|
|
What are Dental Implants?
|
| Dental
Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant
itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis
(artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post. Dental
implants involve cooperation between an Oral Surgeon and our office.
The surgical phase of treatment is completed by the Oral Surgeon,
and the restorative phase is completed at our office.
|
What are Dental Implants Used For?
|
| There
are two basic uses for Dental Implants:
1 As an artificial root for a single tooth replacement.
2 As anchors for a fixed or removable prosthesis to replace multiple
teeth.
|
 |
| With
the exception of your natural teeth, nothing looks more natural
than an implant. One important benefit of implants is that they
slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue from the area of the missing
tooth, thus preventing premature aging.
|
 |
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
|
Step one:
The gum is gently folded back and a space is prepared for the
implant to be placed.
|
 |
 |
Step two:
The dental implant "anchor" is put into place.
|
Step three:
A temporary cap is placed on the implant and the gum tissue
is repositioned around the implant. The implant is left alone for
several months so the bone can attach to the implant and create
a secure anchor.
|
 |
 |
Step one:
After the implant has had a chance to attach to the bone tissue,
the temporary cap is removed from the anchor and a post is attached
to the anchor.
|
Step two:
The implant is now ready for a prosthesis. An impression is
taken of the implant and the appropriate prosthesis (crown, bridge
or overdenture) is made.
|
 |
 |
Step three:
The prosthesis is then attached to the implant(s).
|
|
