Dental implants are replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. You can regain the ability to eat virtually anything and smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear beautiful and natural. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are painlessly placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
If you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we recommend a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During the consultation visit, we will address your specific needs and considerations. We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work closely with you to help make your procedure a success.
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts, called abutments, are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Lastly, we make the permanent crowns or dentures that will result in beautiful and great-working teeth. We will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
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 which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. 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. Fixed Hybrid dentures are also an option.
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a "partial" at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
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, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without IV sedation.
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with us.
