Dental Implants
Dental implants may be the solution you are seeking to fill the gaps in your smile. Tooth loss due to gum disease, root canal failure, decay, trauma, or wear and tear is quite common. In fact, studies show that 69% of adults age 35-44, have lost at least one permanent tooth. Not only can tooth gaps affect your social and professional confidence and opportunities, but they can also lead to bone loss, jaw joint problems and face shape alteration. A dental implant can serve as a strong, enduring support for an artificial tooth. Implants can also be used to support a bridge, partial or a full denture.
Using the latest implant technology and proven procedures, we are committed at Raben Dentistry to help restore beautiful smiles.
The Dental Implant Process
- Assessment - After assessing your situation at an initial consultation, we will work closely with a specialist (periodontist or oral surgeon), to determine if implants are the best way to enhance your smile. We will take x-rays and impressions of your mouth to help us determine the proposed dental implant location(s).
- Dental Implant placement - The surgeon will place the implant(s) into the bone. This will replace the root of the missing tooth or teeth.
- Healing Time - It will take time for the dental implant to completely fuse with the jawbone, which is called osseointegration. This process can take 3-6 months and during that time you will be evaluated by the surgeon before proceeding with the restoration.
- Implant crown - After the implant has become integrated into the bone, we will then add an abutment. This is a small piece that is attached to the implant to support the crown or bridge. The crown is custom-shaped to blend in with your surrounding teeth.
Implant Options
- Single tooth replacement - The most common and frequently recommended solution for a missing tooth is a dental implant and crown. The implant functions as the root of the tooth. The crown is made to closely resemble and function as a natural tooth crown.
- Bridge - After two or more implants are positioned, they allow for the support of a bridge (a multi-tooth unit).
- Denture - Two or more implants are used to support a full arch denture. This may include the use of a bar to allow for more stability in the denture.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
- Successful: Traditional dental implants are statistically the most effective dental procedure with a success rate between 90-98% when accompanied with good oral hygiene.
- Natural: Dental implants look, feel and function surprisingly like a tooth.
- Attractive: Not only do dental implants look incredibly natural, but they also help prevent the weakening of facial bone structure and altered appearance as a result of missing teeth.
- Versatile: Dental implants serve as a foundational anchor for a crown, bridge or dentures, therefore providing a durable base for whatever prosthetic solution you choose to restore your smile.
- Comfortable: Dental implants reduce gum irritation and slipping that is common with a traditional denture, since the denture rests on the implant abutment and no longer directly on the gums.