Dental Implants
Nothing can take the place of a healthy set of teeth, but when disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, it’s good to know that there are options for restoring your smile. There are different types of implants for different conditions and needs. The single tooth implant replaces the missing tooth’s rootsImplants are
titanium root replacements for teeth. They are made to match your existing teeth or even enhance your existing smile. An implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or as the support for a removable denture. Implants are wonderful, long-lasting, strong restorations that have a success rate of over 90%. They usually last longer than the teeth and require little maintenance but may require adjustments or repairs over time due to normal wear.
Reasons for implants:
- Single missing tooth.
- Multiple missing teeth.
- Improving the fit of loose dentures.
- Orthodontic movement of teeth.
What does getting an implant involve?
We are excited to offer several implant options to our patients. Some require referral to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist, and others, like the 3M Mini Dental Implant. can be completed at our office. The process of getting an implant requires several well-planned appointments with your dentist and sometimes the appropriate specialist.. We are unique however, because in many cases we can place the implant here so you are not referred out to the specialists. During a minor surgical procedure, the implant is placed utilizing a custom guide. Some dentures can be connected to the implants within 2-3 months. Implant crowns or bridges can be placed 4-6 months later. In the interim you are often given something to wear to temporarily replace the missing tooth or teeth.
With advanced planning, you can be without your natural tooth or teeth for a minimal amount of time.
If there have been teeth missing for a long time, there is often loss of bone support in that area. Some additional procedures may be required to improve the bone quality prior to implant placement. So, if you are missing bone an implant can still be a good restoration for you. This is especially true for patients that have poor-fitting dentures. Our patients have experienced unbelievable improvements in how their dentures fit.
There is unlimited potential for implant restorations and they are one of the most exciting options we have in dentistry today.
Once placed, implants require normal brushing and flossing. You will be given care instructions and tools to achieve good health around your implant. Remember that regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new
implant restoration.