The loss of teeth not only damages a person’s self-esteem, it damages everyday functions, such as chewing and speaking. Dental implants are designed to replace the root of a natural tooth. They can replace a single missing tooth or retain a bridge or full denture. Our office both surgically places and restores implants.
Why get a dental implant(s)? An implant helps prevent bone loss due to the absence of a tooth, and it can help maintain gum height. With an implant, both of these effects can cause the appearance of aging as well as difficulty eating and speaking. Additionally, implants are a life-long solution to tooth loss and help keep other teeth in position.
In this procedure, a titanium implant is surgically placed in the jaw. Bone starts to grow up to the implant, and cells attach to the structure in a process called “osseointegration.” After this healing process is complete (usually a three-month period), an “abutment” is attached to the implant. Finally, a crown is fabricated to fit the abutment, and is attached by cement or an internal screw.
For one missing tooth, an implant is a single tooth replacement and does not involve altering the surrounding teeth. Alternatively, two or more implants can support permanent dental bridges when new teeth are securely fastened to the implants.
If all teeth are missing, multiple implants can be placed, and a denture is fabricated over the implants. There are situations when patients may have two, four or six implants under the denture. The implant will either act as a “snap,” or the denture may be permanently affixed to the implants using screws.
Dr. Vessel surgically places and restores implants using the Nobel Biocare system. This system is the most widely used, and the restorative pieces of the implant can be easily replaced or repaired at most dental offices. The Nobel system can be coupled with full ceramic crowns, creating an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting solution.