IMPLANT
DENTISTRY
Replacing
a Single Tooth
If you are missing
a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental
implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root.
What
are the advantages of a single-tooth implant over a bridge?
A dental implant
provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options.
In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth,
a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing
the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment
for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge,
requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented
bridge.
Because a dental
implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved.
With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the
tooth begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate
with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.
In the long
term, a single implant can be more esthetic and easier to keep
clean than a bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving
a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge
becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to
an unattractive smile. And, the cement holding the bridge in
place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that
anchor the bridge.
How
will the implant be placed?
First, the implant,
which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw.
Over the next two to six months, the implant and the bone are
allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial
tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option
can be worn over the implant site.
Often, a second
step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and
attach an extension. This small metal post, called an abutment,
completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed.
Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following
this procedure.
There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do not require
this second step. These systems use an implant which already
has the extension piece attached. Your periodontist will advise
you on which system is best for you.
Finally, a replacement
tooth called a crown will be created for you by your dentist
and attached to the abutment. After a short time, you will experience
restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and
speak. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you
may forget you ever lost a tooth.
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Replacing Several Teeth
If you are missing
several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental
implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some
of the roots.
What
are the advantages of implant-supported bridges over fixed bridges
or removable partial dentures?
Dental implants
provide several advantages over other teeth replacement options.
In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported
bridges replace teeth without support from adjacent natural
teeth. Other common treatments for the loss of several teeth,
such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are dependent
on support from adjacent teeth.
In addition,
because implant-supported bridges will replace some of your
tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With a fixed bridge
or removable partial denture, the bone that previously surrounded
the tooth root may begin to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants
integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy
and intact.
In the long
term, implants are esthetic, functional and comfortable. Gums
and bone can recede around a fixed bridge or removable partial
denture, leaving a visible defect. Resorbed bone beneath bridges
or removable partial dentures can lead to a collapsed, unattractive
smile. The cement holding bridges in place can wash out, allowing
bacteria to decay teeth that anchor the bridge. In addition,
removable partial dentures can move around in the mouth and
reduce your ability to eat certain foods.
How
will the implants be placed?
First, implants,
which looks like screws or cylinders, are placed into your jaw.
Over the next two to six months, the implants and the bone are
allowed to bond together to form anchors. During this time,
a temporary teeth replacement option can be worn over the implant
sites.
Often, a second
step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implants and
attach extensions. These small metal posts, called abutments,
complete the foundation on which your new teeth will be placed.
Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following
this procedure.
There are some
implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second
step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension
piece attached. Your periodontist will advise you on which system
is best for you.
Finally, replacement
teeth, or bridges, will be created for you by your dentist and
attached to the abutments. After a short time, you will experience
restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and
speak.
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Replacing
All of Your Teeth
If you are missing all of your
teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can
replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural
teeth and some of the roots.
What are the advantages of
implant-supported full bridges and implant-supported dentures
over conventional dentures?
Dental implants provide several advantages over other teeth
replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning
like natural teeth, implant-supported full bridges or dentures
are designed to be long lasting. Implant-supported full bridges
and dentures also are more comfortable and stable than conventional
dentures, allowing you to retain a more natural biting and chewing
capacity.
In addition, because implant-supported
full bridges and dentures will replace some of your tooth roots,
your bone is better preserved. With conventional dentures, the
bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots begins to resorb
(deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone,
helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.
In the long term, implants
can be more esthetic and easier to maintain than conventional
dentures. The loss of bone that accompanies conventional dentures
leads to recession of the jawbone and a collapsed, unattractive
smile. Conventional dentures make it difficult to eat certain
foods.
How will the implants be placed?
First, implants,
which looks like screws or cylinders, are placed into your jaw.
Then, over the next two to six months, the implants and the
bone are allowed to bond together to form anchors for your artificial
teeth. During this time, a temporary teeth replacement option
can be worn over the implant sites.
Often, a second
step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implants and
attach extensions. These small metal posts, called abutments,
along with various connecting devices that allow multiple crowns
to attach to the implants, complete the foundation on which
your new teeth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to
heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
There are some
implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second
step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension
piece attached. Your periodontist will advise you on which system
is best for you.
Depending upon
the number of implants placed, the connecting device that will
hold your new teeth can be tightened down on the implant, or
it may be a clipped to a bar or a round ball anchor to which
a denture snaps on and off.
Finally, full bridges or full dentures will be created for you
and attached to your implants or the connecting device. After
a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your
smile and your ability to chew and speak.
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