 |
A Restoration with a Solid Foundation
 |
| Implants are prescribed to replace a missing tooth
or teeth. |
 |
| A customized crown or bridge is permanently cemented
to the implant. |
 |
| An implant post is surgically placed into the area
where the tooth is missing. In a few months bone will fuse to the
implant. |
 |
| Implants restore the natural beauty, function,
and health of teeth. |
Tooth Root Substitutes. Sometimes, people lose permanent teeth due
to accident, injury, disease or extraction. In such cases, we find dental
implants to be a secure, functional replacement option. They're superior
to many other replacement choices because they actually restore comfort
and beauty, while also remaining functional for the long run. What's more,
they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, and therefore do not
represent a threat to the integrity of your overall dental structural health.
Sometimes, Drs. Henbest, Childress and Erickson will recommend implants as anchors for bridgework
or fixed dentures as well.
Advantageous Anchors. Since they are permanently, surgically anchored
to the jawbone, implants offer impressive advantages over other tooth replacement
options. Their stability and permanence allows them to restore, not limit,
your ability to speak and eat normally. Also, their firm positioning supplies
support to facial musculature, improving rather than detracting from your
normal appearance. And this solid foundation means that once they're implante
Permanent Posts. The implant itself consists of a small titanium
post, inserted into the jawbone below the gum surface at the location of
the missing tooth. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation
onto which artificial teeth are attached and shaped to match your existing
teeth. Depending on how many teeth you're missing, we'll determine the best
kind of restoration for your case. If you're missing one or two teeth, your
restoration will most likely be a simple crown. For two or more missing
teeth, you'll probably require permanent fixed bridgework. And, if we're
replacing a complete set of upper or lower teeth, we'll evaluate the advantages
of removable vs. fixed prosthesis, which in turn determines how many implants
per jaw are required.
Coordinated Care. The implant process generally requires three separate
steps, "anchoring", "attachment", and "restoration". As the 'orchestrator'
of a professional implant procedure team, Dr. Henbest, Dr. Childress, or Dr. Erickson coordinates each step,
the first two of which are completed by an Oral Surgeon who specializes
in implant surgery. Once we've determined that implants are the best option
for you, we work with you individually to evaluate the specific type of
implants appropriate to resolve your particular concerns, carefully assembling
all steps of your treatment plan.
Bonding Base To Bone. To place your implant, we'll take you through
three phases of treatment. First, the Oral Surgeon will surgically anchor
the tooth root substitute "post" into your jaw-bone below the gum tissue.
This post must form a solid, enduring base with sufficient stability to
withstand the tremendous mechanical pressure involved in normal chewing,
so we'll typically allow three to six months for the post to incorporate
into the bone. Fortunately, most patients do not notice the post during
this time. During the wait, we will work with the surgeon to provide
a temporary bridge or dentures to facilitate eating and to help maintain
facial muscle support. In the meantime, the lab carefully custom designs
and manufactures your artificial tooth or teeth to be placed over the implant
top.
Placing Prosthesis on Post. Once we're certain that your implant post
has bonded with your jawbone, the surgeon will prepare the implant to receive
your restoration tooth or teeth. This step requires fixing the top of the
implant (prosthetic abutment) onto the anchor post. For this step, the surgeon
will first uncover each implant anchor, and connect it to a small post that
protrudes above the gum-line.
Ready for Restoration. Once the lab has completed their custom fabrication
of your artificial teeth or restoration, our doctors completes the final
step of implant placement process. He carefully uses the prepared restoration
to cover your protruding implant posts. This results in a secure, attractive,
replacement tooth or set of teeth, designed to function as effectively as
your remaining natural teeth. Depending on the number of teeth involved,
this final part of the implant process usually requires only a short time
to complete.
Statistics of Success. Those unfamiliar with implant technology may
question the success rate of such procedures. Surprisingly enough, the technology
is well over 25 years old, and has proven successful in tooth replacement,
depending primarily on the recipient's health, as well as the location and
function of the teeth being replaced. Teeth placed in the lower front jaw
may be up to 95% successful, while side or rear placements may be only 90%
successful. It's also best if recipients are in good general health, with
proper bone structure and healthy gums. Often, people unable to wear dentures
are among those who benefit most from implants. On the other hand, chronic
health problems such as clenching, bruxism, or systemic diseases may decrease
the success rate of the procedure immensely. Finally, those who smoke or
drink alcohol may also be poor implant candidates.
Cost and Commitment. Due to the surgery involved, implant procedures
are typically more expensive than traditional bridgework. However, dental
and medical insurance may cover portions of such restoration. It's best
to discuss this with our doctors and staff during your evaluation for
implant placement, so that we can assist you in working with your insurance
company.
Finally, as an implant candidate, you should seriously consider your own
commitment to future oral health. As you might imagine, poor oral hygiene
itself is a common cause of implant failure. This means that you'll want
to be sure and brush and floss around your implants at least twice a day,
according to the specific instructions we give you. Further, you may need
up to four annual professional cleanings to maintain healthy gums.
|
