Dental Implants solve many problems associated with removable dentures. While conventional dentistry enables some people to wear dentures comfortably, research has shown 85% of the estimated 32 million people with dentures in this country experience some discomfort and difficulty due to their false teeth.

Dental Implants eliminate the discomfort and embarrassment often associated with dentures. Where some teeth are missing, dental implants may be used to eliminate the need for a removable partial denture by providing the support necessary for attachment of a fixed bridge. Patients with implants have reported their confidence has been restored and their quality of life thus improved. Dental implants also help prevent the premature loss of remaining teeth and are a good investment in oral health.

Q. What are Dental Implants?

In areas of missing teeth, where adequate height and width of bone exist, Dental Implants, made from biocompatible materials, can become directly attached to the jaw bone. In dental terms this is called "osseointegration." The implant then performs a function similar to natural tooth roots. The implant is able to withstand biting forces as well as a healthy natural tooth.

Q. What procedures are used to insert Dental Implants?

The insertion of Dental Implants is a surgical procedure performed in a single office visit. The Implant is designed to be submerged under the gum tissue, allowing time for the implant to attach directly to the bone. After a healing period of three to six months, a brief second procedure is needed to expose the top of the implant. An appropriate abutment is then attached to the implant to support a bridge or denture.

Surgery

Q. What Restorations are possible?

1.  Replace a single tooth: One implant with a crown can replace a single missing tooth, eliminating the need to prepare adjacent natural teeth.

2.  Eliminate a partial denture: Implants can be used as support for a fixed bridge by either connecting to natural teeth of connecting several implants.

3.  Stabilize a denture: A removable denture can be retained by several implants while still being supported by tissue.

4.  Retain and support a denture: A removable denture can be retained and supported by four to six implants joined by a bar.

5.  Support a complete bridge: Jaws missing all the teeth can be restored with fixed bridges anchored by five or six implants. This restoration is removable only by your dentist.

Restoration

Q. Am I a candidate for Dental Implants?

Generally, anyone who is healthy enough to have routine extractions can be considered for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone which can usually be determined by a clinical and radiographic examination. Your general health is an important factor.

Q. What inconvenience will I experience?

Most patients report only minor discomfort similar to that associated with a simple tooth extraction. When the patient wears a partial or full denture prior to the surgery, the denture can often be modified with a soft lining. This provides little distruption of normal business or social activities.

Q. What is the cost of Dental Implants?

The fee varies from one case to another depending on the complexity and the number of implants needed. The overall expense is comparable to the investment in fixed bridgework.

Q. How long will my implants last?

Research has indicated that implants offer long-term predictability once osseointegration has taken place. Studies have also shown that Core-Vent Implants achieve osseointegration on a highly consistent basis. The success of implant supported restorations depends on a number of variables including individual patient health, oral hygiene, anatomical variations and restoration design.

Q. What are Mini Implants?

In some situations, a patient with less than an ideal quantity of bone can have several mini implants placed. These mini implants can then be used to stabilize a denture. This is an excellent service at a reasonable cost that can significantly enhance a patient's eating ability and quality of life.

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