Implants
An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium, a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Dental implants are designed to remain firmly in place. With a proper fit, implants offer patients a dental alternative that provide patients with an orthodontic anchor that looks, acts, and feels like natural teeth. The technology behind implants is continually improving and today’s implants serve as an excellent oral replacement. Talk with your dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
For more information on dental implants, click on each topic below.
An implant can replace one tooth, or a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge or replace several teeth in a row. Even, if a full mouth of teeth is needed a strategic number of implants can be used so that a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in a mouth..
Implants not only look more natural, but with a stronger biting force, they feel and act more like normal teeth. With implants, bridges and dentures are fixed to the bone making them a more stable option when compared to conventional bridges and dentures. Implants don’t compromise the health of adjacent natural teeth. Patients easily eat and smile with confidence. Implants offer patients a solution that has the potential to last a lifetime.
Replacement teeth should be treated the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like natural teeth, the better the care of replacement teeth, the longer they will last.
Implants may require specialized services
Sinus Lift Augmentation:
With the loss of the upper back teeth, sinuses can enlarge thereby needing corrective procedures. A sinus lift augmentation/graft is a surgical procedure that restores the sinus cavity to its original size, and replaces the bone that has been lost as a result of the enlarged sinus. This new bone graft typically takes nine to 12 months to heal before the dental implants can be placed into the grafted bone.
Autogenous Bone Grafting:
When the ideal areas for dental implants do not have sufficient bone quantity to support the implants, it is may be necessary to “borrow” bone from another area of the mouth and graft it into the deficient area. Bone can be grafted from the chin or in the back of the jaw where your wisdom teeth used to be.
Implant Site Development:
When there is bone loss due to an infected tooth, various types of bone grafting can be done at the same time the tooth is removed to facilitate the placement of a dental implant at a later date.
Computer-Enhanced Treatment Planning:
With special software, the dentist evaluates dental CT scan in three dimensions for bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location, enabling the best possible placement of dental implants. Together, with a restorative dentist, the dentists work to ensure an ideal result.
Implant Maintenance:
Once dental implant restoration is completed, it is important to keep the area clean and infection-free. Dental implants can accumulate plaque and tartar just as teeth can. Whether just one tooth is replaced by an implant or several, a professional cleaning schedule will be necessary to keep your implants healthy. Diligent maintenance of implants produces the best results. The time interval for these professional cleanings will be determined by your individual needs.