Dental Implant Basics
Dr. Garett Seeba is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Webster, Tx. Dr. Seeba specializes in the treatment of problems related to the face, mouth and jaws. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Seeba is a unique dental specialist who can provide emergency medicine, perform general surgery and give anesthesia.... more
Dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth in many scenarios. Traditional options were leaving a space, partial denture or a bridge. Each choice has positive and negative aspects, but overall in many scenarios, a dental implant is best.
Modern dental implants are generally composed of 3 parts: the anchor (implant body), an adaptor (abutment), and a tooth. Saying “implant” can refer to the whole complex of three or just the anchor itself.
On average, after placement of an implant, assuming no major bone grafting is concurrently performed and a tooth can be attached 3-4 months later. There is another entity called an immediate temporary, which gives the patient a tooth the same day of implant placement. There are many factors that must align to allow this; I encourage you to ask your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon about the possibility.
Dental implants are not susceptible to dental cavities. However, they must be cleaned/cared for daily; failure to do so will lead to bone loss/infection around the implant. Salvage of implants with bone loss is not a simplistic procedure and therefore prevention is key.
The attached picture demonstrates a post operative X-ray on a lower molar implant that was placed with a healing abutment. A tooth will be added after a 3 month period of integration between the implant and bone.
About Dr. Garett Seeba
Dr. Garett Seeba is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Webster, Tx. Dr. Seeba specializes in the treatment of problems related to the face, mouth and jaws. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Seeba is a unique dental specialist who can provide emergency medicine, perform general surgery and give anesthesia.These medical doctors are the only type of medical care specialist who can administer anesthesia, besides anesthesiologists. Typical procedures performed by Dr. Seeba are tooth extractions, especially wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, cleft palate surgery and reconstructive surgery after an injury. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also perform dental work including placing dental implants. These surgeons might also deal with conditions of sleep apnea, oral cancers and more.
