WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are titanium screws which are surgically placed into your jawbone where teeth are missing and act as tooth roots substitutes. It also is a fixture that allows a false tooth (crown) to be anchored into the jawbone and gum line, giving the appearance of a natural-looking tooth.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If you are missing one or several of your teeth, dental implants can be the perfect solution to regain natural-looking teeth by adding caps, crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants also help preserve bone from deteriorating. Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth begins to shrink away, often leaving a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for dental implants. In this case, most patients are not candidates.

BEFORE

DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE

The dental implant procedure consists of 2 separate surgeries with local anesthesia administered to patients when performing both surgeries. During the first surgery, an incision is made on the surface of the gum, exposing the bone at the site where the implant will be placed. Then, a series of special drills prepare the bone site for insertion of the implant. Afterwards, the incision is closed. For the first 4 to 6 months following implant surgery the implants are beneath the surface of the gums and gradually bonds with the jawbone, creating a strong support around it. During this time, a temporary tooth or bridge replacement option can be worn over the implant site.

The second surgery occurs after the healing process has completed and the implants are firmly rooted into the jaw bone. Another small incision is made, exposing the implants and titanium abutments are attached, which act as anchors for prosthesis. Most patients experince minimal disruption in their daily diet.

Since each tooth is individually attached, it gives the appearance of a natural tooth set into the gum and also provides a strong support for bridges and dentures.

AFTER

BENEFITS

Improved appearance
The teeth in the jawbone maintain the shape of the jaw. When teeth loss occurs, the jaw begins to shrink, giving the face the appearance of premature aging. Dental implants prevent the jaw from shrinking and the implants look and function like natural teeth. The crowns never develop tooth decay and will never require root canals. In addition, with more natural-looking teeth, your self-esteem increases as you are more confident about your appearance and smile.

Improved comfort
Dental implants are as close to natural teeth as you can get. You won't have to worry about removable dentures that cause discomfort and gum irritation. With implants, you won't have to worry about the inconvenience and embarrassment of dentures that tend to slip out.

Eating with dentures is also uncomfortable, and as the jawbone shrinks, chewing efficiency decreases and eating can become even more difficult. However, the chewing efficiency of dental implants is almost the same as that of natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy all types of food that you normally would eat.

BEFORE

AFTER