IMPLANT SURGERY
What is a dental implant and how does it work ?
A
dental implant is a small "anchor" made of titanium. It is
inserted into the jawbone to take the place of your missing tooth root.
After osseointegration, or when the surrounding bone has attached to the
implant, a replacement tooth is secured to the top of the implant. The new
tooth looks, feels, and performs just like your natural teeth.
Dental implants can be used in a variety of situations, whether you need
to replace a single missing tooth or many teeth. They can even be used to
replace a full denture. As anchor points, implants can also securely
attach a partial denture or bridge.
What are the benefits of dental implants ?
Choosing
dental implants offers you a number of significant advantages including:
More healthful and beautiful: When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone
begins to shrink. This unhealthy bone loss can make your jawline recede.
Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by
loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape.
As an alternative to bridgework, dental implants eliminate the need to
grind down healthy teeth when replacing one or more adjacent teeth.
More comfortable: Because dental implants are securely anchored, there is
no slipping or movement as there is with dentures. This eliminates some of
the key worries of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain
from exposed nerves.
More confident: With dental implants, you’ll never need to cover your
mouth when laughing, smiling, or speaking. You can eat your favorite foods
without pain or fear of embarrassment - and taste every bite. You’ll
look better, feel better, and live more confidently.
Are you a candidate for dental implants ?
If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to have an implant - whether your missing teeth are the result of injury, disease, or decay. General good health and adequate bone in the jaw are the key requirements. We can tell you if implants are right for you.
What is involved in the implant procedure ?
The
dental implant process involves several steps that take place over a time
period that averages from 4 to 9 months. The typical process will include:
Initial implant
placement: This procedure is typically
performed in your dentist’s office under either a local or general
anesthesia. Your doctor places the small dental implant into your jaw.
Over the next several months, bone will attach to the surface of the
implant anchoring it into position. Depending on your particular case, an
additional minor procedure creates an opening through which your
artificial tooth will emerge.
Implant prosthetic
attachment: During this phase, your
dentist painlessly attaches a dental prosthetic "post" to
the implant. A simple impression will be taken and over the next few days
an artificial tooth will be created for a functional natural restoration.
Implants can improve your appearance , confidence & freedom
Since
dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, they naturally enhance
your appearance. More importantly, the securely attached implant gives you
the confidence of eating what you like, speaking easily and clearly, and
freedom from embarrassment. And, by following a regular routine of careful
oral hygiene and regular checkups, your implants can last for many years.
To find out if implants are a solution for you, don’t hesitate to ask us
to evaluate you today.
