Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental Implants

Life’s simple pleasures can cause problems and pain for the millions of adults who suffer from permanent tooth loss, in Jacksonville, Lake City, Amelia Island, Orange Park, FL. Men and women of all ages are self-conscious about their dentures, bridges or missing teeth. Many are concerned about their appearance and may feel that their tooth loss has “aged them” before their time. Some regularly decline invitations to social events because they are unwilling to face the uncertainties of eating, speaking, and laughing in public. Many can no longer enjoy their favorite foods, nor the social interaction with family and friends that accompanies special meals.

Tooth loss can result in shrinkage of gums and jawbones that can lead to pain from ill-fitting dentures, decreased chewing function, and subtle malnutrition. It can also be a source of emotional or psychological distress. Dr. Skigen is providing a unique solution to the problem of toothlessness with dental implants. Dental implants are tooth root substitutes that are placed in the jawbone and act as anchors to stabilize artificial teeth. They can replace one, some, or all missing teeth and help eliminate the instability associated with surface adhesives and removable bridges. Individuals with adequate bone level and density who are not prone to infection and can maintain stringent oral hygiene are good candidates for dental implants. No matter what your age, if you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, dental implants may be the solution for you. Youngsters who have lost teeth due to accidents, adults who are missing teeth due to infection, and seniors who are tired of uncomfortable dentures have had equally gratifying experiences with dental implants. Contacting our office in Jacksonville, FL or Lake City, FL is your first step!

Dental Implant Patient Needs

Based on patient needs, a single tooth, a partial bridge or a full set of replacement teeth are fitted to the implants and locked in place over the protruding posts. In appearance and in function, implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and a great alternative to conventional dentures. Implants eliminate the day-to-day frustrations and pain of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions many denture wearers face. With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover the excitement of an active lifestyle shared with family and friends and the chance to speak clearly and comfortable with co-workers. For all these reasons, people with dental implants often say they feel better, they look better, they live better.

BOOK IMPLANT CONSULATION

Hover over each image to explore different options.

SINGLE IMPLANT

Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

FIXED BRIDGE

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.

IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURE

Modern dentistry can help with Bar Attachment Denture implant supported dentures. Bar Attachment Denture is a contemporary restoration that has revolutionized the way surgeons and dentists think of replacing a full set of teeth.

What to Expect

Dr. Skigen can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. You will be evaluated based upon a number of things including dental health, life-style, jawbone quality, and oral hygiene habits. In close consultation with your own dentist, Dr. Skigen can plan your dental implant treatment program. Dental implant surgery is often done in one of our convenient offices, Jacksonville, FL, Lake City, FL, or Amelia Island, FL. In some cases, the procedure is done in a Jacksonville hospital or ambulatory surgery center. In any event, Dr. Skigen can determine the most appropriate setting based on your individual needs.

A Two-Phase Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, your initial surgery involves placement of the implants into the jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. During this time, you should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet. Some patients do report minor pain and swelling immediately after the procedure, but most experience no change in their daily routines. Once the implants have bonded to the jawbone, the second phase of the procedure begins. At this time, Dr. Skigen uncovers the implants and attaches small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. The posts protrude through the gum line but are not visible when artificial teeth are attached. The entire process, from evaluation to completion, generally takes six to eight months. During this time, most patients do not experience any disruption in their normal business and social activities. Because dental implants are made of materials that are compatible with human bone, there is little chance for an allergic reaction in the body. However, implants can fail when proper oral hygiene techniques are not used. Dental implants require special individual care. Proper brushing, flossing, rinsing and regular check-ups are critical to the long-term success of your implants

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Relief with First Coast Oral Surgery

Pain is a sure sign something is wrong. Unfortunately, fear of pain often prevents people from seeking needed oral care. Dr. Skigen is trained in the most advanced anesthetic and pain control procedures. During surgery, one or more of the following can be used in controlling pain and anxiety: local anesthesia, laughing gas, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia. Prior to any surgery, Dr. Skigen can review the type of anesthetic to be used, as well as the way you’re likely to feel during the operation. The main goal is to ensure maximum patient comfort and safety. Contact any of our locations!

Anatomy

Dental Implant Anatomy

A natural tooth comprises of two parts: the tooth and the tooth root. A large number of dental treatments focus on replacing just the tooth part – this is the visible part that you can see above the gum line. However, a tooth implant replaces both the tooth and the tooth root, making it an ultra-strong and secure treatment for fixing a great smile.

A dental implant is actually made up of three separate parts. These are the implant post, the abutment and the tooth restoration. Let’s take a look at each part of the anatomy of a dental implant now.

Why are People Choosing Dental Implants?

A national survey of oral and maxillofacial surgeons found that patient interest and demand has grown significantly. The survey found dental implant use has nearly tripled since 1986 and is expected to continue to rise rapidly. Leading reasons cited for choosing dental implants are to restore normal eating and speaking abilities to enhance facial appearance and confidence to increase denture retention. According to the survey, the reasons for the increased demand are: growing public awareness of the significant functional and esthetic advantages of dental implants over conventional dentures and bridges. Experts predict that the demand for the procedure will continue to grow as people become more familiar with the benefits of dental implants.

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Want to learn more? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

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Permanent Solution

Improved Chewing & Speaking

Natural Function & Look

Improved Facial Appearance

Prevention of Bone Loss

No Special Care Required

Very sturdy and secure

No Diet restrictions

Can Be Changed & Updated

Why

FAQ

How Many Implants Do I Need?

Most frequently, one implant per missing tooth is placed. Because many of the larger teeth in the back of your jaws have two or three roots, the most common approach is to replace missing back teeth with larger implants.
What will I use for teeth while the Implants heal?

Many options are available, and they are tailored to your specific requirements. If you need a replacement tooth while the implants are healing, temporary removable teeth or a temporary bridge can be made. If all of your teeth are missing, we can usually modify your present complete denture or make you a new temporary denture. If you would prefer non-removable teeth during the healing phase, temporary transitional implants usually can be placed along with the permanent implants, and temporary teeth may be made and inserted the same day. Depending on your particular situation, some implants can be placed and “loaded” immediately. This means a temporary or permanent replacement tooth can be placed on, or shortly after, the day the implant is placed.
What are the potential problems with Implants?

Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience severe or significant post-operative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed for you to make your recovery as easy as possible. Occasionally, some people develop post-operative infections that require additional antibiotic treatment. Even though great care is taken to place the implant precisely, occasionally adjacent teeth are injured in the placement process. In addition, there is a chance that the nerve in the lower jaw, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, may be affected. If you are missing quite a lot of bone, it might be difficult to place an implant without infringing on the nerve space. Although we take great care to avoid this nerve, occasionally it is irritated during the procedure, resulting in tingling, numbness or a complete lack of sensation in your lip, chin or tongue. Usually these altered sensations will resolve within time, but they can be permanent and/or painful. If you notify us of post-operative numbness as soon as possible, it will allow us to manage your care in the most appropriate way.
How long will Implants last?

Implants usually last a long time. When patients are missing all of their teeth, long-term studies (more than 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate. For patients missing one or several teeth, recent studies show a success rate of greater than 95 percent, which compares favorably with other areas in the body that receive implant replacement (such as hips or knees). However, if one of your dental implants either doesn’t heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. After the site heals (or on occasion at the time of removal), another implant usually can be placed.
When are the replacement teeth attached to the Implant?

The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jawbone is firmly fused to the implant. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation. The dental work required to complete your treatment is complex. Most of the work involves actually making the new teeth before they are placed. Your appointments are considered more comfortable and more pleasant than previous methods of tooth replacement. Frequently, this process can be performed without local anesthesia. Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow us to produce a replica of your mouth and implants. We will also make “bite” records so that we see the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. With this information, we will make the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants. Various types of abutments exist. Frequently, we can use “off the shelf” abutments. Other times, custom abutments must be made of gold or a tooth-colored ceramic material. As you can imagine, these custom made abutments add to the cost and treatment time involved. Which abutment to use is a decision that often cannot be made until after healing is complete and impressions have been made.
How do I clean my Implants?

As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations regularly with toothbrushes, floss and any other recommended aids. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.
Will one Doctor do the entire Implant procedure?

Usually, a dental surgeon places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures – your general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Also, depending upon a variety of factors, different dental specialists may help with your dental care.
How much do Implants cost?

Before treatment begins, every effort will be made to give you an accurate estimate of all the expenses involved in placing the implants and making your replacement teeth. In many cases, there is an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, x-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template to ensure the best possible result. In addition you will be charged for the abutment or support post(s), plus the crown, dentures, or anything else that will be placed over the implants, including temporary restorations. Periodic maintenance such as hygiene visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines and other repairs will also incur additional charges. When different doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for their services. We will try to assist you in estimating what your actual payments will be after we evaluate your insurance coverage or other third party payments. Also, you should consider your personal financial investment in each treatment option as some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage. Each patient is unique, and it is not possible for us to discuss every option and every contingency for treatment outcome. This booklet is intended to help you understand the general treatment options available to you. If your specific treatment options are not clear, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care.
Why select Dental Implants over more traditional types of restorations?

There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.