All the Advantages Nature Intended
Implant dentistry is the most advanced therapy available
to replace teeth. In addition to looking and feeling
like real teeth, dental implants allow you to:
- Improve your smile
- Eat the foods you enjoy
- Restore chewing for easy digestion
- Speak with greater ease
- Restore your facial structure
- Enjoy and active lifestyle
- Live with confidence
Missing Teeth?
"Dental Implants may be the answer"
What are Implants?
Dental Implants are the newest and most permanent
way to replace missing teeth. Implants are basically
artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into
the jaw bone. While implant shapes can vary,
they are usually screw-like in design.
Once in place, these "roots" can then be used to
attach different types of dental prostheses - including
crowns, bridges, and dentures - in a removable or non-removable
fashion.
How is a Tooth Replaced?
Under
a local anesthetic, just like the kind used for a dental
filling, the dentist places one or more implants into
the jaw bone using a gentle surgical procedure with
specially designed instrumentation. The implant will
be covered by gum tissue, or in some cases, left exposed
and allowed to heal for a period of 2-3 months
prior to placing the prosthetic components on top. During
this healing period, you can wear a temporary bridge
or denture to fill in the space so you are never without
teeth.
 |
After
approximately 2-3 months of healing
(in some cases longer), the patient returns to the dentist's
office to have the restorative procedure completed. At
this point the tissues have healed and the implant has
stabilized itself within the bone and is ready to support
the tooth crown or prosthesis that will be attached to
it. |
An impression is usually taken to provide a model
for the laboratory to design the final crown (or prosthesis)
is attached onto the post or directly to the implant. |
 |
What if I have more than one missing tooth?
 |
The procedure is virtually the same. Depending on
the location of the missing teeth, the dentist may
decide to create a bridge-type implant prosthesis,
where several man-made teeth are attached in a bridge-like
fashion to two or more implant "roots." |
What if I have no teeth at all?
Once
again, the procedure is virtually the same: it requires more
implants.
Even if there is significant bone loss, there are restorative
options that can compensate for the situation.
Depending on your dental condition, you may be able to select
one of the three different types of full arch, implant-supported
prosthesis:
- Fixed - A permanent replacement that
can only be removed by the dentist.
- Removable - Allows you to remove the
prosthesis whenever you wish. The implants under
it ensure that the prosthesis is held securely in your
mouth.
- Fixed Removable - Utilizes a mechanism
to lock the prosthesis onto the implants. If you
need to, you can unlock the mechanism to remove the prosthesis.
What
if I have dentures I like but they move around too much?
Implants can be used as anchors for your existing dentures,
eliminating slippage and enhancing your level of comfort
and confidence.
Can anyone have implants?
Yes, in most cases.
Whenever a natural tooth is lost, there is a gradual degeneration
of bone in the surrounding area. New bone regeneration
techniques can help replace lost bone mass and ensure a successful
implant.
This is a very brief overview of dental implants. As
the dental and medical situation of every patient is unique,
any implant treatment plan requires a complete examination
and analysis. Only then can an individual treatment plan
be formulated.
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