Dental implants are changing the way people live. Modern implants (Osseointegrated Implants- implants bonding to bone) are designed to provide a firm foundation for the replacement of teeth. Osseointegrated implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth may loose the ability to eat comfortably and speak confidently. This loss can have an effect on an entire personality. Fortunately osseointegrated implants can help. Drs. Barbieri, Colameo & Berardo will work closely as part of your dental implant team and with your restorative dentist to prepare your jaw for placement of the appropriate implant prosthesis. We are confident that your restoration will appear natural and your facial contours preserved.

If you are searching for dental implants in New Jersey, particularly Hackensack, Ridgefield, or North Bergen, contact NJ Oral Surgery today.

Deciding on Dental Implants:

As you review the selected material and information throughout our website, it is important that you have the understanding of the many facets of implant dentistry. The restoration of missing teeth is not as straight forward as one might think. When a single tooth is lost there are a wide range of potential consequences that may result and if there are multiple missing teeth the consequences increase significantly. We must first realize the replacement of a missing tooth is ultimately an elective decision. After consultations and a review of appropriate information each and every patient must make the final decision on, if and when a particular tooth or teeth should be replaced. The alternatives to tooth replacement are varied and include no treatment at all, conventional dental restorations and more recently bone integrated dental implants.

Your decision to consider dental implants and reconstructive surgery may be based on any one of a number of variables. It is always in your best interest to have an experienced surgeon provide you with an explanation of exactly what is involved in your specific case. In today’s crowded market place many types of facilities are providing access to dental implants. Many of these offices advertise attractive surgical fees, all services provided under one roof and other superficially attractive options such as “teeth in a day”.

The following points should be noted and may be critical in your decision to move ahead with surgical treatment:

1. It should first be emphasized that in spite of what is advertised the only trained specialists in the surgical placement of osseointegrated implants are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and our periodontal colleagues (Periodontists). There simply is no other trained surgical specialist recognized by the American Dental Association in the placement of dental implants.
2. The next important issue is the need for careful pre-operative evaluation and preparation, immediate post-operative follow-up and ultimately, long term follow-up. Comprehensive surgical care that is required for implant reconstructive surgery can only be provided by a trained, qualified and full time surgical practice. One should be careful when committing to a large “group dental practice” facility or even a smaller dental practice that may provide the expertise of some type of surgeon on a limited part time basis. Keep in mind that in our office you will always be examined and treated by a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, 100% of the time. Our full time surgical practice provides you with full coverage of any potential complication 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. Furthermore we have full hospital privileges and access to the emergency room and operating room at Hackensack University Medical Center if the need should ever arise
3. The last important point to be aware of is the surgical fee. Our surgical fee includes the use of only top quality, rigidly controlled bone replacement and dental implant products. There are many dental implant companies recognized in the United States and suffice to say all dental implants are NOT equal! Our office has been placing Osseointegrated implants for over 25 years and we are committed to a one of the original dental implant companies, Zimmer, Inc. Zimmer, Inc. has been in the business of making body parts for over 50 years and is well known throughout the industry. As a bioengineering company they are world renowned for innovations in the growing field of bio-mechanics and bio-engineering. There systems are supported by a rigorous research, development, product management and field support that is unprecedented in their industry.

If you would desire additional information and explanations regarding dental implants and oral reconstructive surgery we would invite you to view the video presentations provided throughout our web site.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth-root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone and the bone bonds (osseointegrates) directly with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implants that protrude through the gums. These posts will provide stable anchors for artificial replacement of your teeth. Implants will also help to preserve the facial structure and prevent bone deterioration that normally occurs when teeth are lost.

The Surgical Procedure

The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure, with all the attendant risks, benefits and alternatives associated with any surgery. For most patients, the placement of dental implants will involve two surgical procedures. During first stage surgery, implants are placed within your jawbone. For three to six months following your first stage surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding (osseointegration) with the jawbone. You should be able to wear your temporary dentures and eat a soft diet throughout this healing phase. During the osseointegration phase your dentist will be planning for the final prosthetic replacement of your teeth.

There is much discussion today about “immediate implants”. This concept involves either:

• The removal of a tooth and the immediate placement with an implant
• The placement of an implant with the immediate placement of a functional restoration.

While this type of treatment on occasion is possible, it is not the standard of care, and most times is contra-indicated. During the consultation and treatment-planning phase of your treatment, this concept may be discussed if it pertains to your case. It is our philosophy and goal to optimize our surgical procedure in an effort to provide you with the very best chance of a successful outcome. Our surgical recommendations are always based on sound, well-researched biological principals that are uncompromising.

After the implants have integrated (bonded) to your jawbone, the second phase of treatment begins. The doctors will uncover the implants and attach small posts that will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. Once the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure may take up to six months. The doctors will work very closely as part of your restorative team to ensure that your implant experience will have a minimal impact on your daily routine.

How can I access additional information on Dental Implants?

Additional information on Dental Implants is readily available through the specific web link to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons at: http://www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php