Dental Implants

Cosmetic Dentistry Directory

Find a Neuromuscular Dentist dental implant is an artificial tooth root that permanently holds a replacement tooth. When you have a missing tooth, it is important to fill the gap as soon as possible. With a tooth missing, the neighboring teeth have less support to keep them in their correct positions. They will slowly drift out of alignment and move into the gap. That could interfere with your bite and give rise to the painful symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disease (TMD or TMJ).

Many people have a dental bridge and that is a good way to fill the gap and protect your bite. It does have a downside, however. There is still the other gap, the one in your jawbone where there used to be a tooth root. It is important to fill that gap too. If it is left there too long, the bone tissue will shrink into it – a process called bone resorption. It will create a cup, or indentation in the gums where the tooth was because bone has sunk downwards. It might also change your jawline eventually, giving it an older look.

Am I a Good Candidate For a Dental Implant?

There are three types of dental implant, and the one most often used is a titanium screw type. It requires a minimum height, width, and density of the jawbone. Most people do have adequate jawbone tissue and they can have the screw type of implant.

The other types are (a) a flat plate form of implant for those whose jawbone is narrow; and (b) a subperiosteal form that is placed below the gum tissue but on the bone rather than in it. This type is for those whose jawbone is short.

However, there are ways to augment the jawbone and your dentist will discuss all your options with you before making any decision as to implant type. Each case is individual.

If you have more than one tooth missing, you can have more than one implant.

One implant can support one or two new teeth
Four implants can support a whole arch of teeth
Eight implants can support a new mouthful of teeth

Implants can also support a bridge, making dentures unnecessary. However, if you would prefer to have a denture, it can be supported by implants to make it more comfortable and secure. You can snap it on and off little abutments on the implants.

Dental Implant Advantages

Convenience -- You will have no dentures or removable bridge to clean. You can cross denture cleaner off your shopping list. Your replacement tooth or teeth will need only the same daily care that you give your natural teeth and the same regular dental visits for a check up and professional cleaning.

Long-term confidence. You need never worry about loosening or a poor fit. Your new tooth will feel and function like a natural tooth and you will be able to bite and chew your favorite foods. Since dental implants have a reliable success rate, your replacement tooth or teeth will serve you well for many years, perhaps for a lifetime.
Pleasing appearance. The new tooth will be esthetically pleasing and well-matched to your natural teeth. You can smile confidently because only you and your dentist will know that you have a dental implant.
Increased dental health. There will be none of the gum recession that occurs with dentures and bridges. No healthy tooth tissue will have to be removed, as it is when you have a bridge with a dental crown over each neighboring tooth. An implant does not require support from any natural teeth.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Once you and your dentist have agreed that implants are the way to go, and your dentist has determined which type will be best and has taken all the photos, X-rays, measurements and molds necessary, there are three steps to the procedure:

The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone in the exact position where it needs to be for the health of your bite. The gums are sutured and for several months the bone tissue is left to grow in around the implant. There are tiny grooves running around the cylindrical implant which allow the bone to take a firm hold of it, creating a sturdy anchor for your new tooth.
Your dentist attaches a small projection to the top of the implant. It is called an abutment and it is partly hidden below the gums and partly protruding above them. It will hold your tooth firmly. A couple of weeks are enough for the gums to heal around this abutment.
Your tooth is permanently attached to the abutment.

Now you have a new tooth root and a new tooth, and your dental health is vastly improved.

Caring for Your Dental Implant

The implant itself requires no care, although your dentist will want to check on it periodically. The attached tooth needs just the same care you give your natural teeth. Brush and floss effectively at least once a day and visit your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups.

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