Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or a Specialist. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
Reasons for dental implants:
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Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
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Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
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Restore a patient’s confident smile.
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Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
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Restore or enhance facial tissues.
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Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
Dr. Bonin refers his patients to an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist for surgical placement of the implants.
At the Specialist, impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. Special 3-D x-rays or I-Cat Scans might be taken as well. When the patient is sedated and thoroughly numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself for up to three to six months.
When cleared by the Specialist for the restoration phase, Dr. Bonin will order specialized parts to complete the crown for the implant. A post (abutment) is placed into the bone implant and impressions are taken. A temporary crown may be fabricated at that time or a "healing cap" placed over the implant to protect it. It takes about 2-3 weeks to have your customized implant crown fabricated in our laboratory. You will be scheduled to come back and have it cemented onto the abutment.
Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.