What are dental implants?
Whether you’re missing a single tooth, or multiple teeth throughout the mouth, you can benefit from restoring your dental health with implants. A dental implant will feel, look, and function like a natural tooth.
The implants themselves are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
The Surgical Proceedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, the implant is placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implant is beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures if needed during this healing period.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. You will return to our office for what’s called an “uncovery procedure”. During this procedure, we will make an incision at the implant site and attach a small cap to the implant post that will protrude through the gums and act as an anchor for the artificial tooth. When the artificial tooth is placed by your dentist, this post will not be seen. The entire implant process usually takes eight to twelve months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life. Dental Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Lee will perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis and also any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth, and each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental Implants provide a foundation of support in the mouth for artificial teeth, helping to eliminate any embarrassment or inconvenience associated with removable teeth. In addition to improving your ability to chew and speak they;
● Improve speech
● Preserve remaining natural teeth
● Provide increased comfort
● Improve self-esteem
● Ensure tooth stability
● Eliminate adhesives
● Restore natural tooth appearance
● Preserve adjacent teeth.
Other Considerations
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a partial at night may be inconvenient. Not to mention, dentures that slip can be uncomfortable, making it difficult to chew.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
If you are considering implants, a comprehensive evaluation will be performed by Dr. Lee, including 3-D Cone Beam Imaging. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed under local anesthesia, without sedation. It is the patient’s choice if they would like sedation for this procedure.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Patients who make a commitment to healthy habits, good home care and regular visits to their dental professionals often keep their implants a lifetime.
