Dental Implants For those dealing with the late stages of periodontal disease, extensive decay, or have suffered tooth loss by other means, dental implants could be the solution you need to replace your lost teeth. Dental implants not only restore the lost teeth, they help maintain the strength of the jawbone too. What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, and an excellent restorative dental procedure. They offer the base for a variety of different dental appliances such as partial dentures, dental bridges, and crowns. The best part of dental implants is they provide a permanent solution which looks and feels like real teeth. Patients can floss them and brush them as if they were their own teeth. Once placed, there are no dietary restrictions like there are with traditional dentures. Dental implants are permanently secured into the jawbone and will not slip out of place the way dentures might. If you have questions about dental implants, please contact Brian K. Dennis, DDS. We will get you scheduled for an evaluation. The Components of Dental ImplantsPatients who have extensive tooth loss have a lot to deal with. Dental implants can help to restore lost tooth functionality and the patient's appearance. Implants can also be sized and shaped to match the patient's teeth as well as their color by tinting them. Dental implants are made up of three separate components. The first is known as the implant, which is the section that is embedded into the mandible. The abutment is the second component; it is a connector piece. The abutment supports the final section, known as the crown. The crown is the only part above the gumline. Dental Implant Placement ProcedureDental implants do take some time; they cannot be placed in just one appointment. These multiple appointments will take place over the course of several months, up to a year. At the first appointment, we will assess the patient and determine the best course of action. A treatment plan will be formulated detailing what procedures, if any, might need to happen before the implants can be placed. This might mean tooth extraction, bone grafts to rebuild lost bone mass, or gum grafts. The artificial teeth will be computer designed and manufactured with the patient's exact measurements so there will be a precise fit. Want to Learn More About Dental Implants?When patients suffer from widespread decay and tooth loss, there are a lot of decisions to be made. The good news is dental implants can solve a lot of those problems. Come in to see us today at Brian K. Dennis, DDS for an evaluation. We can be reached by phone at 505-292-1051. Give us a call to get answers to your questions or to schedule an appointment. |