Implants
Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Solution for Missing Teeth
A dental implant consists of a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line, where it gradually bonds with the natural bone. Once this bond is formed, a dentist attaches a custom artificial tooth to the post. This tooth behaves like a natural one, allowing for normal function and appearance. Dental implants can be used to replace a back tooth, a front tooth or multiple teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Restore proper chewing functionality.
- Prevent loss of bone in the jaw where the tooth is missing.
- Provide a solid foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Avoids needing to do dental procedures on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
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The Dental Implant Process Modern Dentistry
The process of receiving dental implants involves several planning steps.
A clinical evaluation of the area of the mouth that will be receiving the implant.
An evaluation of your medical history, smoking history and medications.
A three-dimensional scan of the jaw (CBCT) and a three-dimensional photographic scan of your teeth. These scans will be used to plan the surgery on the computer. Once the implant position is determined on the computer using the scans, a surgical guide is fabricated to help place the implant in the precise planned position.
The implant placement procedure is a surgical procedure that is typically completed in less than an hour and requires just localized numbing.
Once the titanium post is in place, it undergoes a process known as osseointegration, where it fuses with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the dental prosthesis. This typically takes 3 to 6 months.
Once the bone has healed, we attach the abutment to the post, which acts as a connector to the final prosthesis, whether it’s a crown, denture, or bridge. The final result restores your smile and provides a more secure and natural-feeling tooth.
Types of Implant-Supported Prostheses
- Dental Crowns: Used to replace one or more missing teeth.
- All-on-Four Dentures: Implant-supported dentures for replacing full arches of missing teeth.
- Dental Bridges: Used to replace consecutive missing teeth.
By restoring your smile with implants, you will feel more confident. Proper oral care is essential to ensuring the longevity of your implants, including regular cleanings and healthy hygiene practices.
Success Rate of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a proven track record of success. While many patients worry about the possibility of their implants falling out, this is incredibly rare. A study conducted on over 5,000 patients showed that the implant failure rate is under 3%, and the success rate is typically 95% or higher.
