Dental Implants

There is no need to face a future with wobbly, ill-fitting dentures or loose bridgework. Now there is a new solution to replace missing teeth: dental implants. Implants are permanently implanted into the jawbone beneath the gum and look and feel just like your own teeth. Over time, they become firmly united with the bone.

This procedure has many advantages over dentures and bridges. The most important being the totally natural feel and appearance of the teeth. Since the implant is integrated into the structure of the jawbone, there is normally no bone loss and gum recession that is common with dentures and bridgework.

Another benefit of implants is that they reduce the need of attaching a bridge to adjacent teeth which can alter the attached teeth. Implants do not wobble and click like dentures can and they allow you to smile, eat and speak with confidence.

Dental implants are made of titanium, a metal the body tolerates well. The post is implanted into the bone with an attachment that comes through the gum. A crown, bridgework or denture can be permanently attached to the implanted post.

Almost everyone can have dental implants done provided they have healthy gums and an adequate thickness of jawbone; however, they may not be an option for people with chronic health conditions such as poorly-controlled diabetes or osteoporosis. Complications may result due to the healing process in these individuals.

The procedure is painless and can be done under local anesthesia. Total sedation under general anesthesia is also available allowing you to sleep throughout the surgery, if desired. The process is done in stages and begins after your dentist and a periodontist work together to determine where and how the implant should be placed.

The first stage involves an incision through the gum, into the jawbone. The titanium implant is screwed into the bone. When the implant is in place, the gum is stitched over it and is left to heal. Stitches are generally removed in about 7 days and then the jawbone and implant are allowed to fuse for three to six months. During this healing period, a temporary tooth, bridge or denture is worn.

The next stage begins after an appropriate time of healing. A second smaller surgical procedure is done to uncover the top of the implant. Then your dentist takes a series of impressions and the crown, bridge or denture is made. When the implants are ready, your dentist will attach them to the posts and make sure they fit properly and match your other teeth.

There are some risks with dental implant surgery, just as in any surgery, but problems are rare and usually easily treated. Implants are generally totally successful.

Implants are treated just like regular teeth. They need to be thoroughly brushed and flossed regularly. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on caring for your implants. Yearly checkups and x-rays are necessary to monitor them. Just like normal teeth, implants can break or chip but can be easily replaced, providing the implant in the bone is not damaged.