Dental Implants in Portland

Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

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 themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that 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.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by your doctor or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon suggested 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.

For more information about Dental Implants, or to make an appointment, please call our office: .

The Doctors

Drs. Peter and Michelle Davis are advanced general dentists who are uniquely and thoroughly trained to perform nearly all procedures, both surgically and restoratively, to achieve clinical success in implant dentistry. Both have spent nearly two years intensively training and graduating with Masterships from the prestigious Misch International Implant Institute, the Pikos Implant Institute, as well as achieving both Fellowship and Mastership Status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. With their anticipated completion of Diplomate status in the ICOI in 2012, they will be two of less than 100 doctors worldwide to have achieved all three designations in this prestigious organization. In addition to their extensive didactic training, Drs. Peter and Michelle have undergone multiple live surgical training sessions at Temple University through the Misch Institute as well as hands-on surgical training with world-renown surgeon and researcher Dr. Mohammed Sharawy both inside and out of the United States. What this means to our patients is that their care in this area can be handled by just one doctor, in one location. Additionally, both doctors are licensed to administer both oral and I.V. sedation to their patients, providing a level of comfort rarely achieved in a general practice in Maine.

The Facility

In order to safely and effectively perform these advanced procedures, a specialized surgical suite has been constructed in the Portland office which allows for the possibility of a sterile environment for procedures that demand it. Additionally, the suite houses an i-Cat Platinum Cone-Beam CT Scanner used to provide the necessary 3-D images used during computer-guided surgery. This machine is the most advanced technology on the market and the only machine of its type in New England. Furthermore, all CT images are reviewed by a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist for pathology as part of the service. At Portland and Central Maine Dental, no stone is left unturned in ensuring clinical success for our patients.

Don’t Settle for Missing Teeth!

Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can renew your smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Call us: 207-797-5000

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. Your oral surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then, your doctor will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

The Implants

Although all of our doctors are proficient in restoring all available implant systems, Drs. Peter and Michelle have chosen BioHorizons as their system of choice for surgical placement. Unlike any other system, BioHorizons was developed by dentists in conjunction with mechanical engineers in a research setting to provide, what they feel is a superior implant design giving the highest chance of success for the patient from both a biological and clinical standpoint.

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation