Dental Implants
Replacements for lost teeth: a single tooth, a number of teeth, or a complete set. Dr Nikoyan places the implant; your own dentist makes the new teeth.
- Visits
- Consultation, surgery, then your dentistSometimes the implant goes in the same day the tooth comes out.
- Anesthesia
- Local to general, in the officeLocal, nitrous oxide, IV sedation or general anesthesia.
- Healing
- At least six weeksbefore the new teeth are placed, for single-stage implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are replacements for lost teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth or a multiple number of teeth, or a complete set of teeth. In some instances Dental Implants can be used to replace a failing tooth (for example after a failing root canal).
A dental implant consists of the same basic parts: the crown, the post and the root. The root of a natural tooth is similar to the dental implant. The post and the crown of the dental implant are similar to the crown portion of the natural tooth. The difference is that the implant is made of an artificial material (Titanium or Zirconium) – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Cutting edge: titanium or zirconium
Currently two materials are available for manufacturing dental implants: Titanium and Zirconium. The latter is a ceramic, metal-free alternative to the traditional titanium dental implant. The general process of healing begins with the placement of the dental implant in direct contact with the bone, then over several months bone grows into the threads and creates a biologically stable connection with the dental implant.
The three parts of an implant
The implant replaces the root. A support post (abutment) sits on it, and the new tooth (crown) on top.
Turn the model and put the three parts together.
Your options
There is no one treatment option that fits everyone. Everyone needs a detailed and thorough initial examination. These are the implant options currently available at the office.
| Option | Replaces | How the new teeth are held | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Dental Implant | One tooth, or a failing tooth (for example after a failing root canal). Several single implants can replace several teeth. | An implant replaces the root; a support post (abutment) and a new crown sit on top. | |
| Snap On Denture | Many or all of the teeth in a jaw. | A denture held in place by dental implants. | |
| Teeth That Stay In | The upper, lower or both jaws. | Permanently fixed teeth: 4 to 6 implants, with the teeth secured to them, typically in one day. | Teeth Now! |
What you’ll discuss with Dr Nikoyan
Tap the teeth you’re missing, or are about to lose. You’ll see which of his three implant options you’ll talk through, as a note for your consultation.
What you’ll discuss with Dr Nikoyan — not a diagnosis. Illustration, not your x-ray. Everyone needs a detailed and thorough initial examination.
Single Dental Implant
One of his three implant options. Replaces the root of a lost tooth with a small implant; a new crown sits on top.
Titanium or zirconium. Sometimes placed the same day the tooth comes out.
- Visits
- 1Consultation · your diagnosis and treatment options, explained
- 2Implant surgery · with the extraction, or later once it has healed
- 3Your dentist · fits the new tooth after at least six weeks of healing
- Anesthesia he offers
- Local (novocaine)Nitrous oxideIV sedationGeneral anesthesia
Noted for your visit: tooth #19 · single implant
Schedule an implant consultationHow it’s done, in stages
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr Nikoyan performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis.
Dental implant · from consultation to new tooth
- First visitConsultation
Your diagnosis and treatment options, explained
Your initial appointment may consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. In many cases additional films may be necessary, and they will be taken at our facility.
- Surgery dayThe implant
The root is replaced with a small implant
Replacing the root can be done at the same time as the extraction of the tooth (an immediate implant) or later (a traditional implant). In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed.
- Six weeks or moreHealing
Bone heals and grows around the implant
The bone bonds with the titanium or zirconium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. 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.
- With your dentistThe new tooth
A support post, then the crown
A support post (abutment) is placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Anesthesia
The anesthesia options offered at Forward Oral Surgery range from local (novocaine) to general anesthesia (completely asleep). Many of them center around your comfort.
- Local
- Novocaine. The area is numbed.
- Nitrous oxide
- “Sweet air”: an intermediate option suitable for many patients.
- IV sedation
- Sometimes called “twilight sedation”: it helps you to be comfortable and calm. It is administered and monitored by the doctor.
- General anesthesia
- Completely asleep. You are very thoroughly monitored throughout, equivalent to hospital monitoring during operating room procedures.
Recovery
Depending on the type of the surgery you had, your pain and discomfort level will vary. Please avoid brushing the area immediately after the dental implant surgery.
- Bleeding
- Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours.
- Swelling
- Ice on the cheek in the area of surgery, as often as possible, for the first 36 hours.
- Diet
- Plenty of fluids; soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Avoid hot liquids or food.
- Dentures
- Partial dentures, flippers or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least ten days.
If bleeding continues after 30 minutes of biting on gauze, call 516-775-2222. After hours you’ll hear the number for the doctor on call.
Questions
What are dental implants made of?
An artificial material: Titanium or Zirconium, the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. Zirconium is a ceramic, metal-free alternative to the traditional titanium dental implant.
Can the implant go in the same day the tooth comes out?
Sometimes. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction, further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Will I need a second procedure to uncover the implant?
Not with single-stage implants. Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr Nikoyan is able to place single-stage implants. These 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.
Will I have a tooth while the implant heals?
In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What if all of my teeth are missing?
If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth. Teeth Now! covers total reconstruction for the upper, lower or both jaws.
Dental implant information (PDF) ↗ BioHorizons patient guide (PDF) ↗
Schedule an implant consultation
You’ll only ever be treated by Dr Nikoyan. Bring any x-rays and a current list of medications.
Individual results may vary.