Tooth loss can have a far-reaching
effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or
more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead
to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum
disease.
Dental implants can be an effective method to
replace one tooth or several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal
anchor that is inserted into the jawbone (the implant), and a protruding
post (abutment), which is
outfitted with an artificial tooth (crown). Implants can also support a bridge,
replace a partial denture or secure a denture. The process requires
surgery and may take up to a year to complete.
Note:
I restore the implant with the crown or bridge, the actual
implant is placed by the oral
surgeon.
In the first procedure under
anesthesia, a metal anchor (implant), or artificial root, is placed into the
jawbone. Bone grows around the anchor. This takes about three
to six months.
Next, a "healing" cap is placed
when the implant is uncovered.
Then, the healing cap is removed
and a metal post (abutment), may be attached to the anchor.
An impression or mold is made of the
abutment, and the surrounding teeth.
When your gums and
jawbone have healed, an artificial tooth (crown) is constructed, then screwed or
cemented to the post. Fitting your new tooth properly may take
several appointments.
x
Single Tooth. This type of prosthesis is used to
replace one or two missing teeth. Each prosthetic tooth attaches to
its own implant.
Complete Denture. This type of prosthesis replaces all the
teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies,
depending on the type of prosthesis you choose.
Bridge. This type of prosthesis can replace two
or more teeth. It is the most commonly performed implant procedure,
and may require only two or three implants.
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Disclaimer: The materials on my web site are not intended as a substitute for professional dental / medical advice, and accordingly you should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. I may change or update information contained on this web site without notice to represent recent developments in health care.
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