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 as well as maintaining the bone in the missing tooth area.
Dental implants act as anchors in order to secure the final restoration in place. Upon the dental implant inserts (abutments) are placed, the type of abutment is dependent on the type of final restoration that is planned. i.e. crown, bridge, denture or removable partial denture.
Dental implants are strong and durable and can last many years with good home care and 4 month maintenance evaluation check ups with Dr. Gray. Much greater home care is necessary for the long term survival of dental implants than with natural teeth.
Reasons for dental implants:
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Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
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Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
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Restore a patient’s confident smile.
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Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
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Restore or enhance facial tissues.
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Support a bridge or denture, making it 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 for four to six months. Dr. Gray uses IBS dental implants which are the most secure implants on the market and have a long track record of success. The technique for placement most often involves creating a small window in the gum tissue to allow access to the bone for implant placement. Most of the time for single tooth implants no tissue flap is created, therefore no need for sutures. This results in less swelling and post operative discomfort. Most of our patients take Advil and Tylenol and are quite comfortable after surgery.
After a healing period of 4-6 months which is dependent upon the quality/ density of the bone in the implant site, the process of fabricating the final restoration can begin. Single tooth crowns can be completed in two appointments just like a natural tooth. Fixed bridgework, removable partial dentures and complete dentures will require multiple visits in order to try in and adjust the different components needed to complete these types of restorations.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, improvement in your eating habits, alongside regular 4 month maintenance dental visits, will aid in the longevity of your new implant.
If you have questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.
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