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What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implant allows the person to regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and the structure of their face has been preserved. In addition, implants help to preserve the remaining bone, preventing further deterioration, which occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live! It provides for greater comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Implants restore proper chewing function so you can enjoy foods previously too "difficult" to eat. You can feel confident that your replacement teeth won’t move or loosen. You regain the closest thing to the look, feel and function of your natural teeth. There has been a tremendous increase in the use of dental implants in the past few years. They are among the most predictable and long lasting methods to replace missing teeth. There are 5 phases to implant treatment. They are:
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning. It is first necessary to determine if a patient is a good candidate for implants. Drs. Frick and Jones along with your dentist will determine this. If you seem like a good candidate, it would be necessary to undergo an implant examination where x-rays are taken to determine the feasibility of this treatment. In addition to standard dental radiographs, we use a panoramic x-ray to determine your body's ability to support a dental implant before any treatment takes place. This helps to assure many years of comfort and function from your dental implants. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success. We will also discuss fees and insurance coverage. Insurance coverage for implants is varied and we will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled. The implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the bone. Implants act as tooth root substitutes. The implant only replaces the root of the missing tooth not the whole tooth. First, the gum and bone is made numb with a local anesthetic. The implant is gently inserted into the bone where it will undergo a process called osseointegration. This means that the bone will attach and grow onto the implant surface. This phase takes between 6-12 weeks in most cases, depending on the condition of the bone. The implants are submerged under the gum during this healing phase. A second procedure will be needed to expose the implant. The prosthetic phase can begin once osseointegration is complete and the dental implant has been uncovered. Place your cursor over these pictures to see the description
A second procedure will be needed to expose the implants. A small incision is made in the gum in the area of the dental implants and a titanium healing cap is placed on top of the implant. The prosthetic phase can usually begin in your general dentist's office within 1-2 weeks time.
The replacement teeth that are held in place by the dental implants will be fabricated by your dentist. This will take varying lengths of time depending on the type of restoration planned. Your dentist will discuss this with you before treatment begins. Your implant restoration may be cemented onto the implants, or it may be screwed into place. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a segment of missing teeth, or a whole arch of missing teeth. Implants can also be used to secure a loose denture. 5. Maintenance
Phase Just like natural teeth, dental implants need ongoing maintenance if you are to realize their full benefit over many decades. This will include proper care at home as well as professional maintenance. Drs. Frick and Jones will work closely with your dentist to custom tailor your maintenance program to your specific needs. Most patients experience minimal disruption to their daily lives when undergoing dental implant treatment. Most people never have to walk around without teeth during the entire process. This will be discussed with you before any treatment takes place. We have your best interest in mind.
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