| Edward L. Kasper, D.D.S. | Wilson P. Heaton, D.D.S. | Bradley C. Wright, D.D.S. |
| Carlo G. Pagni, M.B,. B.Ch., B.A.O., B.D.S., F.D.S.R.C.S. (Eng.) | ||
| Dental Implants | |
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Dental Implants are metal anchors placed in the jawbone underneath the gum tissue to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Unlike other types of tooth replacements, such as removable dentures or fixed bridges that are cemented to remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed ("implanted) into the jawbone under the gum tissue. These implants are usually made from a space-age metal called titanium, which is readily accepted by the body, and artificial teeth that look like natural teeth are then attached to the implants. Accepted by the American Dental Association, dental implants have been used for many years, and hundreds of thousands have been placed. Due to a phenomenon known as "osteointegration" meaning that bone actually attaches itself to the implant, these anchors provide a strong foundation that allows people with missing teeth to chew efficiently and comfortably. Anyone who is missing teeth and can benefit from increased chewing efficiency, and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate for dental implants. Implants can be the solution when it has become difficult or impossible to wear a removable denture. Portions of the jaw that are missing due to an accident, disease, or birth defect can often be reconstructed using implants. You are a candidate for dental implants if:
A discussion with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon and restorative dentist (the dentist who will make your new teeth) will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. As a rule, age is not a barrier to implant treatment if you are in good health. In fact, thousands of people of all ages are turning to dental implants to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or all teeth. The type of implant used in our office is an endosteal implant made by Sulzer Calcitek Co.. The implant body is similar in shape to the root of natural tooth. The implant body is similar in shape to the root of a natural tooth. These implants serve as replacements for the roots of missing teeth, and are placed directly into the jawbone and become solidly anchored through a process called osteointegration. This process actually integrates the jawbone into the implant during the healing phase,producing a very strong foundation for artificial teeth that will be placed on the implants. Endosteal ("within bone") implants are the most common type of dental implants used today. Depending on each individual case, one or more implants will be placed to restore one or more missing teeth. The implants are allowed to heal or osteointegrate with the bone for a minimum of four months in the lower jaw and six months in the upper jaw. A second stage minor surgical procedure is then performed to expose the implants for the restoration by your dentist. A prosthesis consisting of one or more teeth is then fabricated by your dentist to fit on top of one or more of these implants. The prosthesis can be attached in several ways:
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