Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option.
They involve placing a small titanium post into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. The process involves several steps and may take anywhere from 6 months to a year.
The dental implant is placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia. Over time, the implant post fuses with the surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration, which allows the implant to function as a stable and durable replacement tooth root.
After the implant post has fully integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the post, which serves as a connection point for the replacement tooth or bridge. The replacement tooth or bridge is then custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of the patient’s natural teeth and is attached to the abutment.
Benefits to dental implants:
Improved appearance
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, which can boost a patient’s confidence and self-esteem.
Improved speech
Missing teeth can cause speech difficulties, and dental implants can help patients speak more clearly.
Improved chewing ability
Dental implants can help restore a patient’s ability to chew and eat properly, which can improve their overall health and well-being.
Preservation of remaining teeth
Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require alteration of the surrounding teeth, which helps to preserve their strength and health.
Durability
Dental implants can last for several decades with proper care and maintenance.
potential risks and limitations to dental implants:
Requires surgery
Dental implant placement involves a minor surgical procedure, which can be more invasive than other tooth replacement options.
Requires healthy jawbone
Patients must have a healthy jawbone to support the implant post, and bone grafting may be necessary for some patients.
Time-consuming process
The process of getting dental implants can take several months to complete, with multiple appointments required.
Higher cost
Dental implants can be more expensive than other tooth replacement options.
All implants Dr. Eric places are placed with a guide, otherwise known as guided implant placement. Guided implant placement is a modern technique used in dentistry to place dental implants with precision and accuracy. This technique involves computer software and three-dimensional (3D) imaging to plan and guide the placement of dental implants in the jawbone.
The process begins with a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which produces a 3D x-ray image of the patient’s jawbone. Additionally, a 3D scan will be taken off the jaw so a 3D model of the patient’s jaw can be created and overlaid onto the CBCT in a sophisticated computer software program. A surgical guide can be planned and fabricated with these two 3D images. The surgical guide is made from a clear plastic material designed to fit over the patient’s teeth and gums during the implant surgery. The guide contains holes precisely placed to guide the drill and the implant to the correct location in the jawbone.
During the implant surgery, the surgical guide is placed over the patient’s teeth and gums, and the dentist uses it to guide the drill and the implant to the correct location in the jawbone. This technique ensures that the implant is placed in the correct position, angle, and depth, resulting in a more precise and accurate placement.
Guided implant placement has several advantages over traditional implant placement techniques. It reduces the risk of damage to adjacent teeth, nerves, and blood vessels, resulting in less post-operative discomfort and swelling. Additionally, a surgical guide allows for more accurate implant placement, resulting in better long-term outcomes and a more natural-looking smile.
Currently, Dr. Eric’s implant case selection focuses on areas of the jaw with adequate bone height and thickness. In more complicated cases where the bone is too thin or vital structures are too close to the implant placement, an oral surgeon is recommended to complete the implant surgery. Our office will be glad to refer you to a qualified oral surgeon.