Understanding Dental Implants-comfort and confidence again Do you avoid laughing aloud, smiling, or eating in public because your denture may slip or a space left by missing teeth may show? If so, dental implants may improve the way you feel about your teeth. No matter how many teeth you’re missing, dental implants may make it possible for you to eat and speak with comfort and confidence again. When Teeth Are Missing You may have spaces in your mouth where teeth were lost or removed or never grew in. Although these spaces may be embarrassing, traditional dental restorations aren’t always the best solution. You may not want to sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space. Or, removing a complete or partial denture at night may be inconvenient. Added to this is the discomfort and possible embarrassment caused by a denture that slips. Consider Dental Implants If you want a dental restoration that looks and feels as though it’s really part of your mouth, dental implants may be right for you. Used successfully for many years, dental implants anchor prosthetic (artificial) teeth into your jawbone to provide a secure, stable fit. Implants can meet your individual needs whether you’re missing all, a few, or only one of your teeth. Working Together Your dental implants may be positioned and your prosthesis (artificial teeth) constructed by one of more dentists. Your surgical specialist (periodontist) prepares your jaw and places the implants, which will hold your new teeth in place. Then your restorative dentist makes your prosthesis. Your commitment, both during and after the implants process, is also important. For the best long-term results, you’ll need to have regular checkups and practice good oral hygiene. Frequently Asked Questions Why should I replace my missing teeth? Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite,” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance.

What are my tooth replacement options? If you are missing one or more teeth and choose to have it or them replaced, several treatment options are available: (1) A flipper is a removable plastic tooth that is inexpensive but fragile and temporary. (2) A cast partial denture also is removable but is precision cast in metal for longer service life. Wire clips help hold it in place. (3) A fixed bridge is cemented into place using crowns or “caps” on the teeth adjacent to the open space for support. Crown placement usually requires removing or reducing the outer layer of the tooth. (4) In some cases, a “Maryland” bridge, a fixed bridge that does not need crowns, is glued onto the back of the teeth adjacent to the space so that minimal tooth structure is removed. (5) Complete denture or plates are the traditional solution for people who have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws. The success of a full denture depends upon the individual’s jaw size and shape, his or her oral habits, and his or her adaptability. Some people adapt well to full dentures, while others are not able to adapt. (6) Dental implants can be used to provide support for the replacement of one tooth or all of an individual’s teeth. After years of research and clinical trials, we can now provide this option in addition to the traditional treatments just described. Implant-support teeth can be cemented, screw-retained, or removable and can be made attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient. What is a dental implant? The best way to describe a dental implant is to compare it to a real tooth. A natural tooth consists of a toot and a crown. The part of the tooth that you see and eat with is called the crown. Beneath the crown is the root, which anchors the tooth through the gum tissue to the jawbone. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the toot and the crown. To replace a tooth, we first have to replace the root. Essentially, a dental implant is a new root. This titanium toot is fitted into a socket that we create in your jaw, replacing the lost root of your natural tooth. Dental implants come in various shapes and sizes and have different types of surfaces. The actual implant selection will depend on a variety of factors related to your specific treatment needs and the most appropriate one(s) will be used. Once an implant has been placed in the jaw, the bone around the implant will need to heal for six weeks to six months, depending upon how hard the bone is. When this initial phase of healing is completed, a support post called an abutment will be placed into the implant itself and then a new crown, or replacement tooth will be placed on top. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth. How are dental implants placed? Usually, the office procedure to place a dental implant takes about an hour for one implant and no more than two or three hours for multiple implants. The placement process consists of the following steps: The doctor will discuss anesthesia options at your consultation appointment. In most cases, you will be given local anesthesia and nitrogenoxide, if desired, to make you comfortable. A small incision is made into the gum tissue, revealing the bone into which the implant will be placed. Using special instruments, a pace (socket) is created for the implant. The titanium implant is then inserted into the socket. Placing bone graft, if necessary. Finally, sutures will be used. Follow-up care (one to four appointments) is usually needed to ensure that your mouth is healing well and to determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of your treatment.