|
If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want replacements that
are as natural as possible. Dr. Dougherty is well qualified to complete
all phases of your surgery and the restoration of your implants so you
won't have to consider seeing other doctors for all the different
phases of care. Unlike dentures,
which
can
be
removed,
implants are permanently anchored into the jaw itself.
Generally, Dr. Dougherty
feels you are a good candidate for implants if you have jawbone ridges
that are in good shape and healthy oral tissues.
When the implant device is inserted into the jaw, a chemical and mechanical
bond is formed. The jawbone actually grows into the implant.
With implants,
you get a perfect fit, and they will look and feel as good as (or better
than!) your original teeth.
Dental Implants - What are They?
A dental implant is a man made replacement for a root of a tooth
that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. As the body heals for approximately
two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses
to the implant through a process called
osseointegration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants
are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are
the most natural replacement for a missing tooth.
The Dental Implant Process
At Dougherty Dental Care, we begin with a thorough evaluation of the
patient's medical and dental history, and a full clinical examination
of the entire
mouth and missing tooth area. The clinical exam should also include
specific X-rays.
After assessing the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan can be devised.
From that point, implants are surgically placed under
local anesthesia and using concious sedation.
The length of the healing time is based on the quality and quantity
of bone, as well as the type of implant placed. After adequate healing
is allowed to occur, the implant can be used to support a crown, bridge,
or denture.
Number of Dental Implants Recommended
This is a question that should be determined during the treatment plan.
Other decisive factors for the number of implants needed for success
is the quality and quantity of the patient's bone.
Placing enough implants to restore teeth is vitally important to the
long-term success of the restoration. Simply stated, the most costly
mistake is to have an implant fail because not enough implants are placed
to support the teeth. If the number of implants is limited due to financial
constraints of the patient, then the implant treatment should be avoided
or the type of restoration must be altered.
Single missing tooth solution
"Dr. Dougherty, what can be done for a single missing tooth?"
In the case of a single missing tooth, a dental implant can be placed
in the jawbone area of the missing tooth. The implant will serve
as a replacement for
a tooth root and an individual crown. The total apparatus is referred to as
a single-tooth implant crown.
Once in place, the implant crown will look, feel, and function like
a natural tooth. They are cleaned and flossed just like natural teeth,
and best of all, they do not require any special tools to clean around
them like bridges. Although dental implants will not decay, they require
impeccable care in order to keep the gum tissue surrounding the implant
healthy.
Finding a Dental Implant Dentist
When getting dental implants, you should select a dentist or dental
team with in-depth knowledge and prior experience with all aspects of
the
treatment. At Dougherty Dental Care, we have this expertise.
It is also important to know that implant treatment consists of two
components: a surgical phase and a restorative phase. Dr. Dougherty is exceedingly well experienced in both phases of care.
Types of Dental Implants
Yes, several types are available. The American Dental Association considers
both the endosteal and the subperiosteal implants to be acceptable.
An important factor for selection is to determine whether your jawbone
can adequately support the implant. Most dental implants placed today
are endosteal root form fixtures (similar to a man-made tooth root).
back to services
|
