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An implant is a thin, metal titanium cylinder which is surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth.  Several types of implants currently are used; one type uses a metal frame along with one or more posts.  The frame is positioned on the jawbone and is then covered with gum tissue with the pin(s) protruding into the mouth.

A second type is designed with a metal 'root' that is anchored in thejawbone and with a pin that protrudes into the mouth.  Pins for both implant types can be used to secure a single crown or a complete denture.  Since the success of an implant is directly related to the skill of the Dentist, it is always best to inquire if your Dentist has had implant training.

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Upper Jaw Implant:

Implants may be the answer for those patients who are unable to wear an upper denture comfortably, especially if wearing the denture is associated with constant pain, a persistent "gaggy" feeling, or if the upper dentures will not remain in place.

Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the roots of missing teeth.  Bone in the upper jaw is continually lost once teeth have been removed, and implants help  stabilize the bone. 

Several methods exist to use implants on the upper jaw in the replacement of a denture.  One method uses a modified denture that is open on the palate.  In this application, the denture clips to a bar that is connected to the implants.  This device can be removed for cleaning by yourself at any time without any difficulty.  A bridge is another option, and it may be applied by cemented it in permanently or held in place by screws.

Securing your teeth with dental implants can make a major impact on your life; you can eat, talk, laugh and smile with confidence!

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Lower Jaw Implant:

It is not uncommon to experience difficulty eating comfortably with the use of a lower denture.  The primary causes of this discomfort can be explained as follows: when lower teeth are lost, the bone in the jaw continually recede, and even worse, there are nerves passing through these holes in the jaw that can end up on the surface of the bone causing a lot of pain when you bite down.

An ideal remedy can be achieved by placing implants into the lower jaw. Dental implants are  small titanium cylinders that are surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the roots of missing teeth.

In this application, implants are placed on the lower jaw and are connected with a bar that can be made to clip into a new lower denture.  Clips on the denture snap onto the bar and keep the denture from rocking and shifting.  These dentures can be removed for easy access and at-home cleaning of the implants and bar.  An alternative is a lower bridge that can be cemented in place or held in place by screws.

Using dental implants to support either a lower denture or a bridge will keep the pressure off the bone and nerves.  The implants also help stop the bone loss in the jaw that continues once teeth have been removed.  Securing your teeth with dental implants can make a major impact on your life; you can eat, talk, laugh and smile with confidence!

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A Two-Implant Bridge:

Missing teeth can be rectified by using implants to support a bridge.  A dental bridge uses abutments for support and to hold it in place.  Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the  roots of missing teeth.  Artificial teeth are attached to the implants and can be used as part of a bridge.

Placing a bridge after teeth have been lost can prevent a chain reaction of problems that could affect the health of your entire mouth.  Teeth need each other for support, and when a tooth is lost, the biting forces change on the teeth next to the space, causing them to shift.  When a tooth no longer has anything to chew against, it begins to extrude out of the socket.  You can eventually end up losing this tooth, as well.  Also, as your bite changes, it becomes increasingly difficult to chew your food, possibly damaging your jaw-joint.

Cleaning teeth that have shifted is also much more difficult.  Harmful plaque and tartar collect in these new hard-to-reach places, causing cavities and the permanent bone loss that comes with gum disease.

A partial denture is an additional method of solving the missing-tooth problem; however, implant-supported bridges offer several advantages over partial dentures.  

  • You can avoid the clasps and metal work that come with a partial denture

  • An implant can help stop the continuing bone loss that begins when teeth are removed

Thus, using dental implants to support a bridge is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

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Single Tooth Implant:

An implant is an excellent choice to replace a missing tooth and retain a beautiful smile.  A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that's surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is attached to the implant.

Placing a dental implant after a tooth has been lost canprevent a chain reaction of problems that could affect the overall health of the entire mouth. Teeth need each other for support, and when a tooth is lost, it changes the biting forces on the teeth adjacent to the space, causing them to shift.  When a tooth no longer has anything to chew against, it begins to extrude out of the socket.  You can eventually end up losing that tooth, as well.

As your bite changes, it becomes increasingly difficult to chew your food, possibly damaging your jaw-joint.

It's much harder to clean teeth that have shifted. Harmful plaque and tartar collect in these new hard-to-reach places, causing cavities and the permanent bone loss that comes with gum disease.

A bridge is another way to solve the missing-tooth problem.  But two advantages of an implant over a bridge are that the teeth next to the space aren't affected with an implant as they are in the preparation for a bridge. Also, the implant helps stop the  ongoing bone loss that occurs once a tooth has been lost.

A missing tooth really changes a person's smile, but a dental implant can replace the missing tooth and greatly improve your smile!

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Upper-Jaw Implants - The Procedure:

Restoring the upper jaw with dental implants is accomplished in two phases. The first phase is the surgical placement of the implants where they are left beneath the gums for several months to allow the bone to attach to the implants.  After healing, the second phase begins.  The implants are re-exposed and the new teeth are constructed.

For the surgical placement of the implant, you will normally be given nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation to relax you. Then your mouth will be numbed.

An incision is made in the gums and a hole is made in the bone to receive the implant.  After the implant is snugly in place, the gums are closed over the implant with one or more stitches.  During the following several months, the implant attaches securely to the bone.

The second phase starts with surgical exposure of the implant.  Another incision is made in your gums, and a small extension is placed to raise the implant above the gumline.  Your Dentist will then begin a series of appointments to create, fit , and install your new teeth.

Some of the steps described above might be different in your case, because all cases are not identical; however, they do usually include making impressions of your mouth.  From these  impressions, your Dentist will make precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for proper alignment. The last step is the placement of the teeth.

The ultimate success of implants depends on the care you provide at home, and support you receive through regular checkups and cleanings.

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Lower-Jaw Implant - The Procedure:

Restoring the lower jaw with dental implants is accomplished in two phases. The first phase is the surgical placement of the implants where they are left beneath the gums for several months to allow the bone to attach to the implants.  After healing, the second phase begins.  The implants are re-exposed and the new teeth are constructed.

For the surgical placement of the implant, you will normally be given nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation to relax you. Then your mouth will be numbed.

An incision is made in the gums and a hole is made in the bone to receive the implant.  After the implant is snugly in place, the gums are closed over the implant with one or more stitches.  During the following several months, the implant attaches securely to the bone.

The second phase starts with surgical exposure of the implant.  Another incision is made in your gums, and a small extension is placed to raise the implant above the gumline.  Your Dentist will then begin a series of appointments to create, fit , and install your new teeth.

Some of the steps described above might be different in your case, because all cases are not identical; however, they do usually include making impressions of your mouth.  From these  impressions, your Dentist will make precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for proper alignment. The last step is the placement of the teeth.

The ultimate success of implants depends on the care you provide at home, and support you receive through regular checkups and cleanings.

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A Two-Implant Bridge - The Procedure:

Restoring the mouth with implants and a dental bridge is accomplished in two phases. The first phase is the surgical placement of the implants where they are left beneath the gums for several months to allow the bone to attach to the implants.  After healing, the second phase begins.  The implants are re-exposed and the new teeth are constructed.

For the surgical placement of the implant, you will normally be given nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation to relax you. Then your mouth will be numbed.

An incision is made in the gums and a hole is made in the bone to receive the implant.  After the implant is snugly in place, the gums are closed over the implant with one or more stitches.  During the following several months, the implant attaches securely to the bone.

The second phase starts with surgical exposure of the implant.  Another incision is made in your gums, and a small extension is placed to raise the implant above the gumline.  Your Dentist will then begin a series of appointments to create, fit , and install your new teeth.

Some of the steps described above might be different in your case, because all cases are not identical; however, they do usually include making impressions of your mouth.  From these  impressions, your Dentist will make precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for proper alignment. The last step is the placement of the teeth.

The ultimate success of implants depends on the care you provide at home, and support you receive through regular checkups and cleanings.

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A Single-Tooth Implant - The Procedure:

Restoring the mouth with a dental implant is accomplished in two phases. The first phase is the surgical placement of the implants where they are left beneath the gums for several months to allow the bone to attach to the implants.  After healing, the second phase begins.  The implants are re-exposed and the new teeth are constructed.

For the surgical placement of the implant, you will normally be given nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation to relax you. Then your mouth will be numbed.

An incision is made in the gums and a hole is made in the bone to receive the implant.  After the implant is snugly in place, the gums are closed over the implant with one or more stitches.  During the following several months, the implant attaches securely to the bone.

The second phase starts with surgical exposure of the implant.  Another incision is made in your gums, and a small extension is placed to raise the implant above the gumline.  Your Dentist will then begin a series of appointments to create, fit , and install your new teeth.

Some of the steps described above might be different in your case, because all cases are not identical; however, they do usually include making impressions of your mouth.  From these  impressions, your Dentist will make precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for proper alignment. The last step is the placement of the teeth.

The ultimate success of implants depends on the care you provide at home, and support you receive through regular checkups and cleanings.

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Alternatives To Implants:

Implants are often used to replace missing teeth.  If you decide against implants, there are other alternatives:

  • Partial dentures

  • Bridges

  • Full dentures

  • Delaying treatment

If you have some remaining teeth, a partial denture may be an appropriate alternative.  A partial denture is held in place by clips or other special attachments. 

Depending on your situation, a bridge might also be a good alternative, especially if there are teeth remaining next to the affected tooth.  There are several types of bridges, but they all use the neighboring teeth as anchors.

If you now wear a denture, replacing or relining it may allow you to continue to use it.

Delaying a decision is always an alternative, although it's often not the best one. But you may decide to wait while you consider your options.

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