Dental Implants
A dental implant is an ideal treatment for patients wishing to permanently replace one or more of their missing teeth. After a metal post is placed, the restoration is completed with a replacement crown.
Implant Placement
Dental implant placement is a very precise surgical procedure, and an in-office consult is necessary prior to any treatment. Digital imaging and impressions may be taken during your consultation appointment, in order to ensure you have an adequate amount of surrounding bone required to provide necessary implant support.
Implant placement is the first of a multi-step process to permanently replace missing teeth. The implant will act as a permanent "root" ,or anchor, for a permanent crown or prosthesis. To begin the implant process, a metal post, or implant, is surgically positioned into the jaw where it will fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once placed, surrounding bone and tissue needs time to heal. This length of time may vary, depending on location of the tooth and quality of surrounding bones, among other factors, but typically ranges from 2-4 months. Time frames will be discussed and determined on a case-by-case basis.
Implant Restoration
An implant restoration is the fixed crown or bridge that will be permanently attached to your dental implants.
After an implant has osseointegrated, or fused, with your natural bone, you are ready to begin the restoration process. First, an abutment is attached to your implant. This attachment serves to secure your restoration to the implant. An impression will then be taken and sent to our lab, which will fabricate your final restoration. We will then fit and cement your implant restoration, providing you with a permanent and esthetic replacement of your missing tooth or teeth.
Implants are considered the ideal means of replacing one or more of your natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance they have a much longer lifespan compared to alternative replacement options, such as removable partials and bridgework.
Implant Supported Dentures
Also known as implant-supported dentures, these are dentures that are attached to implants in the jaw.
For patients missing all of their teeth in their upper and/or lower jaws, implant-supported dentures are an ideal solution. Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are secured in place using implants in the jaw.
They are often used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Implant-supported dentures either snap into place on top of implants to be removed nightly, or are screw retained and only removed by a dental professional for your bi-annual cleanings.
Implant-supported dentures provide a number of benefits and are a great improvement from traditional removable dentures. They do not require any adhesives or powders to help the dentures stick and are very secure and comfortable, significantly improving the ability to chew. Because they preserve bone in the jaw and restore lip-support, implant-supported dentures also help maintain facial structures and minimize wrinkles.
Please let us know if you have any questions about the procedures involved in dental implants.
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