Implants: Restoring a Solid Foundation Tooth Root Substitutes

When people lose permanent teeth due to accident, injury, disease or extraction, dental implants can be a secure, functional replacement option. They're superior to many other choices because they restore comfort and appearance, yet remain functional for the long run. What's more, they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, so we don't have to touch otherwise healthy teeth. Since they are permanently anchored in the jawbone, implants' stability and permanence restore your ability to speak and eat normally, supply support to facial musculature, and eliminate the inconveniences and discomforts of ill-fitting dentures. And after years of use, they have over a 98% proven success rate in appropriately chosen cases.

So what's an implant? It's simply a small titanium post that acts like a man-made tooth root. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation on which your restoration, or artificial teeth, are then attached . The number of teeth you're missing will determine the best kind of restoration for your case: one or two missing teeth indicates a simple crown restoration; two or more missing teeth require permanent fixed bridgework; a complete replacement of upper or lower teeth requires choosing between a removable vs. a fixed denture, which in turn determines how many implants per jaw are required.

Limiting factors may include poor general health; inadequate bone structure; diseased gums; chronic health problems or clenching and bruxism; and unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Implant location also impacts their success: lower front jaw implants may be up to 99% successful, while side or rear placements are 90% successful.

View an example of an implant.

Benefits

· The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.

· The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely without affecting your natural adjacent teeth

· Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.

· You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.

· The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy.

· Implants have a proven scientific basis.

Procedure

The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. A dental implant acts as the replacement for the root and acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The first step of the procedure is placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic we place the implant into the jaw. There is not significant discomfort with this procedure and most of our patients go on to work with only minor analgesics. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

This implant will be left in place for 2 to 4 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A removable crown may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance..

The final step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth and then place a crown that will restore your smile and chewing ability.