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Ridgewood Cosmetic Dentists
Ridgewood Dental Associates

Implants

Dental implants represent new hope for lost smiles. As the name suggests, implants involve placing special alloy anchors beneath the gums, either into or on top of the jaw bone. There are several types of implants; the most often used are placed into the jawbone with stems that project above the gum line. Individual replacement teeth or partial and complete dentures can be attached to these sturdy posts.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes! Dental implants have been proven safe and effective. As an example, the original surgical procedure for the implant process known as osseointegration for permanent tooth replacement was developed by Dr. P. I. Branemark in Sweden and is supported by over 20 years of clinical documentation. One of the leading systems based on Branemark's research has a scientifically documented success rate of 96% for upper jaw and 99% for lower jaw implant supported bridges.

Immediately Restored Implants

Today, dental science can offer patients non-removable temporary teeth immediately at the time of implant surgery that stay in place until the titanium implant fuses to the bone. The process by which the implant chemically and mechanically meshes with the bone is called osseointegration. When this process is complete, the final restoration can begin.

The new immediately restored implant is a great innovation because:

1) Fixed non-removable teeth are worn during the healing period
2) Only one surgical procedure is needed

Immediately restored implants are a wonderful treatment option. Ridgewood Dental Associates is proud to be in the forefront in the dental field in offering this option to our patients.

We are proud to offer our patients the most advanced implant system from Nobel Biocare. What makes this implant system unique is that, in many cases, the implant or root portion can be placed directly through the gums into the bone of the jaw. We are able to do this because of advanced preparation with a CAT scan that allows the surgeon to "see" the bone on the scan rather than needing to see the actual bone. In this way, it is not necessary for the surgeon to "open the gum". This allows for less trauma to the mouth and a quicker, more pleasant, procedure.

The Story Of Implants

The field of dentistry was revolutionized by the introduction of dental implants in the United States in the early 1980's. Dentists can now replace missing or damaged teeth with dental implants that act as an artificial tooth root. This substitute root provides a stable foundation for a replacement crown. This same procedure can be used for multiple missing teeth (where a bridge traditionally would have been used) or to replace an entire set of teeth. The implant restoration looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

The Traditional Method

Dental implant procedures have, in the past, usually required a waiting time of four to six months for the implant to merge with the bone so the restoration of the teeth could commence. During this healing period, the patient would have to wear removable temporary teeth. A second surgery would then be necessary, after healing, to allow the dentist to build the teeth on the implant.

Dr Kenneth Hilsen, Prosthodontist and Makeover Dentist - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and dentures to the areas of Ridgewood and Bergen County.