Dental Implants
Wailea Dental – Wailea, Maui HI
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 are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live!
With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Call us today!
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, our Gendex GXDP-700™ 3D Panoramic Imaging system, will provide us with the most comprensive images which will allow Dr. Olson to provide you with the best options for your situation. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by either Dr. Olson or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Olson will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar and at that point start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments.
In our office, we use a Swiss made dental Implant system called Straumann, which uses a nitrogen rich chamber when manufacturing the implant system, therefore preventing a carbon layer from forming on the outside of the implant. This advancement leads to a significant reduction in healing time as your body does not have to remove the carbon layer, which is present in other implant systems.
So, depending on your bone health and density, this entire procedure can be done in as little as 2 months (may take longer if your bone needs more time to bond for the best results)