Dental Implants, The Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss

   
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw to replace a single tooth, replace an anchor tooth for a fixed bridge, or stabilize a denture. Dental implants are the ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, While they may appear to be a more complicated procedure, placing the implant and crown are relatively fast appointments, and are actually more conservative than traditional bridgework, since implants do not require grinding down the neighboring teeth, or relying on them for support

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Dental Implant Benefits

Improved Esthetics-Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent. 

Improved speech. With ill-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak normally without the worry that your teeth might slip. 

Improved comfort. Because they feel like natural teeth and eliminate the need for bulky, uncomfortable dentures. 

Eat comfortably. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult, as well as making a “clicking” noise while chewing. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods comfortably, and without embarrassment.

Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and restore your confidence.

Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require grinding down teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because neighboring teeth are not ground down to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene. 

Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, they can last a lifetime. 

Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.

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The Implant Process

1. During a consultation appointment Dr. Boyd will do an examination to evaluate the area(s). X-rays are usually taken (Dr. Boyd may request that a special x-ray called a cone beam x-ray, or a panoramic x-ray) be taken at a digital imaging center. In addition, impressions may be taken for study models and/or a surgical guide.

2.    The second appointment is the time in which Dr. Boyd will  surgically place the implant into the bone. The gums are secured around the implant and the implant remains covered for approximately 12 weeks in order to allow the bone to fuse with the titanium post (A process known as Osseointegration).

     This is done with local anesthesia, and is a relatively fast procedure, most patients have little or no discomfort after their appointment. While the bone is fusing to the implant a diet consisting of soft foods, or eating on the side opposite of where the implant was placed is recommended.

3. During the third appointment an extension called an abutment to the implant which serves as a foundation for the new tooth. An impression is taken to fabricate a crown which will fit over the abutment.

4. After two weeks the crown is completed and is cemented over the abutment.

 

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Single Implant

Fixed Bridge Implant(s)

Dental Implants for denture stabilization

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