WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants replace the root of a missing or soon to be missing tooth. An implant is a medical grade titanium anchor that will fuse to the bone over time. This intimate connection between titanium and bone provides a strong foundation to replace a tooth, or multiple teeth. The stimulation that the implant provides for the bone also prevents bone loss in the jaw that usually occurs after tooth loss. A dental implant provides anchorage and support for your future tooth or teeth, which translates to a secure final result. A crown is later attached to the implant using an abutment. This is a clinical way of describing the 3 parts that make up a completed implant.
Many offices refer out the surgical placement of the implant, and then restore the implant using an abutment and crown. Often, fees are inflated by this model. With our treatment model, we surgically place the implant and restore it, allowing us to provide a more affordable service. Below is more information about the different uses of Dental Implants.
Single Tooth
A single tooth can be lost to a failed root canal, a cracked tooth, or a severe infection that was not able to be remedied. When this happens, a tooth is often pulled and sometimes no replacement is offered by a dentist or sought by the patient. Over time, you may notice your teeth begin to shift or wear, and you may even develop jaw pain. The following section will show you what happens and how we replace a single tooth:
Multi-Tooth Replacement
Sometimes a large portion of dentition can be lost. When this happens, the remaining teeth now support the same amount of pressure on fewer teeth. This can be detrimental to the remaining teeth and cause even more damage. The excessive pressure can lead to bone loss around the remaining teeth and eventually, tooth loss. Excessive wear of the remaining teeth, which shortens the look of the teeth, can also be a concern. This section will give you an idea of how we use implants to replace multiple missing teeth:
Full Arch Restoration
In some unfortunate circumstances you may loose all of your teeth. Periodontal disease or poor dental health over the course of many years can leave you with no teeth or too few teeth. When this happens, a denture is often fabricated as a final means of restoration. However, while your smile may be restored, your ability to chew and speak are often not. This can be accompanied by a loss of self confidence and feelings of anxiety and insecurity.
Dentures are often loose, painful and bulky. If you have a denture you may notice a loss of taste and sensation – one of the best parts of eating! By utilizing implants and our Bruxir full arch prosthetic we can give you back a sense of taste, a confident smile, a comfortable feel and almost full function when compared to natural teeth.
Full Arch Restoration
Sometimes patients are not looking for a complete rehabilitation, but simply want to improve their current denture. Dr. Foring utilizes mini implants and conventional implants based on each patient’s need in order to stabilize their dentures. Implants can be placed and a denture can be converted on the same day to improve stability. Utilizing implants, the denture snaps into place and the patient can eat without the denture rocking side to side, or speak without fearing the denture could fall out. Read more about how you can upgrade your denture today!
