|
Dental Implants
How we can reattach natural looking and functioning crowns, bridges and dentures when teeth are lost.
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.
Dental implants
can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted into the jawbone, and a protruding post, which is outfitted with an artificial tooth. Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial denture or secure a fixed denture. The process requires surgery and may take up to a year to complete

Replace a missing tooth Support a bridge Secure a removable denture Secure a fixed denture
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The first step
is completed under local anesthesia. A metal anchor, or artificial root is placed into the jawbone. Bone grows around the anchor. This takes about three to six months.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next, the surgeon will perform the Second Surgical Stage, a "healing cap" is placed when the
implant is uncovered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Then, you return to me, the restorative dentist, and the healing cap is removed. An impression of your implant and
the surrounding teeth and soft tissues is made. In the lab a replica of your mouth is made and analyzed to find the best way to restore the missing teeth. If you are to receive
an implant-supported single crown or a fixed bridge, than 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 to the post. Fitting your new crown properly may take several appointments.
|
|
|
|