Prosthodontics – Dental Implant
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• | The post. The post, typically made from a titanium alloy, is the piece surgically placed in your jawbone. The bone fuses to it, stabilizing it in your jaw in a natural process called osseointegration. The post becomes a replacement root. |
• | The abutment. The abutment is the connector that provides stability for the crown. |
• | The crown. The crown, made from ceramic, is made to look and function exactly like your real tooth. It is secured into place on the implant post with a small screw. |
• | Single tooth. A single tooth implant is used to replace an individual tooth. A single crown provides support for a single tooth. |
• | Multiple teeth. Also called an implant supported bridge, this restoration is used to replace two or more consecutive missing teeth. |
• | Full arch restorations. This type of restoration is also called an implant supported denture, and is used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Typically, 6 to 8 implant posts are used with this treatment. However, if you lack the necessary bone mass to support these posts, you may be a candidate for the All on 4 treatment concept. This alternative full arch restoration uses only 4 posts to support your replacement teeth. The posts are placed to maximize contact with existing bone mass, enabling you to avoid a bone graft. |
• | Your new teeth look, feel, and function exactly like your real teeth. |
• | The dental restorations are supported by the posts, which are secured in your jawbone. This provides greater comfort, avoiding pressure on your gums or adjacent teeth. |
• | You can brush and floss your new teeth just like your natural teeth. |
• | The posts hold your teeth securely in place, preventing them from slipping out of place or falling out. |
• | The posts restore stimulation to your jawbone, which aids in stopping and preventing bone loss in your jaw. |
• | You need to undergo surgery for implant placement. |
• | Healing can take several weeks to several months. |
• | Health factors and lifestyle habits can impact healing and the success of your implants. |
• | If you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw, implants may not integrate properly, or at all. This could mean that you need a bone graft first. |
• | Implants can be expensive. |
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Monday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM–12:00 PM Friday: By Appointment |