Over 30 years experience in the field of dental implantology.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A person who has lost their teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything. Their teeth appear natural and their facial contours are preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile once again with confidence. Dr. Famiglio has extensive experience in the field of dental implants having performed tens of thousands of procedures over the last 30 years.
What Are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium or zirconium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium or zirconium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves one procedure, however some patients may require two or more procedures. The number of procedures will be determined at your consultation. Additional implant procedures could include bone grafting, or soft tissue augmentation, this will be determined by examination and possibly additional x-ray studies including the three-dimensional scan available at our office. The 3D scan allows us to peek inside the jaw and evaluate not only the quality of the bone at the quantity in 3 dimensions.
First, implants are placed within your jawbone. This is a gentle procedure contrary to what one would think. Many times local anesthesia is appropriate for the surgery, Dr. Famiglio will advise you on your options and suggest what he believes would be the most comfortable choice for you For the first three months (titanium), four months (zirconium) following surgery the implants are allowed to “rest” to permit bone growth into the porous surface of the implant, hence a boney fusion occurs to the implant. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this period.
After the implant has fused to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Famiglio will evaluate the implant for stability. The patient will then be referred back to their family Dentist to finish the teeth. Dental implant placement is a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. Dr. Famiglio 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. This is where their expertise falls into place. The restorative dentistry (fabrication of the teeth) is just as important as the surgical part. Great expertise and effort goes into ensuring proper fit including the bite which is vital.
Surgical Advances
There have been many advances over the past 30 years in the field of dental implants. Dr. Famiglio has been on the leading edge having pioneered many techniques used today worldwide. Some of the most exciting advances include:
1. Immediate Placement of dental implants immediately after teeth are removed and in some cases temporary teeth can be placed on the implant that same day. This is particularly important where the front teeth are lost as of result of trauma such as an automobile accident or sporting injury. This type of injury can be psychologically devastating, this allows the patient to return home the day of the accident with teeth in place that are very similar to what was lost.
2. Teeth in a day protocol which is used when the remaining teeth are hopeless. This technique allows us to extract all remaining teeth, placed the implants on the same visit and then have temporary teeth placed within 24 hours patient can function immediately with a soft diet.
3. The zirconium implant. This is a metal free implant and has distinct advantage is over titanium in particular the patient with multiple allergies and metal sensitivities. Also note: this is a white color implant which has its advantages in the aesthetic zone, the front teeth, no metal be seen which sometimes can occur with the traditional titanium implants.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon a variety of factors. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Dr. Famiglio performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs, or for those who need extensive bone grafting.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants can vastly improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something that you have lived with for years – chances are you’ve never become fully accustomed to missing such a vital part of yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
If you are considering implants your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants there are ways of improving the outcome, such as bone grafting, which may be recommended.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place they will serve you well for many years if you take good care of them and keep your mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists is key to the long term success of dental implants.
Dr. Peter M. Famiglio & Associates - Brandywine Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Famiglio is wonderful, and his staff is so kind and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend this practice to everyone!
- Andrea R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The entire office staff was very courteous, gentle and helpful. This calmed my nerves immensely.
- Kathleen G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
One of the my best dental experiences.
- Raymond C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent care.
- Pat L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Great Dr. Famiglio is a master of perfection. I love my implants as well as the office and staff. Thank you for a great experience.
- Richard C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall, I was treated like a sister or a mom. I felt at ease, in what could have been a stressful situation.
- Patty K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thorough
- Patricia B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is the BEST office around. Had had implant done but one day needed emergency extraction. All in office were great to me. It was a Friday in summer and the doctor and anesthesiologist both stayed past closing to take care of me. How wonderful.
- Vera K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This practice is overall amazing. Sometimes the wait time is a little long but I suppose if you want the best you wait!!!
- Laura C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The best team. Knew my Case and understood all precautions. Very patient without compromising course of treatment Highly recommend to any friends and peers and colleagues ...he and his staff are the best. Gary Entrekin
- Gary E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
First rate at every level
- Edmund D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have recommended Dr. Famiglio to several friends and relatives.
- Robert H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The whole staff was very hospitable, couteous and did a great job! Thx!
- Judy M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Every thing and every one are just delightful to deal with and the work is amazing.
- John G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall experience was wonderful, the staff and Dr. Peter are very attentive to you when working on you and when you are waiting for the next stage someone was always checking to make sure I was comfortable. Pleasant and Professional Office.
- Betty S P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for being so kind and accommodating. Your professionalism is appreciated.
- Evelyn G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When my dentist first told me that my front right tooth had to be removed .. that it "couldnt be saved"... i was shocked... but had complete faith that this tooth trauma situation would be taken care of... i have never had any dental surgery before and was very nervous but i was immediately put to ease with my first visit, the Dr. is so kind, genuine and funny! Very talented and i experienced no pain whatsoever, very sympathetic. I am very thankful.
- elizabeth n
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was a tough patient. The implants that I needed took some time to figure out how to tackle. Doctor Famiglio did a fantastic job. He made it seem easy, when I new it was not. He is extremely nice.
- Kathleen J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Really good caring service. I felt in capable hands. Many thanks.
- GILLIAN G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The doctors and the staff at Brandywine Oral Surgery are professional, friendly, courteous, and comforting. They let you know what to expect with your procedure and thereafter. There's really no need to go anywhere else.
- Christopher C