Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are metal anchors (usually made out of medical grade titanium alloy which is employed universally in orthopedics) that are placed into the jaw bones, which then allows the dentist to design different teeth replacements ranging from single crowns to multiple unit bridges to full denture replacements. The implants are usually placed by a trained surgeon.
COMMON QUESTIONSHow do I know if I am a candidate?
The restorative dentist along with the implant surgeon usually makes this determination from a careful clinical exam, accompanied by x-rays. What they are looking for is not only adequate height but also width of bone to place the implant, as well as any medical conditions that may affect the outcome.Do the implants hurt?
No, because when they are placed the area is anesthetized. Thereafter, they feel and chew just like real teeth (bone in itself has no nerve endings).How long do implants take?
Generally, it takes several months to complete the restoration on implants. The reason is because bone takes longer to grow and achieve bonding to implants. Of course, during the waiting period, the patient is wearing a temporary prosthesis.Who performs the procedure?
It takes a team of two dentists: one, an implant surgeon, to place the implants, and the other, a restorative dentist to restore them. Close teamwork is desirable to achieve the most esthetic result because good communication as to the correct implant position is so critical to a successful outcome.
IMPLANT CROWNS
The implant is an anchor that is placed in the bone of the missing tooth area to replace the root portion of the tooth. After sufficient time, the bone bonds to the implant allowing for the placement of a crown.When there is a missing tooth it is desirable not to touch the adjacent teeth. This solution is always preferable because the implant crown does not have to depend on the adjacent teeth for support as in the traditional bridge. It also allows for easier hygiene because flossing is possible between all the teeth. Most importantly, the implant helps maintain the bone and gum tissue, whereas the missing tooth ridge area under the conventional bridge usually resorbs away with time leaving an unsightly space between the false tooth and the gum.
IMPLANT BRIDGES
Implant bridges area employed when there is a desire to avoid conventional removable partial dentures/bridges which have unsightly clasps (hooks) that, over time, also tend to weaken the teeth they are attached to.Implants, acting as anchors, are placed and allowed to bond to the jawbone, to which fixed bridges can be attached. Usually the adjacent teeth are not involved and stay independent. They can replace anywhere from two missing teeth to an entire jaw, thereby replacing a removable denture with a fixed bridge.
<img src=”http://tingweyyen.wpengine.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/07/draw1b.jpg” alt=”” width=”198″ height=”152″ align=”right” border=”0″ hspace=”10″ vspace=”5″ />The implant is an anchor that is placed in the bone of the missing tooth area to replace the root portion of the tooth. After sufficient time, the bone bonds to the implant allowing for the placement of a crown.When there is a missing tooth it is desirable not to touch the adjacent teeth. This solution is always preferable because the implant crown does not have to depend on the adjacent teeth for support as in the traditional bridge. It also allows for easier hygiene because flossing is possible between all the teeth. Most importantly, the implant helps maintain the bone and gum tissue, whereas the missing tooth ridge area under the conventional bridge usually resorbs away with time leaving an unsightly space between the false tooth and the gum.
Implant bridges area employed when there is a desire to avoid conventional removable partial dentures/bridges which have unsightly clasps (hooks) that, over time, also tend to weaken the teeth they are attached to.Implants, acting as anchors, are placed and allowed to bond to the jawbone, to which fixed bridges can be attached. Usually the adjacent teeth are not involved and stay independent. They can replace anywhere from two missing teeth to an entire jaw, thereby replacing a removable denture with a fixed bridge.