Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes they don't!
Replacing missing teeth is important to your general health and to the health of your other teeth. Not only do you lose chewing ability when a tooth is lost, but un-replaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped or crowded and create subsequent problems. Also, there are the obvious problems of poor appearance and loss of self-esteem caused by one or more missing teeth.
Dental implants should always be considered as an option to replace a failing or missing tooth. Replacement of lost teeth with dental implants has been used for treating missing teeth for more than 50 years and is recognized as an effective treatment choice. Treatment is considered more predictable than bridgework, resin bonded bridges and endodontic treatment.
Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a replacement tooth or crown or a set of replacement teeth.
Implant patients are of all ages and implants may be the right choice for anyone missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay. They are especially practical for patients who can no longer wear removable dentures. We can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history.
There are many shapes, sizes and brands of implants available.
It is important for a patient to have enough bone to support the implant. If you do not have enough bone, there are many safe and effective ways to correct bone deficiency. We will assess this and advise you if additional bone material is needed.
Treatment time can vary greatly depending on your needs. Each situation needs a separate evaluation; we will be able to give you an approximate timetable.
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1. Planning
The first step in the treatment sequence is careful planning, which begins with a thorough examination of your individual oral situation. Through X-rays and models of your mouth, your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment plan for your situation. |
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2. Implant placement
The implant is installed. Sometimes, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you to eat and function like normal almost immediately. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken. |
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3. Attaching the new crown
When the healing period is complete, the implant provides a solid foundation for attaching your replacement tooth. |
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4. The final result |
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