Overview of Implant Placement

Spring Hill • Lecanto • Land O'Lakes

The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure

Dental implant placement involves two surgical procedures for the majority of patients. The first procedure is the placing of the titanium implants in your jawbone where teeth have been removed. They are securely screwed into your jawbone and require three to six months of healing following the surgery. Some patients may lack the required bone in their jaw and need a bone graft taken from elsewhere to help support the bonding of the implant to the jaw. During these months we highly recommend a no-chew diet as any chewing can impact food into the sockets and cause complications.  A solution to this is to ask your dentist about temporary dentures.

Once the titanium dental implant has finished its bonding to the jawbone the second phase starts. Dr. Hashemian will expose the implants by delicately forming a flap in the gum above them and then attach the healing abutments. These healing abutments are small posts placed atop the implant which protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial crowns. Your general dentist will fabricate and place the final artificial crowns. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience very minimal disruption in their daily life.

To schedule an appointment or consult with Dr. Hashemian, please use our online Appointment form or call us:
Spring Hill Spring Hill Office Phone Number 352-688-4556 • Lecanto Lecanto Office Phone Number 352-527-8000 • Land O'Lakes Land O'Lakes Office Phone Number 813-922-1818

Surgical Advances

Dr. Hashemian is very experienced in using the most recent advances in dental implant technology to place single stage implants. Single stage implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six 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.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Hashemian performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your general dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

A dental crown is a single prosthesis that fits over the top of an abutment and is made to match the color and shape of the natural tooth. Crowns are often used to restore a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth that are not adjacent to one another. They restore the function of the teeth and beauty of the mouth while protecting the structure and stability of other teeth that are near.

Fixed bridges are prostheses made up of two dental crowns with a fake tooth or teeth between them and can be used as both partial and complete dental prosthesis. A fixed bridge designed to function as a partial prosthesis can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants to secure in place. Fixed bridges designed to be full dental prosthesis can replace 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.

Dr. Hashemian performs dental implant surgery in-office to prevent the number of trips a patient must take to be satisfied with their care. The surgery is performed in our hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility and care you receive. Our Lecanto and Spring Hill offices are both equipped with state-of-the-art-operating rooms to accommodate more complex oral surgery and cosmetic procedures. This encompasses oral surgeries from dental implants and jaw reconstruction to cosmetic surgeries like face lifts or facial liposuction. 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.

Why Dental Implants?

There is a wide variety of reasons as to why someone whose oral health is failing or has failed should invest in dental implants. The very first reason is also the easiest to see: an improved appearance. Dental implant supported prostheses looked and feel more natural than removable dentures in appearance and are more attractive. An improved appearance leads to improved confidence. Unlike dental implant supported prostheses, removable dentures can become loose and rock making speech sound garbled, mumbled, or slurred causing embarrassment for the wearer. With the dental implant prosthesis, a person can feel confident that teeth will not move and cause embarrassment.

Another reason to invest in dental implants is the fact removable dentures can cause sore spots in the mouth under the placement area. No sore spots are produced by prosthesis supported by dental implants and unlike dentures, there is no need to remove them nightly for cleaning or bother with messy adhesives. They also do not slide like dentures have a chance to during a meal or cover the roof of the mouth making food difficult to chew and taste, removing the fun from eating. In fact, a prosthesis supported by dental implants dramatically increases the mouths ability to chew and taste food. Foods once restricted because they cannot be eaten with dentures are once again accessible which allows people to return to eating a varied, healthful diet that includes all necessary food groups for improved nutrition. 

Dental implants are permanent once placed unlike removable dentures which can be easily lost or misplaced and help to stimulate bone growth. Dentures can accelerate bone loss as they often become loose and rub against the bony ridge, gradually wearing it away. Because an implant replaces the root as well as the tooth, and chewing is restored to normal, it provides the needed stimulation for natural bone growth and helps to prevent facial sagging.

Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

Over 125 million Americans are estimated to be missing at least one tooth. Dental implants are one option which may be considered if you are 1 of those 125 million. Here are a few things to consider.

The majority of people are good candidates for dental implants. They can replace one, several, or all of your teeth and can be used instead of bridges or dentures. Healthy gums and being old enough for the jawbone to stop growing are two factors that make good candidates along with having enough bone density to anchor and support the implants. Good candidates may have some bone loss in their jaw which can be rebuilt with grafting procedures if necessary. In fact, dental implants may be recommended to prevent further bone loss.

Dr. Hashemian will start with a thorough evaluation of your jaw, teeth, mouth and overall health to make sure implantation can be successful. You will receive a mouth X-ray and possibly a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This will help us identify areas of bone loss and carefully see the shape of your sinuses and nerve location to make accurate assessments for your treatment.

Medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, radiation to the jaws, smoking, alcoholism, or uncontrolled gum disease are all risk factors that can adversely affect your outcome. You may still be a good candidate with one of these diseases, but we’ll want to thoroughly assess your situation and work with you and your doctor. People who take certain medications, such as steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system may not be suitable candidates, either. And people with certain habits, such as grinding or clenching their teeth, may put too much pressure on the implants, causing long term damage.

Overall, dental implants have a very high rate of success and patients tell us how happy they are with the outcome. If you are considering implants, we can complete a careful examination to determine what options are best suited for you. Call us today to make that appointment!

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. The type of anesthesia Dr. Hashemian prefers to use is ‘twilight’ anesthesia. This is an anesthetic technique that uses mild doses of drugs to block pain, reduce anxiety, and provide a temporary memory loss, thus enabling patients to feel comfortable during and after surgical procedures. With twilight anesthesia a patient is sedated but remains conscious in what’s commonly referred to as a “twilight state”. The patient is sleepy but still responsive and able to follow direction or communicate with their surgeon. Typically, a local anesthetic that’s applied to the surgical site is used in conjunction with twilight anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience for the patient.

The drugs used in twilight anesthesia are similar to those used in general anesthesia, but the doses are lower. Specific drugs commonly used include: fentanyl, valium, ketamine, midazolam, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These drugs can be reversed quickly, so the patient can be woken up in a matter of minutes and head home safely.

Do Dental Implants Need Special Care?
Once the dental 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.