Dental Implants

Dental implants represent the most recent and advanced method of replacing lost or missing teeth. Invented in 1952 by a Swedish surgeon named Per-Ingevar Branemark, dental implants today offer a highly effective, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth to reestablish a fully functional and attractive smile. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all of the upper and/or lower teeth.

A dental implant is a small, biocompatible post that is surgically positioned by means of a minimally invasive procedure into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once healing takes place and the implant integrates with the bone, it behaves in much the same way as the root of a natural tooth to provide support for an aesthetically appealing dental crown or bridge. A period ranging from 3 to 6 months is required for the jawbone to fuse with the implant via a process known as osseointegration.

What are the Benefits of Replacing Lost or Missing Teeth with Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional methods of tooth replacement including:

Who is a Candidate for a Dental Implant Procedure?

According to clinical studies, dental implants have a demonstrated long-term success rate of well over 95%. One key to the success and longevity of a dental implant is that sufficient bone is present to provide stable support for the implanted surgical post. If insufficient bone is present, a bone grafting procedure is often recommended prior to the placement of a dental implant. Additionally, candidates for dental implants should be free of periodontal disease and be aware that a continued, effective oral hygiene routine and care is necessary to maintain a strong and functional implant.

Treatment Planning for Dental Implants

Treatment planning for a patient for the precise placement of a dental implant involves advanced scanning technology and software to map out the details of care from both a prosthetic and surgical prospective. In this way, a case can be planned and meticulously executed from the beginning with the final restoration in mind. With advances in implant dentistry, multiple approaches to care are now being offered. In certain cases, an implant can be placed at the same time a dental extraction is performed. This procedure is known as, “immediate dental implant placement.” Additionally, it is also sometimes possible to place “same-day dental implants.” With this procedure, a temporary crown or bridge can be attached to the implants at the same time they are placed. In all cases, complete healing and osseointegration are required before the placement of the final prosthesis.

Types of Dental Implants

Most dental implants are made of titanium but are also available in “metal-free” zirconia. Both titanium and zirconia are biocompatible materials, which integrate well with the hard and soft tissues in the jaw. Depending upon the requirements of the case, a single dental implant can be restored with a crown to replace one missing tooth, or multiple implants can be used to support a fixed bridge. In cases where all of the upper and/or lower teeth are missing a full arch, an implanted supported bridge can be placed. Special implants can also be placed for added support and stability for removable overdentures or as anchorage devices in orthodontics called “TADs” or Transitional Anchorage Devices.

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Regain Confidence in your Smile…with Dental Implants

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 69 percent of adults have lost at least one permanent tooth due to decay, gum disease or injury. Lost teeth affect your ability to smile with confidence or speak and chew properly, impacting your quality of life. Fortunately, the skilled professionals at the office of Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care can help reestablish the look, feel and function of a naturally beautiful and complete smile.

Missing teeth not only affects your appearance, it can also alter your bite, impair oral function and reduce support for natural contours of your face to produce a more haggard look. Implants differ from traditional dental prostheses, such as conventional fixed bridges or dentures, because the lowermost portion of an implant functions in much the same way as the root of a natural tooth. Once placed and integrated with the surrounding bone, dental implants can be used to secure custom crowns, fixed bridges or implant-retained dentures, and can even be placed strategically to support an entire set of upper or lower teeth. In addition, dental implants can be placed to restore missing teeth, without requiring the involvement the adjacent teeth.

From designing your implants with the latest technology and techniques, to the complete restoration of your smile, our team will provide the individualized attention you deserve in addition to useful tips on how to take care of your new dental implants.

Your trusted partner in dental care

At the office of Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care, we believe that everyone deserves to smile with confidence. Our expert staff keeps you comfortable, relaxed and informed at each stage of the dental implant process, delivering the results you want. For more information on implants and other services we provide, give us a call today.