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Dental implants are among the most exciting of modern dental treatments. In development for more than 30 years, dentists have worked out the science of implant placement with great predictability. Today, over 95% of dental implants are successful, if placed by a properly trained and skilled practitioner. Implants are small titanium cylinders, placed surgically into a small opening made in the jaw bone. After a period of healing, the patient's own bone cells grow into and around and finally "integrate" with the implant body. The titanium implant becomes “locked” into the jaw bone and can then be restored easily.
Dr. Wilkoff has been restoring implants for 15 years and has been honored with a prestigoious Fellowship in the International College of Oral Implantologists (FICOI).
A Cone Beam CT scan used to plan the perfect palcement of a dental implant
Implants are considered to PRESERVE the natural bone because they maintain the stability of the surrounding bone. As soon as any tooth is removed, there is a loss of functional (chewing)forces around that bone segment. The surrounding bone cells are signaled to begin RESORBING adjacent bone, making it thinner and weaker. When the DENTAL FUNCTION is gone, the body tries to use the bone minerals from that dental area, for use elsewhere in the body.
A Cone Beam CT scan used to check the thickness of bone
Placement of dental implants maintains the forces in that area and the bone remains strong and healthy. If Dr. Wilkoff finds too little bone for a well-placed implant, a BONE GRAFT may be indicated. Bone grafts are a proven way to replace shallow bone and create a dense, strong section of new bone to support the future placement implant in that area.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of modern implantology is the use of computerized Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) scans to improve the safety and success of this treatment. The location of nerves and important anatomical structures should be mapped out prior to the placement of an implant. A CBCT scan allows a well-trained dentist to know exactly where these structures are located. With the CBCT scan, Dr. Wilkoff makes a "SURGICAL GUIDE" which then permits him to place the implants exactly where they are meant to go, avoiding problems and increasing safety.
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