A dental implant is a synthetic root or metal post made of titanium that is inserted in the jawbone.  The implant replaces the root(s) of the missing tooth and serves as an anchor for a replacement prosthesis such as a crown (cap), bridge, or denture.

When one tooth is missing, it may be replaced with one implant and a crown (cap). 

When multiple teeth are missing in a row, several implants are placed and restored with individual crowns or permanent bridge(s). 

When all teeth are missing, multiple implants are strategically placed and restored with either a full bridge(s) or full denture.  An implant-supported denture may be a removable type (overdenture) or fixed type (hybrid denture). The removable implant denture type (overdenture) is supported on the implants by either a bar/clip or ball/socket attachment.  This allows for the removal of the denture and regular home care cleaning by the individual.  The fixed implant denture type (hybrid denture) is secured in place on the implants by small anchors.  This denture is fixed and not removed by the individual but can be removed by the dentist.

 

Assessment for implant placement

Dr. Dobre will perform a complete examination to determine if implants are right for you.  An assessment of an individual's medical health, medications, oral health and status, periodontal health, and quantity and quality of the jaw bone, sinuses, and joints is required.

An adequate amount and quality of bone are necessary for implant placement. Overtime tooth loss may lead to bone loss  of the jaws and enlargement of the upper jaw sinuses (dropping of the sinuses).  When these changes occur, a ridge augmentation procedure may be done to rebuild the bone and a sinus lift procedure may be needed to lift the sinus by placing a bone graft. It is best to replace the missing tooth or teeth with an implant(s) at the time of tooth extraction when possible or soon therafter when the bone quantity and quality is most favorable.  A periodontist may recommend an implant site development (socket preservation) procedure by placing a bone graft at the time the tooth is extracted in order to preserve or rebuild the existing bone socket to ensure adequate bone is present for future implant placement.  This option not only would facilitate future implant placement but, also, may eliminate the need for a separate additional ridge augmentation surgery when the implant(s) is placed within a reasonable amount of time.

 

Benefits of dental implants

• Improve your smile, speach, and chewing

• Preserve oral bone and maintain natural facial contours

• Preseve the bone around adjacent teeth

• Long-lasting

• Advantages over bridges and partial dentures:

     Implants look and feel more natural, with a stronger biting force

     Longer-lasting than traditional options (partials, bridges) that is intended to be permanent

     Adjacent teeth next to the implants are not touched, whereasa bridge involves cutting down adjacent teeth to

     anchor the restoration

     Better aesthetic appearance, function, and stability with implants, whereas a partial may have visible metal

     clasps, may require adhesives, and may be uncomfortable or slip while talking or eating