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Dental Implants
Your confidence in your smile and
teeth is vital to a healthy self image. Right now
you might be hiding your smile because you are
missing a tooth or several teeth.
Perhaps you have trouble chewing and dentures are a
constant worry. Dental Implants solve these problems
and restore confidence and comfort.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed
into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge
in place. While high-tech in nature, dental implants
are actually more tooth-saving than actual bridge
work, since implants do not rely on neighboring
teeth for support. Dental Implants look and feel and
look so natural, you'll think they're your own!
Please read about the four types of implant
procedures.
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Replacing A Tooth
If you are missing a single tooth,
one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental
implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its
root.
What are the advantages of a single-tooth implant
over a bridge?
A dental implant provides several advantages over
other tooth replacement options. In addition to
looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a
dental implant replaces a single tooth without
sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The
other common treatment for the loss of a single
tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that
adjacent teeth be ground down to support the
cemented bridge.
Because a dental implant will replace your tooth
root, the bone is better preserved. With a bridge,
some of the bone that previously surrounded the
tooth begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental
implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to
keep the bone healthy and intact.
In the long term, a single implant
can be more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a
bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a
visible defect when the metal base or collar of the
bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the
bridge can lead to an unattractive smile. And, the
cement holding the bridge in place can wash out,
allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the
bridge.
How will the implant be placed?
First, the implant, which looks like a screw or
cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over the next two
to six months, the implant and the bone are allowed
to bond together to form an anchor for your
artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary
tooth replacement option can be worn over the
implant site.
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Before Dental Implants
After Dental Implants
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Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary
to uncover the implant and attach an extension. This
small metal post, called abutment, completes the
foundation on which your new tooth will be placed.
Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of
weeks following this procedure.
There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do
not require this second step. These systems use an
implant which already has the extension piece
attached. Your periodontist will advise you on which
system is best for you.
Finally, a replacement tooth called a
crown will be created for you by your dentist and
attached to the abutment. After a short time, you
will experience restored confidence in your smile
and your ability to chew and speak.
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Replacing Several Teeth If you are missing
several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace
them. Dental implants will replace both your lost
natural teeth and some of the roots.
What are the advantages of implant-supported
bridges over fixed bridges or removable partial
dentures?
Dental implants provide several advantages over
other teeth replacement options. In addition to
looking and functioning like natural teeth,
implant-supported bridges replace teeth without
support from adjacent natural teeth. Other common
treatments for the loss of several teeth, such as
fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are
dependent on support from adjacent teeth.
In addition, because implant-supported bridges will
replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is
better preserved. With a fixed bridge or removable
partial denture, the bone that previously surrounded
the tooth root may begin to
resorb (deteriorate).
Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping
to keep that bone healthy and intact.
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In the long term,
implants can be esthetic, functional and
comfortable. Gums and bone can recede around a fixed
bridge or removable partial denture, leaving a
visible defect. Resorbed bone beneath bridges or
removable partial dentures can lead to a collapsed,
unattractive smile. The cement holding bridges in
place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay teeth
that anchor the bridge. In addition, removable
partial dentures can move around in the mouth and
reduce your ability to eat certain foods.
How will the implants be placed?
First, implants which look like screws or cylinders,
are placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six
months, the implants and the bone are allowed to
bond together to form anchors. During this time, a
temporary teeth replacement option can be worn over
the implant sites.
Sometimes, a second step of the procedure is
necessary to uncover the implants and attach
extensions. These small metal posts, called
abutments, complete the foundation on which your new
teeth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to
heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
There are some
implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this
second step. These systems use an implant which
already has the extension piece attached. Your
periodontist will advise you on which system is best
for you.
Finally, replacement teeth, or bridges will be
created for you by your dentist and attached to the
abutments. After a short time, you will experience
restored confidence in your smile and your ability
to chew and speak.
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Replacing All Teeth
(See article under
Publications)In the past, people
missing all of their teeth had no option but
dentures. This prosthesis has numerous
disadvantages, such as:
- Dentures are
uncomfortable and often painful
- Dentures do
not look natural, especially when eating
- As the bone
continues to melt away, the dentures become
loose, and can fall out when
--laughing, sneezing, or coughing without the
use of adhesives
- People without
their teeth and supporting bone visibly age much
faster. Wearing dentures usually undermines a
person's self confidence (they have
missing--body parts and do not feel complete or
natural)
- People with
dentures cannot eat certain foods, such as
steak, corn on the cob and
apples
- People with
dentures generally have bad breath
These problems can
be solved with implant supported replacement teeth,
which are stable (securely fastened to the implants)
and maintain the integrity of the facial structures
by preserving the bone. Some of the many advantages
of implant supported replacement teeth include the
following:
- They are more
comfortable and stable than traditional dentures
- They virtually
stop the bone resorption process (deterioration)
- Integrity of
the facial structures is maintained
- Appearance is
improved
- It is not
necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so
food can be tasted
- Relines and
repairs are infrequent compared to traditional
dentures
- Natural biting
and chewing capacity is restored
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Before Replacing All Teeth
After Replacing
All Teeth
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Sinus
Augmentation A key to implant
success is the quantity and quality of the bone
where the implant is to be placed.
The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the
most difficult areas to successfully place dental
implants due to insufficient bone quantity and
quality and the close proximity to the sinus. If
you've lost bone in that area due to reasons such as
periodontal disease or tooth loss, you may be left
without enough bone to place implants.
Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by
raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the
placement of dental implants. Several techniques can
be used to raise the sinus and allow for new bone to
form. In one common technique, an incision is made
to expose the bone. Then a small circle is cut into
the bone. This bony piece is lifted into the sinus
cavity, much like a trap door, and the space
underneath is filled with bone graft material. Your
periodontist can explain your options for graft
materials, which can regenerate lost bone and
tissue.
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Finally, the
incision is closed and healing is allowed to take
place. Depending on your individual needs, the bone
usually will be allowed to develop for about four to
12 months before implants can be placed. After the
implants are placed, an additional healing period is
required. In some cases, the implant can be placed
at the same time the sinus is augmented.
Sinus augmentation has been shown to greatly
increase your chances for successful implants that
can last for years to come. Many patients experience
minimal discomfort during this procedure.
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Ridge Modification A key to implant
success is the amount and quality of the bone where
the implant is to be placed.
Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you
with inadequate bone in which to place dental
implants. The defect may have been caused by
periodontal disease, wearing dentures, developmental
defects, injury or trauma. Not only does this
deformity cause problems in placing the implant, it
can also cause an unattractive indentation in the
jaw line near the missing teeth that may be
difficult to clean and maintain.
To correct the
problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to
expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled
with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge.
Your periodontist can tell you about your options
for graft materials, which can help to regenerate
lost bone and tissue.
Finally, the incision is closed and healing is
allowed to take place. Depending on your individual
needs, the bone usually will be allowed to develop
for about four to 12 months before implants can be
placed. In some cases, the implant can be placed at
the same time the ridge is modified.
Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve
appearance and increase your chances for successful
implants that can last for years to come. Ridge
modification can enhance your restorative success
both esthetically and functionally.
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Before Ridge Augmentation
After Ridge
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