You've heard about them, you know someone who has them, but you still need more information about them. Dental implants are titanium threaded posts that are used to replace the roots and eventually the chewing portion of a tooth or teeth that needed to be removed. Historically, 90% of dental implants were placed by dental specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists and even endodontists. Now, almost 50 years after the first prototype titanium dental implant was placed, only 60% of implants are being placed by specialists and 40% are being placed by general dentists such as myself.
Access to advanced surgical trainings and materials has made it easier for more dentists to become specialized at placing and restoring dental implants, and it is a trend that is not likely to be reversed anytime soon. In our office at EPFD, Dr. Luke currently places mini-implants for the retention of lower dentures - primarily in older patients with little bone for a larger sized implant.
By the middle of 2015, we will be adding traditional implant placement to our list of services offered because we have seen the need in our community and the benefit that comes when we can place an implant and not send you as a patient to 2 different offices for one relatively straightforward procedure. Stay tuned for more updates and photos in this blog section. Thanks again for reading and have a great Summer Break!