Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement.
What makes dental implants feel completely comfortable and secure? We use a medical-grade titanium implant that over time fuses to the living bone cells in the jaw. This forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement (which can happen with dentures). There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly.
Dental implants typically have three parts:
1) The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw.
2) The abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
3) The crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks.
You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. If you need to restore a full set of teeth, you may be a perfect candidate for the all-on-four treatment. This is where we use four implants and then attach a full arch of teeth, giving the procedure its name (all teeth, only four implants). Give our office a call to find out more information.
The dental implant placement is performed in our office by either Dr. Gifford (the periodontist) or Dr. Bernhardt.