Dental Implants
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.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
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Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. SanGiacomo is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. SanGiacomo performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Cortland Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My son needed his wisdom teeth extracted and the orthodontist referred us to Dr SanGiacomo. The office staff was friendly and helpful with scheduling and making sure our insurance was billed correctly. During the first visit the doctor answered all of our questions and explained the procedure to us. Dr. SanGiacomo was wonderful with my son making him feel comfortable during what could've been an extremely stressful time. The doctors sense of humor helped make my son less anxious about the surgery. The assistants were very nice and took time explaining the post surgery instructions so that I knew what to expect once we were home. I highly recommend their office.
- Mary S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had a great experience today everything was explained to me and everyone was friendly
- Joanne H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great staff and easy visit.
- Elizabeth c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was anxious about my molar extraction. The staff was friendly and courteous. Tamara was kind and helpful. The "Mouth Care" pamphlet is thorough and provides written advice after returning home. Although, I would not want to have another extraction, the Cortland Oral Surgery Center is where I would return if additional dental work were needed.
- Pamela M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Surgeon, Would recommend for sure. They go above and beyond. Thanks for the new smile
- gregg c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Love Dr SanGiacomo and his staff!
- Denise R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone at the office was very kind and helpful during what could've been a nerve-wracking experience. Dr. SanGiacomo spent a lot of time explaining the procedure to me so that I felt very comfortable before starting the extraction.
- Kristina B