Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace one or more teeth without affecting neighboring teeth. They can support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture. They can provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable. Since dental implants integrate with bone, they prevent the bone loss and gingival recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. Adequate bone is needed to support the dental implant and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Dental implants are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement. Once the implants are in place, they will provide function for many years if properly cared for and the oral health is maintained. This means making a daily commitment for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone without affecting neighboring teeth. They can support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture. They can also provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable. Since dental implants integrate with the bone, they also help to prevent the bone loss and gingival recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
Adequate bone is needed to support the dental implant and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Dental implants are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement. Once the implants are in place, they will provide function for many years if properly cared for and the oral health is maintained. This means making a daily commitment to good oral hygiene and maintaining regular appointments with your dental care provider.
The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, or manmade roots, that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, Dr. Mulherin and Dr. Loney will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implants to provide stable anchors in the gums for replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
However, oftentimes, for the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are left unrestored beneath the surface of the gums to gradually bond with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary restoration and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final crown, bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and esthetics.
After the implants have bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Mulherin or Dr. Loney will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your restorative dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then fabricated and attached to the posts or attachments.