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 co-operation between a specialist and our office. The surgical phase of treatment is completed by the specialist, and the restorative phase is completed at our office.

Implant

Restoration

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.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Implants allow the replacement of a single or multiple teeth without relying on any adjacent tooth for strength or support. Implants are generally considered as an alternative to Dentures, Partials, or Bridges. One important benefit of implants when used for Implant-Retained Dentures is that they slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue under the denture.

• Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49% are missing at least one tooth.
• Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
• More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
• Dental implants never develop decay.
• Dental implants never require root canals.
• Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature ageing.
• No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of their age -- some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!

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.

Restorative Phase:

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).

Considering a Dental Implant?

If you are considering a dental implant, contact us for an evaluation appointment. Dr. Loar and the oral surgeon will perform an evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for a dental implant. If you are a good candidate for an implant, we will provide you with further information to help you decide.

MINI Dental Implants

The MDI System consists of a miniature titanium implant that acts like the root of your tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball and the retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined leve of force. Mini Dental Implants represent one of the fastest growing segments of the dental product industry.

For more information regarding Mini Dental Implants, contact our office.