Dental Implants
Embarrassment in social settings and lower self esteem is a common problem associated with missing teeth. Whether age and wear, disease or injury has robbed you of one or more teeth, dental implants will give you back a sensational smile. While traditional prosthetics work for some patients, others want a more solid solution. Dental implants are one of the most important advancements in modern dentistry and are an excellent alternative to bridges, partials or full dentures for missing teeth. When both the crown and root are damaged, the best permanent tooth replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. After a thorough evaluation, we will tell you whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. Implant-supported replacement teeth look and function like natural teeth. An implant is a titanium post that serves as a root substitute. The first stage of the procedure involves surgery in which the implant is placed into the jawbone for each missing tooth or for the sites that will anchor a bridge or denture. During the healing phase, the bone in your jaw fuses around the implant and anchors it in the mouth to create a solid foundation. Dental implants will help preserve facial structure by preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. Once the implants are secured, a handcrafted crown, bridge or denture will be attached to your implants. Strong and secure, your new smile will boost your confidence, enhance your appearance and improve the quality of your life. Most dental implant patients experience little to no disruption in their everyday life and report being much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.
Single Tooth Implant When both the crown and root of a tooth are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a porcelain crown. This solution will look and function just like a natural tooth.
Benefits of an implant supported porcelain crown:
- Immediately functioning teeth
- Excellent esthetic result
- Life long, stable solution
Treatment This procedure normally includes four visits to the dentist. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. The course of treatment described here is one of several options available.
Before the procedure – We will thoroughly exam the site to determine what needs to be done and take one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.
Installing the dental implant – Installation of the implant is normally done in a single session. A temporary crown or bridge may be attached at the same time, making it possible for you to function like normal while waiting for the permanent porcelain crown to be installed. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken. This time will vary depending on the implant location and esthetic demands.
Taking the implant impression – After the implant has integrated, an impression will be taken so the laboratory can make your final porcelain crown.
Attaching the new crown – The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic crown. You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. The new crown will handle all the pressure that your natural tooth did. You should brush and floss your new tooth and the gums around it as you would a natural tooth.
Implant Supported Bridge When replacing three teeth in a row, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the only fixed alternative. The bridge contains all teeth in one piece and is anchored on dental implants. Traditional dentures can’t offer the same stability or function. Using dental implants to replace lost teeth will give you new, unparalleled strength and stability that allows you to eat what you want. It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance. Benefits of an implant supported bridge:
- The only fixed alternative in this situation.
- A stable, secure solution that lets you eat what you want.
- Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss.
Treatment This procedure normally includes four visits to the dentist. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. The course of treatment described here is one of several options available.
Before the procedure – We will thoroughly exam the site to determine what needs to be done and take one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.
Installing the dental implants – Installation of the implants is normally done in a single session. A temporary bridge may be attached at the same time, making it possible for you to function like normal while waiting for the permanent fixed bridge to be installed. The implants will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken. This time will vary depending on the implant location and esthetic demands.
Taking the implant impression – After the implant has integrated, an impression will be taken so the laboratory can make your final fixed bridge.
Attaching the bridge – The final step is the placement of the permanent fixed bridge. You should expect the new teeth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. The new bridge will handle all the pressure that your natural teeth did. You should brush and floss your new bridge and the gums around it as you would a natural tooth.
Implant Supported Denture When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be removed, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution. Before dental implants, there were no fixed solutions available for people who lost all their teeth. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high esthetic solution.
Benefits of an implant supported full arch bridge:
- Lets you eat and function like having natural teeth.
- A solid, stable solution that will serve you for life.
- Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss.
Treatment The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on your specific conditions but you can expect 8-10 visits to have a full arch bridge installed. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. The course of treatment described here is one of several options available.
Before the procedure – We will thoroughly exam the site to determine what needs to be done and take one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.
Installing the dental implants – Installation of the implants is normally done in a single session. Usually 5-6 implants will be used to replace the missing roots. Temporary teeth may be attached at the same time, making it possible for you to function like normal while waiting for the permanent full arch bridge to be installed. The implants will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken. This time will vary depending on the implant location and esthetic demands.
Taking the implant impression – After the implant has integrated, an impression will be taken so the laboratory can make your final full arch bridge.
Attaching the bridge – The final step is the placement of the permanent full arch bridge. With a full arch replacement like this, it normally takes 2-3 visits to have the bridge completely attached. Patients who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelmingly positive experience. The new full arch bridge will handle all the pressure that your natural teeth did. You should brush and floss your new bridge and the gums around it as you would a natural tooth.