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| Dental Implants |
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Tooth Loss can have a far-reaching effect
on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or
more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can
lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay,
and gum disease.
Dental Implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or
several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted
into the jawbone, and a protruding post, which is outfitted with an
artificial tooth. Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial
denture or secure a fixed denture. The process requires surgery and
may take up to a year to complete. |
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| Replace a missing
tooth |
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Support a bridge |
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| Secure a fixed denture |
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Secure a removable
denture |
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The Procedure
Several steps are usually necessary to place an implant. Depending
on the type of implant, the steps may vary. The placement of a single-tooth
endosteal implant is illustrated below: |
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In the first procedure under anesthesia, a metal anchor, or artificial
root, is placed into the jawbone. Bone grows around the anchor. This
takes about three to six months. |
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Next, a "healing cap" is placed
when the implant is uncovered. |
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Then, the healing cap is removed and a metal post, or abutment, may
be attached to the anchor. |
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When your gums and jawbone have healed, an artificial tooth is constructed,
then screwed or cemented to the post. Fitting your new tooth properly
may take several appointments.
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| Brush and floss your implant
at least twice daily, as you would your natural teeth. Be sure to
brush the back of the abutments and floss around the front, back,
and sides. Avoid chewing on hard objects or extremely sticky food.
Proper dental care will keep your dental implants and your mouth healthy.
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| Be sure to follow the special home care
instructions provided by your dental professional. |
