Are you considering dental implants to replace one or more lost teeth or to stabilize your dentures? Implants have improved quality of life, oral health, and self-confidence for countless patients, worldwide.
As a maxillofacial prosthodontist in Fairfield, CT, Dr. Gary Horblitt is an implant expert. He trained with some of the doctors who developed implant technology, including the well-known Dr. P I Branemark. Dr. Horblitt was also the first to place both upper and lower implant restorations in the State of Connecticut. If you’re looking for an expert to provide your dental implant procedure, you’ve found him.
First, you’ll need to come in for a consultation, then there are four phases of the dental implant procedure. The total time to completion is nine to 12 months, in most cases. Let’s explore each phase in more detail.
Dental Implant Consultation
Implant patients must meet with Dr. Horblitt for a consultation to find out if they’re a good candidate for the procedure. He’ll examine your mouth: teeth, gums, and jaws. We will also take x-rays to evaluate your mouth.
Patients with poor jawbone density may need a bone graft prior to implant placement. In many cases, patients who’ve gone without teeth or worn prosthetics not supported by implants experience osteoporosis of the jaw. This is an expected outcome of tooth loss, but Dr. Horblitt will establish where implants need to be placed in your mouth and pursue surgical alternatives with you.
Patients undergoing certain medical procedures, taking certain medications, and those who suffer from certain diseases may not qualify for implants. Most healthy patients do qualify, however.
At the consultation, you should ask questions so that you feel confident, comfortable, and well cared for under Dr. Horblitt’s care. He’ll be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Phase 1: Implant Surgery
The outpatient implant placement procedure is done in the office. You’ll be given appropriate anesthetic and/or sedation to make you feel comfortable. Precise placement is important, so the implants can effectively endure the rigors of chewing foods for years to come. Overall, dental implants have a 98% success rate.
Phase 2: Osseointegration
After your implants are in place, the jawbone will naturally grow around them. This process is called osseointegration. Osseo means bone. Complete healing and integration can take up to nine months. You will wear a temporary restoration or denture during this period.
Phase 3: Abutments
Next, the implant tops and healing will be exposed and abutments placed. After appropriate tissue healing the final abutment will be placed. These will be used to hold your prosthetic tooth, teeth, bridge, or denture. Your gums will need to heal prior to phase four.
Phase 4: Prosthetic Attachment
Finally, Dr. Horblitt will fabricate and attach your custom-made crowns, bridge, or denture(s). With implants, you’ll feel completely comfortable speaking, eating, and smiling in public. The esthetics will be undeniable with no open unsightly spaces in your mouth.
Lower dentures that slip and wobble, or fall out when you’re eating, will be a thing of the past. Implants are completely stable and immovable. You’ll be able to eat whatever you want, whenever you feel like it!
We’ll Answer Your Dental Implant Questions
Gary Horblitt, DDS, Prosthodontist, is an expert at dental implant placement, restoration, and the prerequisite bone graft that some patients need before implant placement. If you’re considering implants, give us a call today at 203-335-1011 to reserve your consultation with Dr. Horblitt in our Fairfield dental office.
