Dental Implants
Implant Dentistry in Santa Barbara
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 Surgical Procedure
- Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
- What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
- Why Dental Implants?
- Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
- Are You A Candidate For Implants?
- What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
- Do Implants Need Special Care?
Interested in Restoring Your Smile?
Don’t suffer from missing teeth any longer! Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can preserve your facial structure and improve your smile.
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.
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. Hall, Dr. Bienstock, Dr. Jones or Dr. Wechter 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 three to four months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Hall, Bienstock, Jones or Wechter are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of eight 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. In some instances a temporary tooth can be attached on the same day the implant is placed. This is especially advantageous in areas of esthetic concerns.
Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Drs. Hall, Bienstock, Jones or Wechter perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, your restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist may 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. Hall, Bienstock, Jones or Wechter 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 or hip.
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.
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 you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
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.
Santa Barbara Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Hall made an unpleasant experience painless.
- Linda T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Hall has always been kind and more importantly, present. When I talk to him, he listens and responds. It is important to me to know that I am speaking with someone who listens and is present in the conversation. I have always felt comfortable and safe with him as my doctor. I would highly recommend Dr. Hall to anyone who is looking for a fabulously competent doctor.
- Cara G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
You guys made this horrid procedure as good as it could be
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great care
- Mary M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience.
- Patricia H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The gentle pain free carrying doctor is the only place I'd come. Very Friendly, kind & knowledgable staff.
- Nadine B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thanks,
- Jane R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Epic experience
- Gil Castaniada C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The most competent surgeon I have ever dealt with! I would trust him for any procedure. I had very few side effects, and almost no reduction in activity after both surgeries.
- Karen G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
- Michael A. C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great job
- Ken J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional all the way. Accepting care credit was very appreciated,
- Jackie waddill
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Jones has been my doctor for about three years she is excellent, very professional and always willing to answer any concerns you have. My last procedure was for a dental implant. I highly recommend Dr.Jones. Great office staff also.
- Heath M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly atmosphere and highly professional personal. Big saltwater fish tank in a waiting room helps to relax before the visit; what a nice idea.
- Galina S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Hall has impeccable knowledge and experience in his field. I am very satisfied with the care, bedside manner, and overall expertise of Dr. Hall. Definitely will refer to family and friends. Thank you Dr. Hall and also to your outstanding staff.
- Marilyn H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For such a big extraction and implant it was actually not scary and not really painful afterwards ..amazing just a little uncomfortable for 24 hours . Thanks to all………... if anything like this can be a pleasant experience you all made it so.
- Marcia L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and I already referred a friend.
- Janis G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Hard to believe how painless these complicated procedures are these days
- Bill H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Couldn't have been a better experience.
- Charles D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very pleased with all of you. Even your fish and invertebrates are charming!
- Leif O