| Oral and Maxillofacial Procedures » Dental Implants |
| Dental Implants Dental implants are true wonders of dental science. They give us the ability to replace almost any missing tooth with one that is equivalent in almost every way. It feels like a natural tooth when you chew, it looks like your natural tooth, and it can’t get cavities or tooth aches. Dental implants can be used to replace individual teeth, several teeth or all of the teeth. They can be used to stabilize dentures so the dentures do not twist out of place or move up and down. They can be used to help with orthodontic care where the natural teeth are difficult to move. Dental implants are one of the best dental treatments available today! They make it possible to replace missing teeth with restorations that look, feel and function like natural teeth. They restore the ability to eat virtually anything and to smile with confidence, knowing that your teeth appear natural, and that facial contours have been preserved or restored. Dental implants actually have two components; one is the root shaped part (the implant) which is placed in the bone, and the other is the crown, or tooth shaped part, that attaches to the top of the root part. The top of each implant has a component for attaching the crown to the root. There are many different manufacturers of dental implants. Each manufacturer uses a different system for attaching the crown. The crown must be custom made by your dentist to match the color of your other teeth, and to fit into the space available. Dental implants are tiny titanium cylindrical posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. They are placed into the bone through small incisions in the gums. The titanium surface is specially treated to make bone adhere to it. There may be threads, grooves, or holes in the implant surface to help stabilize the implant. Because the bone attaches directly to the implant, the implant is held very firmly in the bone. It is actually much harder to remove an implant from the bone than a natural tooth. The jaw bone bonds to the implants so that they are even tighter that your natural teeth. They are resistant to periodontal disease and help to maintain the bone height and volume. The final crowns or dentures are usually attached to the implants within a few months, and in some cases, on the day the implants are placed. You should be able to wear a temporary denture and chew well during the healing phase. Dental implants are placed during a simple surgical procedure in which a small hole is drilled into the bone where the original tooth root was located. The hole is about as deep as the original tooth root, but it is a little smaller in diameter. Dental implants can be placed in either jaw but they must have sufficient bone to support the chewing forced placed on them. In most cases there is sufficient bone to support the implant. If there is not adequate natural bone present, bone can be grafted to the site to increase the support for the implant. We can use synthetic bone, which is the easiest way, or bone harvested from the patient’s upper or lower jaw, or from their hip or leg. The simplest most effective approach is selected. The bone may need to be added at a separate surgery a few months before the implant is placed, or it may be added to the site at the same time the implant is placed. When a bone graft is used, some additional healing time is suggested prior to placing the final crown on the implant. Dr. McBride has extensive experience with all aspects of dental implants. He will be happy to show you how you can have a beautiful, natural smile, an excellent bite, and normal chewing function. You will be surprised at the minimal discomfort and inconvenience during the restoration process. |