Cosmetic, Implant, Invisalign & Family Dentistry

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Dental Implants That Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth

Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are titanium anchors that are surgically embedded into either the upper or lower jaw bone and meant to replace the natural root structure of a tooth. These posts have grooves along the side, much like a screw, that allows the bone to integrate around these grooves and create a strong hold on the implant; much like the bone would for natural roots.

The purpose of dental implants is to provide a foundation to replace teeth that have been extracted while making sure they function, feel, and look like natural teeth.

Implant Procedures Commonly Performed Include:

  • Single Tooth Replacement

  • Multiple Teeth Replacement

  • Full Arch Replacement

To assess the need for dental implants, a consultation with one of our doctors is required for a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to evaluate the level and quality of bone tissue. Assessment tools used during the consultation may include X-rays and CAT scans to ensure proper placement of the implant to restore function and maintain esthetics. In some cases, patients with insufficient bone or gum tissue will require further treatment and the use of small diameter implants, using the Bicon system.

Our doctors will recommend the most appropriate dental implant treatment plan depending on:

  • The condition of your gum and bone tissues

  • At-home oral hygiene care

  • Behavioral modifications

  • Committing to the follow the aftercare instructions

Based on these and other conditions, our dental practitioners will advise on the duration of time the entire treatment process will take including the amount of appointments and what can be expected during each office visit. During the consultation, different methods of pain management will be discussed to ensure total patient comfort during the entire process.

Single Tooth Replacement

Benefits:

  • All components installed as a single unit, meaning that the adjacent teeth are not compromised and needing to be cut down
  • Immediately functioning teeth
  • Exceptional esthetic results
  • Stable tooth replacement that lasts a lifetime!
  • Treatment has minimal recovery time, with patients returning to work the very next day after implant placement

Procedure

  • Assessment of implant candidacy. Once our dental practitioner diagnosis for an implant, with the use of X-rays and other means, our treatment coordinators will walk you through all financial and personal responsibilities. This includes making sure to have a complete breakdown of benefits from your dental insurance and going over the consent forms.
  • Implant Placement. The appointment will be scheduled to install the implant into the jawbone. After this visit, either a temporary crown or a removable partial is worn to maintain chewing function and esthetics while allowing time for the bone to integrate around the implant post, this will take a few months.
  • Crown Placement. The final step is taking an impression for crown placement and finally cementing the crown onto an implant abutment. Resulting in a new tooth that will regain the functional and esthetic and also needs to be properly cared for with routine maintenance from a dental hygienist and proper at-home oral hygiene care.

Alternatives

  • Tooth-supported fixed bridge. A traditional bridge involves cutting down the adjacent teeth to support the false tooth they are holding. This is a stable solution that has been the routine treatment for replacing teeth for many years. However, the disadvantage to this procedure is compromising the health of the adjacent teeth and the continuous bone loss in the tooth-less area.
  • Removable partial denture. This procedure is a temporary alternative to tooth replacement. These lab made devices are unstable and can become loose through wear, which may affect the function and comfort.

Multiple Teeth Replacement

Fixed Bridge on Implants:

  • Involves the replacement of several of the teeth in the front or back of the mouth
  • The restorations that are a bridge are anchored to the jaw bone by dental implants
  • The only alternative to treatment available at this time to replace multiple missing teeth in the jaw is a removable denture, which are known to be unstable and cause further irreversible bone loss
  • This fixed prosthetic prevents the loss of bone within the jaws that occurs naturally with teeth that have been removed

Alternate Treatment:

  • Removable partial denture

Full Mouth Reconstruction

A full mouth reconstruction involves several restorative procedures to regain chewing function and then several cosmetic procedures to regain esthetics. The purpose of a full mouth reconstruction is towards the overall improvement of the health and appearance of your smile that has been affected my many different factors.

Full mouth reconstructions are diagnosed for patients whose teeth are damaged by chemical (erosion due to acid reflux) or mechanical wear (such as grinding).

The extent of tooth damage determines the degree to which the dental treatments will be needed to restore the condition of these teeth and regain function.

Examples of procedures that may be involved in a full mouth reconstruction:

  • Invisalign
  • Dental Implants
  • Full-Porcelain Crowns
  • LAVA Crowns
  • Porcelain Veneers

Full Upper Or Lower Arch Replacement

Fixed Bridge on Implants:

Involves the replacement of several of the teeth in the front and back of the mouth

The restorations that are a bridge are anchored to the jaw bone by dental implants

This fixed prosthetic prevents the loss of bone within the jaws that occurs naturally with teeth that have been removed

Alternate Treatment:

  • Removable Full Denture
    • Conventional – without any implant anchors
    • Overdenture – with implant anchors
      • Abutments
      • Overdenture Hader bar

Implant Dentistry FAQs

  • What are dental implants?
  • Are dental implants safe?
  • How much does an implant cost?
  • Options instead of getting implants?
  • How long is a dental implant going to take?
  • What does it mean to be a candidate for implants?
  • Pros and Cons of Dental Implants over other Tooth Replacement Therapies:
    • Preservation of natural tooth structure
    • Permanent solution
    • Improved appearance
    • Preservation of natural jawbone structure
  • Will dental implants affect my life?
  • Will I be able to chew and eat food the same?
  • Is my treatment going to hurt?
  • How will I take care of my dental implants?