An implant is a synthetic tooth that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Made of the same surgical metal as replaced hips and knees, the implant post is seated in the bone. A natural-looking replacement tooth is created and fixed to the post.
Implants can be used to replace single or multiple teeth. In fact, there are a variety of creative ways to replace missing teeth using dental implants. If you’ve lost a tooth, (or even a few teeth), dental implants can rejuvenate and restore your smile and your overall oral health.
Dental implants should be considered the same as natural teeth. They require the same attention to brushing and flossing as natural teeth. To discuss which option is best for you, ask one of our team members about scheduling a consultation. The team at Meridian Dental are skilled in every aspect of implant dentistry and we will be happy to discuss and develop the best treatment option for you.
IMPLANT SERVICES
Implants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.
- Sinus Lift Augmentation: Dental implants must be supported by adequate bone. The roots of upper back teeth may extend into the sinuses and, therefore, may require a surgical procedure that restores the sinuses to their original size, and replaces the bone lost when the sinuses become enlarged. This bone graft typically takes about 9-12 months to heal and before dental implants can be placed.
- Autogenous Bone Grafting: If an implant site is lacking sufficient bone, sometimes we can borrow bone from another area of the mouth and graft into the deficient area.
- Implant Site Development: When an infected tooth is extracted, it is not uncommon to have lost bone around the tooth due to the infection. Various types of bone grafts can be done at the time of extraction to build up the bone in preparation for an implant. After a healing period, a dental implant can be placed.
- Computer-Enhanced Treatment Planning: Special software allows us to evaluate 3D CT scans to determine bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location. With this information we can maximize the best possible placement of your dental implants ensuring successful integration, form, and function.
- Implant Maintenance: Just as natural teeth, the longevity and health of your implant depends on your commitment to keeping the area clean and free of infection. Dental implants require professional cleanings to keep the implant, surrounding gums, and bone healthy. Your doctor and hygienist will determine the recommended time interval for cleanings, after evaluating several diagnostic factors.
SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
Implants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.
ADVANTAGES OVER BRIDGES
Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, even less with root canals, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.