Dental Implants Prairie Village | Leawood | Overland Park
Tooth Implants
No two dental implant treatments are alike. Dental implant treatment for our patients is individually designed beginning with a referral to a surgical specialist, either an oral surgeon or a periodontist, for evaluation and implant placement. Communication and case planning between Dr. Gordon, the surgical office and the dental laboratory that will fabricate the prescribed restorative treatment is accomplished prior to treatment. Our patients are able to receive desired results with this approach.
Dental Implants for Replacement Teeth
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost a tooth or 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 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, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which 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.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
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 either Dr. Gordon or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon referred 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
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.
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. Temporary dentures / or a dental appliance may be constructed if several teeth are being replaced. A softer diet may be indicated for the first few weeks after placement. At the same time, Dr. Gordon designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Dr. Gordon can then start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then abutments or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the abutments or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
READY TO REPLACE YOUR MISSING TOOTH OR TEETH TODAY?
Don’t settle for missing teeth! Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can renew your smile. Contact us today to learn more!
Frequently Asked Question ABout Dental Implants
There are many questions that might come up when you are looking into receiving dental implants. We understand that the more information you have, the easier it is to come to a decision on the right person to provide dental implants for your needs. Dr. Gordon provides some answers to the most common questions here:
Q.
What are dental implants?
A.
A dental implant is an is artificial post-usually made of titanium- placed and anchored in the jawbone. With the use of a connector-abutment- a crown, fixed bridge, removable denture or a complete denture can be placed to serve a natural, lifelike, tooth replacements.
Q.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A.
Almost any person missing a single, several or all of their teeth are candidates for implant tooth replacement. After a review of your medical history and an examination of your mouth we can determine if this treatment is right for you.
Q.
Is age a factor?
A.
Generally, for children we wait until a child’s facial growth and development have finished. In most cases around age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. There is no age limit for adults as long as there are no adverse health and physical factors.
Q.
What are some of the benefits of dental implants?
A.
*They look, feel, and function like our natural teeth. They provide stability with no clicking or slipping when talking, eating or laughing.
-They are the strongest replacements for missing teeth
-Replace removable partial or full dentures with secure fixed bridgework
-They can be placed without having to make any changes to adjacent teeth
-They are helpful in maintaining the health and height of jawbone so that facial shape stays intact with improved appearance and self-confidence.
Q.
Does it hurt to have a dental implant placed?
A.
Most patients report there is less discomfort having an implant procedure done than a tooth extraction often stating they feel better than they anticipated. Our patients are referred to either oral surgeons or periodontists who are able to provide any necessary sedation should it be necessary. The implant placement is done in office and patients are usually able to return to work or their activities the following day.
Q.
How long does it take to place dental implants?
A.
This depends on the location and number of implants being placed. For routine uncomplicated placement, usually about one hour.
Q.
Will I be without my teeth?
A.
Temporary replacement teeth can be constructed if necessary prior to any tooth extraction or implant placement meaning you will not have to be concerned without having a tooth in place while your mouth is healing.
Q.
When will I received my final restorative treatment
A.
Depending on the circumstances-such as the possible need to build up supporting bone with bone grafting material- treatment time from start to placement of the final crown, bridge or denture my take from 3-6 months. More complex cases may involve a longer treatment time. The construction of all restorative treatment will be done in our office.
Q.
Can an implant be rejected by the body?
A.
The rejection of an implant due to an allergy to titanium is very rare although it can happen. Titanium is highly bio compatible (use in other implants for the body such as hip, shoulder, knee). Occasionally, the implant does not incorporate (integrate) with the bone due to the formation of a fibrous cover preventing the fusing of bone to the implant or the implant may become infected. In either case the implant is simply removed and the site allowed to heal before placing another implant.
Q.
How long do dental implants last?
A.
Once the implant has fused (integrated) with the supporting bone and becomes functional implants should last many years with many now in place for several decades. Even though dental implants are not susceptible tooth decay as are natural teeth maintaining healthy gum and bone support are important. Daily attention to brushing, flossing and other recommended plaque removal techniques along with regular professional teeth cleaning and exams will help ensure a successful outcome.
Q.
How much will it cost?
A.
Generally, the initial cost of a single implant restored with a crown maybe slightly more than replacing the tooth with a fixed bridge, but the implant will last longer over time making them a more economical long-term investment.
Q.
Will insurance cover dental implant treatment?
A.
As dental implants are becoming a more commonplace form of treatment there are some benefits now for the placement of teeth on the dental implants, if not the implants themselves. You can check with your dental insurance provider regarding dental implant benefit coverage. Other payment options maybe offered by the dental office to ensure you receive the best possible option for missing tooth replacement, regardless of your benefit coverage.
Do you have more questions?
Don’t see the question you’re looking for here? We are available to schedule an appointment and set up a consultation where any and all questions can be answered. Our top priority is your comfort and safety, let us help restore your smile and confidence!
Mark J. Gordon, DDS
Patient Review from Debbie B
I checked several dental offices before I made my first appointment with Dr Gordon. We discussed possible options for dental work I wanted done. Based on this discussion, he thought about it and offered some options. I appreciate that he wanted to think about it and help me make the best decision for me.
- Debbie B
Patient Review from Ed B
Great office visit
- Ed B
Patient Review from Deb R
They did a grateful job of creating my new tooth
- Deb R
Patient Review from Joan L
I highly recommend Dr. Gordon. He has done excellent dental implants for me as well helping me to maintain good dental health. He is kind, thorough, professional. and just a great dentist.
- Joan L