If you are missing all or some of your natural teeth then dental implants may be for you. Simply put, lost dental roots are replaced with an artificial substitute called a dental implant. New teeth are then built on top of these implants that look and work like natural teeth.
Implant replacement teeth look, feel and function similar to natural teeth. If you have difficulty eating or avoid smiling in public because of slipping dentures or if you have missing teeth or a space that might show when smiling.
Most anyone that is healthy enough to undergo routine dental extractions or surgery is a possible candidate for an implant. Implants work best when there is dense, healthy jaw bone for support. Patients that suffer from uncontrolled chronic illness or systemic problems and heavy smokers may not be good candidates for implants.
Anterior Replacements
In Anterior (Front Teeth Only) replacement cases the treatments for fixation generally are:
A fixed-detachable partial is attached to two or three implants that are located where the missing front teeth us to be. This type of treatment is removeable only if needed to be by the denturist or other dental professionals. It sits on top of the implants and does not rest against the gums. This type of denture is similar in appearance to bridge work.
| Multiple Teeth | ||
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Full Upper or Lower Replacements
In Complete denture cases the main fixation techniques are:
A retention bar screwed to two implants. The denture has clips that securely fasten the denture to the bar. This type of denture is supported by the bar as well as the patient's gums. This type of implant denture is removeable by the patient for cleaning.
| Lower Replacement | ||
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1. The first step is the placement of the titanium implants. The implants will remain covered underneath the gum for approximately 3 to 6 months. During this time, sseointegration should take place. |
2. The second step of the procedure involves uncovering the implants and attaching extensions. Later in treatment, a bar will be affixed to these extensions, completing the foundation on which your removable restoration will be placed. |
3. The final step is the placement of your restoration. With techniques that ensure optimal size, shape, color and fit, this removable restoration will blend with your facial characteristics, while providing support needed for a natural appearance. |
A retention bar that is screwed to four or more implants. The denture has clips that securely fasten the denture to the bar. The denture generally is supported only by the bar and does not sit against the gums. This type of implant denture is removeable by the patient for cleaning.
| Upper Replacement | ||
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1. The first step is the placement of the titanium implants. The implants will remain covered underneath the gum for approximately 3 to 6 months. During this time, sseointegration should take place. |
2. The second step of the procedure involves uncovering the implants and attaching extensions. Later in treatment, a bar will be affixed to these extensions, completing the foundation on which your removable restoration will be placed. |
3. The final step is the placement of your restoration. With techniques that ensure optimal size, shape, color and fit, this removable restoration will blend with your facial characteristics, while providing support needed for a natural appearance. |
A complete implant denture is fixed directly to five or more implants. The denture sits directly on the implant posts and does not rest upon the gums. This type of implant denture known as fixed detachable is removable only by the denturist or other dental professionals. This is the closest replacement of natural teeth possible because it works and looks just like natural teeth.
| Lower Replacement | ||
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1. The first step is the placement of the titanium implants. The implants will remain covered underneath the gum for approximately 3 to 6 months. During this time, sseointegration should take place. |
2. The second step of the procedure involves uncovering the implants and attaching extensions. This completes the foundation on which your new teeth will be placed. |
3. The final step is the placement of your restoration. With techniques that ensure optimal size, shape, color and fit, this removable restoration will blend with your facial characteristics, while providing support needed for a natural appearance. |
