Do I Need to Replace Missing Teeth?
Dental Implants Introduction
It becomes much more difficult to bite and chew food.
You may find that you have developed a lisp, or have other issues communicating. You even begin to lose bone mass in your jaw, which causes the bone to change and alter your bite.
When this happens, you may be faced with other issues, such as bruxism and TMD.
Replacing missing teeth is essential for restoring the functions of those teeth and your quality of life. Boones Landing Dental Center can help with dental implants.
Call (503) 601-0610 or schedule a consultation today!
How Do I Replace Missing Teeth?
Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures have traditionally been the main options when replacing missing teeth. However, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural, and they are quickly becoming the primary choice for replacing missing teeth.Over a series of appointments, implants are surgically placed below the gums, where they fuse to the jawbone. Compared to other tooth-replacement alternatives, dental implants offer the best stability, because they fuse to your bone through a process called osseointegration.
Options for Missing Teeth
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post designed to replace a missing tooth in the mouth.The post is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing, and provides a more permanent solution.
Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural, and some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.
Candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.
Why Should I Get Dental Implants?
What can Dental Implants do For Me
| • | Replace a missing tooth |
| • | Maintain healthy bone levels |
| • | Help support overdentures |
| • | Keep the look and feel of a real tooth where one is missing |
Dental implants are an incredible treatment for replacing missing teeth, providing you with a unique alternative to bridges and dentures.
With this treatment, small titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone. The bone then fuses to the posts in a natural process called osseointegration. This process stabilizes the posts within your jaw.
Once you have fully healed, the posts become strong roots that provide support for the ceramic crowns that replace your teeth.
What Does a Dental Implant Involve?
| 1. | Implant Site PreparationThe gum tissue is opened to expose the bone area where the implant will be placed. In situations where there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be a recommended procedure.Once healthy bone has been established, a special drill is used to prepare the bone to receive the implant. |
| 2. | Placing the ImplantAfter the bone has been prepared, the implant is placed and the tissue is sutured. After seven to ten days the sutures are removed. The healing process takes three to six months.This is the amount of time it usually takes the implant to become part of the bone of the jaw. |
| 3. | Attaching the PostWhen the gum tissue is ready, a special post is attached to the implant; it is the support for the new porcelain crown.Today's technologies often include zirconium abutments attached to the implant post, to assure that the new porcelain tooth possesses translucency properties similar to a natural tooth. |
| 4. | Placing the CrownAfter impressions are taken, a dental crown is made and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is then slipped over the post and cemented.This final prosthetic crown appears as a natural tooth. Additionally, thanks to our in-office CEREC same-day crowns technology, we can provide you with your permanent replacement teeth the same day as your implant surgery. |
Cone Beam Before Implant
How do I Care for Dental Implants?
There is a high rate of failure of implants in patients who smoke, so dental implants tend to not be an option for patients who are actively smoking.We will help you determine whether dental implants will be a good tooth replacement option for you.
Proper brushing and flossing will maximize the longevity of your new dental implant.
What is Attached to Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an extremely versatile treatment. There are options for those missing one tooth, and there are options for those multiple missing teeth. There are even options for those who have suffered too much bone loss.Types of dental implants include:
| • | Single Tooth (Dental Implant):With this treatment, one post supports a single crown, replacing one individual tooth. |
| • | Multiple Teeth (Fixed Bridge):Also called an implant supported bridge, this treatment replaces two or more missing teeth. The number of posts required depends upon the number of teeth missing and the condition of your jaw. |
| • | Full Arch Replacement (Fixed Denture):Commonly called an implant supported denture, this treatment replaces a full arch of missing teeth. 6 to 8 posts are used to support your new teeth. |
| • | All on 4® (Fixed Denture):If you do not have the necessary bone mass to support a full arch replacement, the All on four treatment provides you with an alternative that helps you to avoid the need for a bone graft. Four posts are placed in your jaw to maximize contact with the bone. |
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
| • | The crowns look exactly like your real teeth. |
| • | Your can bite and normally chew, which restores your digestion and nutrition. |
| • | The crowns feel just like your real teeth, restoring your speech without having to relearn how to talk. |
| • | Implants are comfortable. The teeth are supported by the posts, instead of your gums. This means no unnecessary pressure on your gums. |
| • | You can brush and floss your new teeth just like your real teeth. |
| • | The posts stimulate your jawbone just like the roots of your real teeth. This stops and prevents bone loss in your jaw, helping it to remain strong and healthy. This also helps to prevent the need for replacements. Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. |
What Are the Drawbacks of Dental Implants?
| • | They require surgery for placement. |
| • | There is a recovery period after surgery. It can take several weeks to several months to fully heal. |
| • | Implants can be expensive. |
| • | If you do not have enough bone mass to support dental implants, you may need a bone graft first. |
