Dental Implants-An Option for Replacing Missing Teeth
If missing teeth or dentures are a current problem for you there is an alternative that might be right for you: dental implants. Dental implants are one option for replacing missing or diseased teeth. A dental implant offers support and stability as a natural healthy root and the crown is the restoration that attaches to the implant, which is the closest thing to a natural tooth.

Bone graft before

Bone graft after

What is an Implant?
Implants are referred to as being substitute tooth roots or root replacements. Implants are used for upper and lower teeth. They are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible or suited to the human body. They are placed within the bone and heal over a period of months to which then a crown is made and attached. Dental implants are made of the same biologically-compatible materials that artificial knees, hips or other prosthetic appliances are made of . After the implant is placed, a period of time (usually 2-4 months) is required for it to fuse to the surrounding tissue and become anchored. A customized crown is then fabricated and attached to the implant.

Dental implants have been used for several decades. Patients of all ages have chosen dental implants to replace single or multiple teeth or even to support dentures. Dental implants give full function and support as natural teeth and are much stronger than natural or existing teeth. Approved and tested dental implant systems are very successful. The advantages of dental implants over more conventional therapies are the following:

• Less invasive—no cutting down of adjacent, natural teeth for a bridge
• Stronger—research shows dental implants to be up to eight times stronger that
  teeth
• Cosmetic—they look just like teeth giving a natural appearance to your smile
• Less expensive—dental implant 20 year survival rates have been shown to be greater than 98%. Therefore, they are many times a one-time therapy and don’t need to be replaced like conventional crown and bridge due to cavities (expected life span is 12years for crown and bridge)
• No cavities
• Very functional—there are little to no diet restrictions with dental implants

Before

After

What are some of the benefits of Dental Implants?
Overall quality of life is enhanced that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The result is increased comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking, and eating. If dentures and partials are replaced with implants the overall enhancement in quality of life is significant with the ability to eat all types of foods, elimination of messy adhesives, improved speech, comfort and appearance.

• Preserves integrity of facial structures to prevent premature wrinkling of the face.
• Better health due to proper nutrition and digestion of food. Certain foods become a challenge to chew and are often avoided causing malnutrition of certain vitamins and minerals.
• Adjacent teeth are not compromised to replace missing teeth. Tooth replacement with traditional bridges requires grinding down teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and cementing a bridge. Subsequently, decay of those teeth and fractures of teeth become a problem in the future of those adjacent teeth. Bridges need to be replaced often due to dental caries and periodontal problems arise because cleaning under the bridge becomes difficult.
• Convenience of hygiene. Taking care of implants is the same as natural teeth. Brushing and flossing are necessary to keep them healthy.
• Increased stability and a sense of security that teeth will not fall out when eating, laughing or sneezing.
• Improved ability to taste foods. Wearing an upper denture prevents someone from tasting food because the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth the roof of the mouth is not covered so it is possible to enjoy the taste of foods.

The Implant Process- What is Involved in Dental Implant Procedures?
Consultation. The first step is an examination and consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants. This usually involves a thorough examination of the mouth and x-rays. A review of your medical history will indicate whether any medical conditions would prevent you from being a candidate for dental implants.

Implant Placement Procedure – The implants are placed using a gentle surgical technique. The implants are left to attach to the surrounding tissues, or “osseointegrate”, for 2-4 months typically.

Abutment Attachment Procedure – After osseointegration has occurred a post or abutment is attached to the implant. This abutment allows for the new crown to be attached or cemented to the implant.

Restoring the Implant – This involves the general dentist he will take impressions of the implant abutment and select the appropriate shade of the new crown. The general dentist will place the new crown to the abutment which is connected to the implant.

Is the Surgical Procedure Painful?
Most patients report that the implant procedure is far less uncomfortable than what they were expecting. Usually, less discomfort when compared to the tooth being extracted or removed. A prescription for pain medication is given as a preventive measure to patients to be taken if needed. Most patients return to work the next day with no complications.

Before

After

Before

After

Final Pictures

Final

Final

Final

Final

Final