Periodontics of the Palm Beaches

Periodontics

West Palm Beach FL, Jupiter FL

561-686-2477

Surgical Procedures

• Dental Implants
• Osseous Surgery
• Gum Grafting
• Frenectomy
• Crown Lengthening
• Bone Grafting
• Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
• Sinus Augmentation
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

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 and function with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants 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. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These anchors act as tooth root substitutes. 

The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. 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, we 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.

We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. 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.

The Surgical Procedure

For some 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 hardness 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 may be beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear a temporary prosthesis and eat a soft diet at this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. We 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. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes three to six months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

What Types of Prosthesis 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 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 a professional.

Dr. Feldman, Dr. Leal & Dr. Lazzara perform in-office dental 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.

Dr. Feldman, Dr. Leal & Dr. Lazzara have received extensive training in Dental Implantology. Through continuing education, they are abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry.

Immediate Implant Restoration

It is now possible to go from missing teeth to having functional and esthetically pleasing teeth in just one session. If you’d like beautiful smile without having to wait 4-6 months, as is typical with traditional dental implants, Periodontics of the Palm Beaches offers implant placement and restoration the same day.

This is a revolutionary concept providing patients with functioning teeth or dental implants in one single procedure. This technology allows for collaboration between both the restorative doctor and the surgeon. This merging of knowledge and experience achieves not only increased safety, but also a more precise implant placement. In addition, the fabrication of a prosthesis is completed prior to the surgery. The computer-guided implant surgery allows the surgery to be done in a minimally invasive fashion. This benefits the patient in that there is less postoperative discomfort, less swelling, and less bruising. Often patients can resume their normal activities within a few days.

If you are a candidate for this treatment, you can leave Periodontics of the Palm Beaches with a beautifully restored smile after just one visit! We would be happy to perform a consultation to determine if this treatment is best for you; contact us for more information.