Is dental implant surgery for you? Dental implants are a great alternative to replace missing
teeth, and also keep your removable partial or complete dentures
more secure. Implants provide excellent support and stability
for these dental appliances.
This procedure consists of artificial roots and teeth (usually
titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw
bone. Once attached to the implant, the teeth are very natural
looking and often enhances or restores a patient’s smile.
Though very strong, durable and stable, dental implants can last
many years but will need to be re-tightened or replaced due to
normal wear.
Dental
implants may be right for you if you:
Want to replace one or more
missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Want to resolve joint pain or bite problems
caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
Want to improve chewing, speech, and digestion.
Have adequate bone to secure the implants,
or are able to have a bone grafting procedure.
Want to secure dentures in for a more stable
and permanent feel.
The process of
getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
In your initial appointment x-rays and impressions (molds) are taken
of the area to determine bone, gum tissue and spacing availability
for the implant. Depending on the type of implant, the implant will
be surgically placed into the bone at the next appointment and will
then have to heal and fuse onto the bone. This process can take
up to 6 months.
Once the implant
site has healed, a post that will hold the artificial tooth will
have to be placed onto the implant followed by several weeks of
healing. During this time the artificial teeth are made and fitted
to the post portion of the implant. After it is fully healed the
artificial tooth gets securely attached to the implant, providing
the patient with the comfort and confidence of a new tooth.
