Dental Implants
Several options exist for the replacement of missing a single tooth or multiple teeth. These options include no treatment, a removable prosthesis that can be made by your dentist, a conventional bridge or a dental implant.
Dental implants have been surgically placed in the mouth for over 40 years, but their emergence into the dental community in the United States has been only in the last 15-20 years.
Dental implants are now the standard of care for the replacement of missing teeth. They can be placed in all areas of the mouth with a variety of options to improve the function and aesthetics of the remaining teeth.
A single tooth can be replaced with a single implant. This procedure can be done with local anesthetic or under IV sedation. An incision is made in the area of the missing tooth, the gum tissue is reflected and the implant is positioned and placed. The tissue is sutured back together. Then the implant is left to heal for three to six months. After appropriate healing time, your general dentist can create and attach a crown.
Implants can also be used in conjunction with dentures in patients who are fully or partially edentulous. In this case, implants are placed strategically in the mouth and a denture is made that snaps onto the implants, holding it securely in place. You can bite into an apple again!