Your Natural Choice
in Tooth Replacement.
Whenever a tooth is lost, if
possible it should be replaced with an implant.
Failure to replace the tooth with an implant will ultimately contribute
to the loss of facial bone structure. Dental
implants are essentially artificial tooth roots, eliminating the need for
dentures or bridgework. The advantages
vary from patient to patient and type of restoration, but in addition to
retained bone structure there may be improved chewing ability, better speech, a
more secure fit of the restoration, greater comfort, and improved self-esteem.
The implant itself is made from
Titanium and is surgically implanted in the jawbone to function in a similar
way to a natural tooth root. Depending
on the individuals varying biological characteristics, it may be necessary for
the implant to heal in the jawbone for a period of 3 to 6 months, allowing your
bone to grow onto the implant
in a process called Osseo-integration.
Once integrated, the implant is
then exposed from the gum tissue, and a restoration consisting of one or more
replacement teeth, is fabricated by the prosthodontist to
fit on top of the implants. In other
cases it is possible to fit the teeth to the implants soon after implant
placement, called immediate loading implants.
The restoration can be attached in several ways:
- Removable structure, using special bars and clips.
- Fixed or screw retained, using special screws and
cement so that only your dentist can remove it, if necessary.
In the case of dentures, an
implant-supported overdenture fits more securely than a conventional denture
which rests on the gum tissue and offers no form of mechanical attachment. The difference is the implants participate
integrally in retaining
bone structure in the jaw line.
Where a single tooth is lost,
adjacent healthy teeth can remain intact and unaffected by an implant-supported
restoration. This is unlike conventional
bridgework where healthy teeth are structurally altered to support the bridge.
Implants are usually placed under
local anesthesia in the periodontist’s or oral surgeon’s office. The procedure involved in placing the
implants is generally not painful and usually requires minimal recovery time
and post-operative medication.
Only your dentist can tell
whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. Certain health conditions (like uncontrolled
diabetes) or risk factors (like smoking) may preclude your ability to undergo
implant therapy. In addition, appropriate
hygiene must be established prior to implant therapy and must be maintained to
ensure the long-term success of the implant.
As part of this growing trend, we are now placing implants in our
office. If we can be of assistance or
answer any of your concerns or questions please feel free to contact our office.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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