implants

Tooth loss can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. It can also lead to the loss of bone.

Dental implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is placed into the jaw bone which is then outfitted with a porcelain tooth. Implants can also support a bridge or secure a denture or partial. Securing a denture to an implant allows for greater comfort by providing a secure chewing surface.

Placing the implant is done in the office with the same anesthetic used when restoring cavities. The procedure may take up to 2 hours and there are few restrictions for the patient after the placement.

Dental implants can help to save jaw bone structure if placed soon after the initial tooth loss.

Several steps are usually necessary to place an implant. Depending on the type of implant, the steps may vary. The placement of a single-tooth endosteal implant is completed under local anesthesia. A surgical titanium anchor, or artificial root, is placed into the jaw bone. Bone grows around the anchor. This takes about three to six months.

Next, a "healing cap" is placed when the implant is uncovered.

Then, the healing cap is removed and a metal post, or abutment, may be attached to the anchor.

When your gums and jawbone have healed a crown (artificial tooth) is constructed, then screwed or cemented into the post.

For implant supported dentures, mini dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone. The smaller size allows for the prosthesis to be fitted the implant immediately. The denture is attached to a connector and can be removed from the mouth for easy cleaning