Dr. Shuken and Dr. Foltz, Board Certified Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons, have placed over 20,000 implants. In the early 1980's they received specialized training in Canada and Sweden from Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, the founder of modern day implants, and today continue to incorporate state-of-the art techniques and technology into each patient’s treatment. For more than 25 years the doctors have had a keen focus on implant dentistry and have made it an integral part of their oral surgery practice. The doctors are members of the Academy of Osseointegration, a professional organization dedicated to advanced education and research on dental implant procedures.
Dental implants are a great way to replace a single tooth, several teeth or a full jaw. They can also serve as the anchor to stabilize a partial denture or ill fitting denture. With success rates ranging from 95-96 percent in the upper jaw to 98-99 percent in the lower jaw, implants provide both increased and improved function while boosting self-confidence so often shaken by the loss of teeth.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a Board Certified Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
The use of titanium implants to replace lost teeth has come a long way in the past the 25 years. Once viewed as the option of last resort, they are now considered by the vast majority of dental professionals as the treatment of choice.
Reasons For Dental Implants
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Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
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Resolve temporomandibular joint pain or bite problems
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Restore a patient’s confident smile.
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Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
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Restore or enhance facial tissues.
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Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable
Benefits of Dental Implants
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Implants do not decay
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Adjacent teeth are not compromised or require crowning like traditional bridges.
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It is easy to clean and floss between implants, maintaining the health of the gum tissue and underlying bone.
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Implants dramatically reduce the loss of bone
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Implant's strength, stability and longevity far exceed that of conventional dental solutions.
Once a lengthy process, the technology along with clinical studies have helped to streamline implant treatment. In many situations, teeth can be extracted and implants placed the same day.
Every case is different and that is why a Team Approach is essential. The Team Approach starts with collaboration between the oral surgeon and the restorative dentist. Their goal is to provide the patient with excellence in all aspects of surgical and restorative treatment.
Team Approach and the Topics for Collaboration
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What are the patient’s concerns that need to be addressed?
- What are the patient’s expectations?
- Is there enough bone for implant placement and what are the options?
- Are there special health issues or lifestyle habits that can affect the outcome?
These points must be addressed before any treatment is delivered. It is only after an oral exam, review of x-rays and other records that the team can properly formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Implant Coordinator
As one of the premier implant practices in the country we offer our patients the special services of a dedicated Implant Coordinator. She is highly experienced in the area of implant dentistry and works exclusively with the implant patients, educating them about implant treatment, coordinating appointments throughout the entire treatment sequence and answering any questions that may arise. The Implant Coordinator is a direct liaison between our oral maxillofacial surgery office and the referring dentist's office.
Today, while there are many dentists who have done a few implants, there are only a few who have done many. A key element in this entire process is the importance of training and experience of the oral maxillofacial surgeon. Before pursuing this course of treatment, you, as the patient need to ask some tough questions.
- How many cases has the oral surgeon done?
- What is their success rate?
Dr. Shuken and Dr. Foltz combine over 25 years of experience, with use of state-of-the art techniques and technology to give their patients a highly predictable result. We look forward to having the opportunity to discuss and evaluate your implant needs. Please call their office to schedule a consultation.