Dental implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.
After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.
Full Arch Replacement
ALL TEETH MISSING
In clinical situations where patient are missing all of their teeth or their teeth are in a condition which requires them to be removed, dental implants provide a secure and confident solution. Traditionally, complete dentures were the solutions for full tooth replacement. Although, practical and affordable dentures often decrease the ability of the patient to smile and function with full confidence. Dentures lack the ability to stimulate the underlying bone and as a result over the years the bone volume diminishes, often leaving the patient with a poorly fitting denture. The solution to full arch dental implant tooth replacement depends on the patients desires and expectations. Often a detailed consultation will aid in the decision process. The treatment options involve:
1) Installation of 6-8 dental implants per arch. Restoration of the implants with a fixed porcelain bridge often replacing 12-14 teeth. This is a highly customized solution requiring the individualized fabrication of each tooth from a highly skilled ceramist. The results are unmatched in terms of the appearance, feel, fit and long term maintenance. For ideal results, this solution is often selected soon after tooth loss, where patients have the full volume of the jaw bone. It is not uncommon for a long term denture wearers to select this option however the quality and volume of the remaining bone will need to be determined.
2) Installation of 4-6 dental implants per arch. Restoration of the implants with a fixed acrylic hybrid bridge. This solution is often called a fixed hybrid bridge because is combines the use of acrylic denture teeth on a custom framework secured to the dental implants. This option represents an more economical solution in terms materials however provides the same level of secure fit as a bridge.
3) Placement of 2-4 dental implants per arch. Restoration with a removable denture fitted with implant attachments. The final denture is still removable however the attachements provide a secure and firm fit. This is the logical choice for denture wearers who prefer to have a removable solution with the least financial investment. This is the ideal solution for the patient who is looking to secure a floating lower denture or to remove the roof of the mouth portion of a full upper denture.
multiple teeth replacement
Replacment of natural teeth is best accomplished with dental implants. The titanium screw replaces the root of the tooth. This implant will support the surrounding bone and prevent long term bone loss in the surrounding area. The crown of the tooth is secured directly to the implant, providing a natural emergence of the tooth from the gumline. The replacement of single and multiple teeth with dental implants is often favoured over traditional bridge work. Traditional bridge work involves the utilization of the patient’s natural teeth to secure the false tooth/teeth. This has fallen out of favour in recent years due to the long term liability of using natural teeth as anchors, implants are more suitable.
single tooth replacement
Replacement of natural teeth is best accomplished with dental implants. The titanium screw replaces the root of the tooth. This implant will support the surrounding bone and prevent long term bone loss in the surrounding area. The crown of the tooth is secured directly to the implant, providing a natural emergence of the tooth from the gumline. The replacement of single and multiple teeth with dental implants is often favoured over traditional bridge work. Traditional bridge work involves the utilization of the patient’s natural teeth to secure the false tooth/teeth. This has fallen out of favour in recent years due to the long term liability of using natural teeth as anchors, implants are more suitable.