The Endopore Dental Implant System

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant can be thought of as an artificial tooth root that is submerged into the jawbone. When dental work such as a crown, fixed bridge, or a full set of dentures is added, one or more missing teeth can be replaced. A dental implant is fabricated from a very strong material (titanium) that is compatible with your body and is placed in a simple office procedure which generally is no more inconvenient than a tooth extraction. After an initial healing period during which the implant is buried in bone and left undisturbed under gum tissue, it is uncovered and connected to a small metal post that secures and supports the artificial teeth.
Our implant system is one of the easiest to place. It is also one of the most secure as bone grows into a 3-dimensional honeycomb network on its surface to integrate it with the bone.
What makes dental implants the treatment of choice?
Dental implants are like a third set of teeth. They feel much more natural and secure than traditional removable denture plates, especially if these are loose-fitting because of extensive bone loss. If several adjacent teeth are missing, a fixed bridge may be attached to dental implants as an alternative to a removable partial denture plate. Dental implants allow for the replacement of a missing tooth without having to modify adjacent teeth. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss alternatives for restoring your dental function with you.
Is a dental implant complicated to place?
The simple answer is "no", provided that sufficient bone is available to accept the implant. The procedures can all be done in the dental office, and are generally performed using only local anesthesia. The implant is usually placed in two steps:In the first stage surgery the implant root component is inserted into the bone site.
In the first stage surgery the implant root component is inserted into the bone site.

An incision is made and the over-lying gum tissue is gently displaced. This exposes the bone at the site where the implant is to be placed.	Once a channel is prepared, the area is ready for the implant to be placed. This part of the procedure takes about 5 minutes.

The implant is gently tapped or screwed into place.	The gum tissue is repositioned and closed with stitches.
This surgery generally takes about 60 minutes to complete. After 10 days the stitches are removed and the buried implant is allowed to heal for about five months. During this time, bone grows into the implant surface to secure it.
The second stage surgery is very simple and lasts only about 30 minutes. During this stage the buried, secure implant is uncovered using a small incision in the gum tissue. A post is attached to the implant until the final prosthesis is complete which can take as little as 2 weeks.

The small post is attached to the uncovered, secure implant as shown above.	This small metal post along with the implant now can support a crown, bridge, or denture plate.
There is minimal discomfort associated with either of the surgical steps, certainly no more than having a tooth extracted, and usually less. Your dentist can prescribe medication to easily relieve this. Within a few weeks your new prosthesis will be in place and you can begin to enjoy the improved appearance, dental function, and quality of life provided by the Endopore dental implant treatment.
What choices are possible with the implant system?
Implant Systems are extremely versatile and can provide patients with restorations such as the following:
• One implant with a crown can replace a single missing tooth
• Implants and prosthetic components can be used to support a fixed bridge, to replace any number of missing teeth, by either connecting to other implants or adjacent teeth.
• A removable full denture in either the upper or lower jaw can be supported by both implants and gum tissue.
• Jaws missing all of the teeth can be restored with complete fixed bridges removable only by your dentist.
Who can have a dental implant?
There are very few medical reasons why you may not be a candidate for having implant treatment and your surgeon will discuss these with you if necessary. The major limiting factor in determining whether you can have an implant to replace your missing tooth is whether there is sufficient bone remaining to accept the implant. An estimate of the bone quality can be determined with special x-ray examinations. Because our implant system is one of the most versatile available, it can be used in sites where some other implant designs cannot.
How long will my implants last?
Studies suggest your implants will have a long life once they have been integrated with bone, however, each patient is different and it is impossible to predict dental implant life with any certainty. Factors thought to affect how long implants will last are your overall health, nutrition, oral hygiene and whether you use tobacco. Other factors are your anatomy and the design and construction of the restoration placed on the implants to restore the dental function.
What do dental implants cost?
Because each patient's treatment need is unique, your surgeon will discuss the cost of your individual surgical treatment plan. Generally speaking, the cost of treatment with dental implants is comparable to other restorations involving fixed bridgework.