Dental Implants

Implant for Crown & Bridge
Have you lost your teeth due to: Severe tooth decay, Gum disease, trauma or even failed root canal?

You may qualify for implant treatment. Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth. Implants are made of titanium or similar materials that are well suited to the human body. Implants are artificial replacements for teeth roots that support a restoration or a dental appliance.

Importance Of Replacing The Missing Teeth
Besides its cosmetic advantage, replacing the missing teeth will restore your ability to properly chew and speak. In addition, the space caused by the missing teeth may allow the surrounding teeth to shift into that space. This shifting could cause a misalignment in your bite that can result in problems with your jaw joint. These shifted teeth are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to gum disease, decay or even additional tooth loss.

Implant Treatment & Implant Placement
It normally takes a few phases and several months for your dentist to complete the implant treatment. In the first phase, your dentist will place the implants in your jaw bone. It requires 3-6 months for the bone to fuse to the implants.

In the 2nd phase, your dentist will place an extension or a post to extend the implants above the gum this process can also be performed during the first phase depending on the technique chosen by your dentist.
After your gums are healed, it is time for an impression to be made and a final restoration or appliance to be fabricated by the dental laboratory. In most cases, on your final visit, the restoration or the dental appliance is placed and adjusted to insure proper fit and function.

Implant Risks & Complications
While every effort is made to place a successful and functional implant, it is not uncommon for implants to fail. This is mainly due to lack of proper attachment between the implant and the jaw bone during the bone fusing phase.

Other problems such as:

1) Breakage of the implants
2) Breakage or loosening of its restoration or dental appliance
3) Infection of the surrounding gums are also rare possibilities.

Finally, due to differences in the shapes of the jaws and the bone density, the back area of upper jaw may require an additional procedure such as "sinus lifting" to increase the predictability and long term success of the implant.

Dental Implants: Modern Replacements for Missing Teeth

An accident, injury, or disease can cause tooth loss. Having an incomplete smile may damage your self esteem and cause oral health problems. Without a replacement tooth, the remaining teeth shift and the bone can start to deteriorate. Dental implants can replace missing teeth and allow patients to lead the full, active lives they deserve.

What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root which acts as an anchor for replacement teeth. Shaped like a screw, it is surgically placed into the jawbone to secure a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Stable and permanent, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. They are an ideal tooth replacement procedure because they look and feel like natural teeth. Studies show that dental implants have a 95 percent success rate in most cases.

Why Choose Implants
Implants are great for patients who are unable to wear dentures. Instead, the dentist will place the implant directly into the jawbone to support permanently cemented bridges. Implants can be made from several different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. When surgically anchored into the jawbone, the implant fuses with living bone in a process known as "osseointegration". After your mouth heals, usually in three to six months, your doctor will place a permanent crown over the post to complete your smile restoration.

FAQs about Dental Implants

Do I really need to replace one tooth?
A missing tooth leaves a gap in your smile, which can make you feel self conscious about your appearance. As well, even one lost tooth can damage your oral health by causing other oral health problems. Dental implants can replace one tooth or the whole mouth full, giving you back a solid, healthy smile.

Am I a candidate for implants?
For successful implant placement, you need to be in good overall health, have good dental health, and sufficient bone structure. Your dentist will perform a full evaluation to see if dental implants would fit your personal situation.

How do I care for my implants?
Treat your implants like you would your natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, and schedule routine checkups with the dentist. Following these steps will make for successful implant therapy and a gorgeous smile.

What are implant-supported dentures?
If you are not a candidate for dental implants to replace all your teeth, your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures, which will create a more secure situation with your dental appliance. With implant-supported dentures, several titanium posts are placed in your jaw bone so that the denture can snap on to the implants, reducing slippage and improving comfort.

How much do dental implants cost?
Because each case is unique, it is impossible to estimate the cost of implants until you meet with your dentist. After a complete exam, your doctor will explain the findings and review treatment options, which will include the cost of the implants.