Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, eliminating the necessity to needlessly crown adjacent teeth to make a bridge.
When there are no back teeth left, implants can make a difference between having permanent teeth or removable dentures. A real game changer!!
An implant can be placed on the same day a tooth is extracted, in most cases, with the addition of bone grafting and membrane to fill and cover the tooth socket.
Sometimes a temporary crown can be placed on the implant on the same day the implant is placed. This is ideal for a front tooth, eliminating the need to wear a removable partial denture during the healing phase. An implant needs to be surrounded by healthy bone and gums. Sometimes a gingival graft may be necessary. Drs. Deegan and Reff will do what is best for your personal situation, as there are many extenuating circumstances.
After the initial surgery, it takes 3-6 months for the bone to heal and solidify around the implant before a permanent restoration can be made.
Ceramic crowns and bridges can be made to screw directly into the implants or cemented over prefabricated or custom abutments made of either titanium or zirconia. Dr. Deegan will discuss the best option for your particular case.
Full arch cases can be retained by 4-8 implants. These are usually screw retained and can be made of denture teeth on an acrylic base with metal substructure, or of porcelain fused to metal or zirconia (a super hard ceramic). There are various designs and materials available to Dr. Deegan, and she will custom make your full mouth rehabilitation to best serve your needs. She has you best interest at heart and stands behind her work.
Implants can be used to anchor unstable full or partial removable dentures, most often by using snap-type attachments such as Locators. These are the most cost effective solutions and also very esthetic. The surrounding pink gum part of a removable denture can fill out a sunken face better than a permanent screwed or cemented bridge can.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
