Implant and Restorative Dentistry

What is Dental Implant Treatment?

Think of dental implants as metal anchors, usually made of titanium, that are surgically place in the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures.  Through a process called "osteointergration," the jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant over time, providing tremendous stability.

Implant treatment is usually performed by a general dentist, oral surgeon, periodontal or a team of these doctors.  To devise the best treatment plan for you, we first complete a medical and dental history and a through oral examination, including x-rays.

During surgery, each implant is placed within the jawbone to serve as an anchor for the post that will eventually support the replacement teeth.  Depending upon your individual situation, various types of anesthesia may be used to ensure your comfort.  Generally from three to six months or more is then allowed for the bone tissue to grow around the implants and hold them securely in place.

Once the jawbone has firmly healed around the implant, a small post is attached to each implant.  The post protrudes through the gumline and serves as an anchor for the replacement teeth.  The replacement teeth or dentures are securely attached to the post, do provide the ultimate in the esthetics and restorative dentistry.

What are the benefits of Dental Implants?
Because dental implants are patterned after the structure of you natural teeth, they provide a highly stable support system for the replacement teeth or dentures.  Other benefits include:

•Improved biting pressure
•Comfort and fit
•Longevity and reliability
•Increased self confidence 

How do I know of I’m a good candidate for Dental Implants?

If you face the loss of one or several teeth or if you’re dissatisfied with your dentures or other options available to you, you may find dental implants are right for you.  Age is not typically a major factor: successful dental implants have been preformed on young people as well as the elderly.
During your initial consultation, we’ll help you decide.  In general, we look for the following characteristics:

•General good health
•Healthy gums
•Sufficient underlying jawbone to support the implants
•A good attitude to ensure that you follow through with vital oral hygiene habits
•Your individual risk factors do not contradict treatment.  Your doctor will review the risks of dental implant procedures.

Crown and Bridge

What is a crown?

We offer state-of-the-art, all ceramic and zirconia crowns as well as porcelain to metal, which give the most natural and esthetic appearance, virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. A crown, sometimes called a “cap”,  is indicated for restoration of a tooth that is cracked, has too much filling to be supported by the remaining tooth structure, has needed endodontic (root canal) therapy, or has lost so much tooth structure that it cannot be filled adequately to function properly or comfortably.  Crowns are the strongest restorations in dentistry.

What is bridge?

Sometimes – due to accident, dental decay, or periodontal disease – a permanent tooth may be lost.  Because the bone support and chewing dynamics are altered, the remaining teeth will begin to shift.  Over time, the opposing teeth above or below the area will begin to move up or down out of the socket and the adjacent teeth will collapse into the edentulous space.  This collapse will cause improper forces to be exerted during chewing.  This, in turn, can result in exacerbation of periodontal disease and break down of bone structure, and can place excessive stress on the tissues of the TMJ (jaw joint).  A bridge is a common dental treatment the replaces one or more missing teeth, stabilizing the dentition, preventing bite collapse.

A bridge is a custom, permanent dental device placed on neighboring teeth used to replace one or more missing teeth.  It is typically designed as a series of connected crowns anchored to the teeth on either side of the space.  A bridge effectively restores and maintains the natural bite and function of the dentition.  This helps keep the treated teeth in their proper position, reducing stress on the teeth and the supporting periodontal structures and improving chewing ability.  A bridge is an excellent esthetic restoration to improve the appearance of the smile.

Implant Supported Dentures

As well as being used to support a crown or bridge, implants can be used to help retain a full or partial denture.  Often after years of denture wear, the ridge resorbs (shrinks) making the dentures very loose or ill-fitting.  Implants, and the corresponding denture, can be fitted with attachments – analogous to “snaps” - that engage to help hold the denture firmly in place.