Dental Implants in St. Mary's and Lima

Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which 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 implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. 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. Implant Dentist Dr. Luna will uncover the implants and attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Dental implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and your General Dentist. While Dr. Luna performs the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, your dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What types of prostheses 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 dental 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.

Dental Implant Dentist Dr. Luna performs 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, hip or tibia.

Looking to enhance your smile with oral surgery today?

Call us to make an appointment with Dr. Luna, a diplomate and expert in the field of oral surgery. We're looking forward to treating you and your family, so call us now for your consultation!

Lima: 419-331-0000 St. Mary's: 419-300-9700 Schedule an Appointment Map & Driving Directions

Why dental implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth whether its 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 thirty-five 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 would you 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 dental 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 IV Sedation.

Do Implants need special care?

Once Dr. Luna has placed your implants, 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.

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5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Dental Implants reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Luna and his staff has been tremendous. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

- James S

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would recommend Dr. Luna to anyone that is requiring oral surgery. I am 35 years old and needed a dental implant. I had no complications with anything! Starting with tooth extraction to the placement of the rod, the staff always made me comfortable, which calmed my nerves. It was painless. It wasn't even close to what I was imaging in my head.

- Nikki P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This has been a much better experience than I thought it would be. Very happy

- Karen C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Luna and his staff has been tremendous. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

- James S

5 out of 5 stars on