Implant Dentistry
Our doctors use a revolutionary treatment that provides a long-term solution to tooth loss.
Implant dentistry is revolutionizing the way we replace teeth. Tooth loss is devastating not only to your appearance, but also to your oral health. It is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to ensure other issues such as teeth shifting, periodontal disease and further tooth loss do not occur.
Traditionally, if teeth were lost they were replaced with dentures, partial dentures or bridges. Unfortunately, these treatments did not address the missing tooth root and as a result the jawbone (no longer stimulated by the tooth root) would dissolve, leading to bone loss, tooth loss and changes in your facial esthetics.
Dental implants are tiny titanium screws that are biocompatible with your natural jawbone material, and are inserted into the jaw at the site of tooth loss. Over a period of months your jawbone will heal around the implant – effectively fusing with it to create a strong tooth root alternative. Our doctors will then place a dental prosthetic over the implant in the form of a crown, bridge or implant-supported denture so you can gain full esthetics and functionality of your smile!
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Implant dentistry is revolutionizing the way in which our doctors can treat tooth loss, and host a wide range of benefits such as:
- They look, feel and function just like a natural tooth
- They are completely comfortable once healed
- They allow you to eat whatever you like – no more loose dentures restricting your diet!
- Eat, talk, laugh and speak with total confidence
- Stimulation of the jawbone, preventing resorption
- Provides structural support to the face and teeth
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first four to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. During this time you will have a temporary healing cap or temporary dentures covering your implants. It may be necessary to eat a soft food diet during this time.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. During this time, your dental team designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics. An impression must first be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.