Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist, or an oral surgeon, or a Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• 
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Restore or enhance facial tissues.
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
• 

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

Depending on other oral conditions and bone density, either the Implant can be placed right away, or on most occassions bone graftng and or gingival grafting may be necessary to give the implant the support it needs to be successfull and esthetic.

Our Dentist will perform an implant consultation first to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If the conditions are good, our Dentist may recommend a Basic dental implant from Omni-tight that may be able to be placed in our office by our Dentist without flap surgery. On the other hand, if bone or ridge height is inadequate, our Dentist may refer you to an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist to perform the necessary grafting procedures as well as the implant placement.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.  Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete.  After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

the above information is from Imtec and Basic Dental Implants' respective website. For more information please contact our office at (407) 355-0608.