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| If you are missing one or more teeth or are bothered by dentures that are loose and unstable, dental implants are the solution. Apart from the obvious cosmetic inconvenience of missing teeth, additional oral and general health problems may result when missing teeth are not replaced. Missing teeth result in movement of another tooth into the empty space, the resulting mis-alignment that occurs due to shifting teeth, may result in these teeth being more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Missing teeth can affect speech and chewing ability. |
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If your upper and lower jaw are missing all the teeth ("edentulous"), bone loss ("bone resorption") will occur over time in the jaws, causing the bone to shrink. This frequently causes problems for denture wearers because as the jaw shrinks, their dentures become loose. When dental implants are placed, bone loss is reduced or eliminated, thereby preserving facial structure and contours. |
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A dental implant is a tooth replacement option (other tooth replacement options are bridges or dentures). Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth or all of your teeth.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root of a missing natural tooth. They are surgically placed into the jaw bone and a healing process occurs ("osseointegration") whereby the bone next to the implant attaches to the implant and locks it into place. This allows the implant to function like a tooth root to support artificial teeth ("prosthesis"). Small posts ("abutments") are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts act as stable anchors for the artificial replacement teeth. |
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 Improve appearance: When you lose a tooth, shrinkage of the jaw-bone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process - a traditional bridge or denture doesn't. Dental implants look and feel like your own natural teeth. |
| Tooth-saving: Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of adjacent healthy teeth like a traditional bridge does. The adjacent teeth are left untouched. Whereas with a bridge, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. |
| Cost Effective: Because only one tooth is replaced rather than the three teeth of a bridge, dental implant tooth replacement can cost less than traditional bridgework. |
| Comfort: Dental implants are secure and offer freedom from troublesome loose dentures. They will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence. |
| Predictable: The success rate for dental implants is highly predictable when cared for properly. Long term (greater than 30 years) studies indicate a success rate of 95-98%. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement. |
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Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay is a candidate. An Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgeon can determine if you are a good candidate. |
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Implant treatment is a TEAM EFFORT between the Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgeon, the Restorative Dentist and the Patient.
While the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon performs the implant placement (and any bone augmentation if necessary), the Restorative Dentist fits the dental prosthesis (artificial tooth/teeth) which is supported by the implants.
The patient must undertake meticulous care of the implant prosthesis with regular flossing and brushing, just as they would for natural teeth. If the implant prosthesis is not cared for properly, they will fail. |
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