Dental implants are placed where the root of the tooth once was and can support a crown, bridge or even a denture. If you are someone who has one or more missing teeth they possibly can be replaced with a dental implant.
Once in place, they can allow a patient to regain chewing function, and restore the natural form of the dental arch. Bone levels can be maintained with an implant in place instead of being lost due to the tooth being absent. Adequate bone density and detailed home care of the implants are necessary to ensure that they will function properly and last a long time.
Signs you may need Dental Implants
- Severely cracked or broken tooth
- Missing one or more natural teeth
- Loose fitting partials or dentures
- Sunken-in look to your facial appearance
- Issues chewing, eating, or speaking
- Tooth infection causing severe pain
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Preserves bones and gums
- Protects healthy teeth by distributing the biting forces
- Prevents teeth from shifting
- Will not decay or ever need root canal treatment
- Increases ability to chew and to speak naturally
- Eliminates the need for removable dentures
- More reliable than any other restoration or tooth replacement
Dental Implant Procedure
Replacing a tooth with an implant and a dental crown is not a one-day procedure. The implant needs time to properly adhere to the bone and create a healthy fusion before the crown can be attached and full bite force can be applied. In most cases, it will take a few months to complete the process.
Due to the timeline, dental implants are actually a series of steps; each is very different and may require an individual specialist. The best place to start is with a consultation with Dr. Fleming.
The Restoration
A dental crown, bridge, or denture can all be used in combination with a dental implant to replace missing teeth. the type of restoration used will be determined based on the number of missing teeth. We are highly qualified to design a custom restoration that look and feel like natural teeth for an aesthetic result.
The Abutment
When the implant post fully heals and fuses with the bone, about 2 – 3 months after surgery, an abutment is used to secure the final dental restoration.
The Implant Post
A small threaded screw, the implant post is made from biocompatible titanium. the implant post will be strategically and surgically implanted into the jaw bone. the post acts as a prosthetic root, and will naturally fuse with bone creating a lasting bond.