Dental Implants Specialist

What is a dental implant?

First, Dr. Zager will make every attempt to preserve the teeth, gums, airway and TMJ for the lifetime of the patient.  When a tooth is no longer restorable with a root canal therapy or crown, it must be removed. The next best choice is to replace the tooth with an implant. Typically, a dental implant takes the place of a lost root, by placing a root-like structure in the jawbone. Bone will bond to the implant surface which will allow a dental crown to be connected to the implant.

Prior to the implementation, Dr. Zager will conduct an evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate, ensuring you have the necessary hard and soft tissues to accommodate implantation.  In some cases, he may need to do a bone graft, ridge-split, sinus lift, and gum graft prior to the implant surgery.

What lifestyle changes can I expect with a dental implant?

Dental implants are designed to replace one or more missing teeth and restore your natural dental architecture and smile. When you lose a tooth, your other teeth can shift, and your ability to eat certain foods -- such as nuts, pretzels, popcorn and other firm foods -- may diminish. Patients also may notice their speech patterns change, and facial features may become depressed, or cave in due to lack of soft tissue foundation. There’s always a risk your speaking, chewing, facial support, breathing and smile may change or be affected in a negative way. You may look a lot older than you actually are!

In some cases, 2-5 implants may be necessary to stabilize a full denture in a person’s mouth. Partial dentures may not be suitable for certain lifestyles. For example, with mentally and medically compromised patients, partial dentures may not be the best option.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Zager to discuss which type of dental implant would be best for you.

What type of implant treatments are available?

Implants can be used for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Replacing a single crown
• Replacing a bridge
• Act as a partial denture
• Stabilize a full denture

Dr. Zager and his staff will go over the various treatments that are suitable for your needs. Implant-supported dentures are much like regular dentures but held in place with implants to stabilize the denture. These options include:

• The All-on-4 (or 5) variation, a full denture anchored by four or five specially placed implants. The posterior implants go in at an angle to integrate with the available bone and avoiding the sinus. Hybrid implants or dental bridges are partial dentures fixed into the jawbone to replace the missing teeth.
• Maxillary and mandibular overdentures, which typically have two implants are used to stabilize or minimize denture movement in the mouth. This is at a lower cost and can be a simpler procedure to do.  
• Partial dentures, which are removable and not permanently fixed to the jawbone, are used for patients who don’t have the financial means or desire to have a permanent denture. These will still allow patients to eat, chew and speak effectively.