when implant cases took years, not months, to frequently complete. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.