This option is only for new patients. If you are a returning patient, please call us at (833) 833-2133
For one reason or another, there may be missing teeth in your mouth. Replacements for these teeth are needed either for function (the ability to chew), or cosmetics to not have the unsightly appearance of having teeth missing. Implants are replacements for missing teeth that are permanently fixed in your mouth, therefore eliminating the need to take them in and out like dentures. Implants will feel more natural and as close to your natural teeth than any other alternative. Implants are made of titanium that is biologically compatible with your body.
Structure of the Dental Implant
The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by our team of professionals who are specially trained and experienced in implant placement and restorative dentistry. This team approach provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you. X-rays will be needed to measure the quality and width of bone to see if an implant can be successfully placed and the best position to place it. If the quality of bone is good, implants have a 98% success rate and with proper care, it can last a lifetime.
The implant is placed into the jawbone of your mouth. This may sound painful, but we will make sure you are completely numb by using local anesthetic. Furthermore, there are no nerves in your bone. No nerves means no pain. As the jaw bone heals, bone forms around the titanium implant anchoring it securely in your mouth. This healing process called osseous integration can take up to 12 weeks.
After osseous integration, a connector called an abutment is placed on the implant. This connector will connect the implant to the crown or restoration.
Not everyone is a candidate for implants. Patients must have good oral hygiene and be committed to maintain good oral hygiene throughout life. Patients who have diabetes, who smokes and have had radiation therapy to the head and neck area have a higher risk for implant failure. Our dentists will carefully evaluate these patients to determine if they are candidate for implants
A bridge is used to replace missing teeth. It is made up of two or more crowns to “bridge” the missing teeth. Much like the bridge you drive on, we use two sides as anchors with a false tooth to connect the two sides. The crowns that make up the bridge can be made of many different materials (see Crowns Section).
Dental Bridge
Bridges can:
At the first visit for getting a bridge, the natural teeth between the missing teeth are prepared. Preparation involves removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge and the crowns involved will be made by a dental lab. Our dentist will make a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth while the bridge is being made.
At the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual’s case and how many missing teeth the bridge is replacing. Eventually the bridge is cemented into place.
This option is only for new patients. If you are a returning patient, please call us at (833) 833-2133