for single teeth                 for multiple teeth

Dental implants can be the next best thing for you if you are missing any of your teeth! When any teeth are lost, great consideration should be immediately given to replacing the lost teeth. Implants may be your best choice. They are "titanium roots" and can be used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures (see the diagrams below).

 

Usually, there are only three dental choices to replace lost teeth. First, a removable appliance, like a conventional denture without implant support, could be fabricated. Comfort, as well as reduced chewing function are the most frequent complaints heard from patients with these types of restorations. Secondly, cemented or "fixed" bridgework can often be utilized. Fixed bridgework requires the "filling" down, or preparation of the neighboring teeth, to support it through the use of crowns. These usually are very comfortable and almost never result in an embarrassing situation where the restoration falls out during a social occasion. The third and worst choice is to do nothing and to learn to live with your tooth loss. This can lead to serious bite problems resulting from additional strain on the jaw joint or "TMJ" as well as periodontal complications from drifting teeth. Implants now offer a solid fourth choice.

A multitude of major university research studies have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of dental implants. They have been studied in one form or another for the past 25 years. Today's systems are highly successful and offer predictable results.

Very simply, implants are "titanium roots." They are precisely placed into the jaw bone and allowed to "integrate" or heal to the bone. While the implant(s) are healing a temporary restoration is usually employed. The resultant integration is stronger than the union of a natural tooth to the jaw bone. After a sufficient period of healing, the teeth are placed into the implant body.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don't feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants.

What Dental Implants Can Do

	Replace one tooth without affecting bordering teeth.
	Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
	Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

The Most Common Implants in Use Today

Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.

We do not try to sell implants to our patients!! Each case is thoroughly evaluated using medical screenings, sometimes with lab studies, xray measurements, study models of your mouth, and an extensive interview. Only patients fitting all the required criteria are considered for implants.

Implant restorations take multiple stages. Generally, the implant process provides for three stages. Stage one involves the placement of the implants themselves. Stage two involves the uncovering of the implants to place healing abutments (anchors for the teeth) which protrude through the gumline. Stage three encompasses the placement of permanent abutments (anchors) to which the final restoration will be attached. The entire process takes from six to twelve months, dependent upon the areas of placement. Additional delays may be necessary for preliminary procedures which make implants possible, such as extractions and bone grafts.

Implants are usually placed as an office procedure. Usually a sedative and a local anesthetic are administered. Most patients report little or no significant post operative discomfort, however medication is provided to take care of this if needed.

To get started, simply call our office for an examination. The initial consultation takes about one hour. We look forward to hearing from you soon!!