Treaments and Services

• Treatment Methods
• Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
• Bruxism Treatments
• Scaling and Root Planning
• Bite Adjustment
• Osseous Surgery
• Gum Grafting
• Frenectomy
• Crown Lengthening
• Bone Grafting
• Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
• Sinus Augmentation
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
• Oral Cancer Exam
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Tooth Extraction
• Microbial Testing
• Local Antibiotic Treatment
• Periodontal Maintenance & Support Therapy
• Dental Implants

Dental Implants

If you lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, or another cause, there is hope. 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 and can smile with confidence, 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 that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as substitutes for the missing roots of teeth. Implants provides the support for a dentist to build dentures, crowns or bridges. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. This bonding of bone to an implant surface is called "osseointegration." Osseointegration is required for an implant to be successful. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Evaluation

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, Dr. Rubino will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success. The design of the crown, bridge or denture planned by our dentist will dictate the number and placement of implants. Dr. Rubino will work closely with your general dentist and you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan that meets your expectations.

Once a treatment plan is completed, we will also discuss fees and insurance. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled. Be sure to include fees for restorations by your general dentist when finalizing your budget for implant dentistry. It is unfortunate, but even today many insurance plans do not provide benefits for implant services.

The Surgical Procedure

For many patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors, such as quality of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.

For the first three to six months following the surgery, dental implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding (integrating) with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet at this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist finalizes the design for bridgework or a denture that will be supported by the implant(s) and ultimately improve both function and aesthetics. After the implant has successfully integrated, the second phase begins. Dr. Rubino will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Your dentist will have the dental lab fabricate custom posts or attachments called abutments which are connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made to fit over the abutments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

Dr. Rubino has received extensive training in Dental Implantology. He has been successfully placing implants since 1990. Through continuing education, Dr. Rubino is abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry.