Tooth Root Substitutes
When people lose permanent teeth due to accident, injury, disease or
extraction, we find dental implants to be a secure, functional replacement
option. They're superior to many other replacement choices because they
actually restore comfort and appearance, yet remain functional for the
long run. What's more, they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support,
thus maintaining the integrity of your overall dental structures. Since
they are permanently, surgically anchored in the jawbone, implants' stability
and permanence restore your ability to speak and eat normally, supply
support to facial musculature, and eliminate the inconveniences and discomforts
of ill-fitting prostheses.
Permanent Posts
The implant itself consists of a small titanium post, inserted into the
jawbone below the gum surface at the location of the missing tooth. As
the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation onto which artificial
teeth are then attached and shaped to match your existing teeth. The number
of teeth you're missing determine the best kind of restoration for your
case: one or two missing teeth indicates a simple crown restoration; two
or more missing teeth require permanent fixed bridgework; a complete replacement
set of upper or lower teeth requires choosing between a removable vs.
a fixed prosthesis, which in turn determines how many implants per jaw
are required.
Coordinated Care
The implant process generally requires three separate steps, "anchoring",
"attachment", and "restoration". As the 'orchestrator'
of a professional implant procedure team, Dr. Holland coordinates each
step, the first two of which are completed by a surgeon who specializes
in implant surgery. We carefully outline your treatment plan for the surgeon,
including the type and location of each implant to be placed. The surgeon
will then surgically anchor the tooth root substitute "post"
or posts into your jaw-bone below the gum tissue. Each post must form
a solid, enduring base with sufficient stability to withstand the tremendous
mechanical pressure involved in normal chewing, so we'll typically allow
three to six months for the it to incorporate into the bone. During the
wait, we'll provide a temporary bridge or dentures to facilitate eating
and to maintain facial muscle support; meanwhile, the lab will custom
design and manufacture the restorations to be placed over your implant
top(s).
Restoration & Results
Once we're certain that your implant post has bonded with your jawbone,
and your artificial teeth are ready, Dr. Holland completes the final step
of implant placement process, placing the prepared restoration(s) over
your protruding implant posts. This results in a secure, attractive, replacement
tooth or set of teeth, designed to function as effectively as your remaining
natural teeth. Depending on the number of teeth involved, this final part
of the implant process requires only a short time to complete.
And what about the success rate of such procedures? As a matter of fact,
the technology has proven to be a successful tooth replacement method
for nearly 35 years. Limiting factors may include the recipient's general
health, bone structure, and gum condition; chronic health problems such
as clenching, bruxism, or systemic diseases may also decrease the success
rate of the procedure immensely, as will unhealthy habits such as smoking
and alcohol consumption. Implant location also plays a role in the success
of the procedure: lower front jaw implants may be up to 95% successful,
while side or rear placements only 90% successful.
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