Dental Implants Dental implants are tooth root substitutes that are surgically placed in the jawbone and act as anchors to stabilize artificial teeth. They can replace one, some, or all missing teeth and help eliminate the instability associated with surface adhesives and removable bridges. The benefit of using implants is that they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, and are permanent and stable. Dental implants can also be used to attach full or partial dentures. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. There are different types of dental implants: the first is placed directly into the jaw bone, like natural tooth roots; the second is used when the jaw structure is limited, therefore, a custom-made metal framework fits directly on the existing bone. |  | | Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth. Advantages are: - Esthetic Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
- Tooth-saving Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
- Confidence Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.
- Reliable The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.
| | Nearly everyone who is missing one or more teeth and in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are very few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether. Quality and quantity of available bone for implant placement is more often a factor in qualifying for dental implants than medical conditions. However, even people who have lost a significant amount of bone can qualify for dental implant treatment with additional bone grafting procedures. Advances in type of bone graft procedures have made it possible for thousands of patients who would not previously have been considered candidates to have successful implant treatment. | |     | - Consultation:
- The first step is an examination and consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implant treatment. This involves examination of x-rays and may include taking impressions for models of your teeth and for fabrication of a surgical guide or stent. If you have lost a significant amount of bone, additional x-rays or a tomogram may also be recommended.
During the examination, we will evaluate the areas of your mouth where teeth are missing, including the amount of bone available to support the placement of implants. We will also be evaluating the type of replacement teeth that will best meet your needs.
- Implant Placement Procedure:
- The implants are placed in the jaw bone during a surgical procedure. Following implant placement the implants may be left undisturbed for a period of 3-9 months so that the bone can bond with the implants. In the meantime your dentist will usually provide you with temporary replacement teeth so that you do not go without teeth for that period of time.
- Abutment Attachment Procedure:
- Following appropriate healing period, a small connector, or extension, called an abutment, is attached to each implant. The permanent replacement teeth will eventually be attached to the abutments.
- Fabrication of Replacement Teeth:
- A series of appointments with your dentist will be needed to take impressions of your teeth and the implant abutments, to place temporary replacement teeth, to select the appropriate shade for your replacement teeth, and to try them for proper fit. In between these appointments, the laboratory technician will fabricate your replacement teeth and the underlying structures that will be attached to the implants.
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