Dental Implants
Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for those looking to restore their smile.
Essentially, a dental implant consists of three parts: a titanium screw that serves as an artificial root, an abutment that connects the implant to the replacement tooth, and the crown, which is custom-made to match the natural teeth. The titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time in a process known as osseointegration. This fusion provides a stable foundation for the replacement tooth, allowing for functionality similar to that of natural teeth. Dental implants are celebrated for their strength, longevity, and ability to preserve jawbone health, preventing the bone loss that often accompanies tooth loss. Suitable for a wide range of patients, dental implants have become a preferred choice for tooth replacement, significantly improving oral health, function, and aesthetics.
Reasons for dental implants:
Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
Restore a patient’s confident smile.
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
Restore or enhance facial tissues.
Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays (CBCT) and digital impressions (no more yucky stuff) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal three to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.
After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take 3-6 weeks to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.
If you have questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.
Dr. Ansari is a Fellow of International Dental Implant Association.
Single Tooth Replacement
A single tooth dental implant is a procedure used to replace a missing tooth. It involves inserting biocompatible titanium into the jawbone to act as a new root. Once the screw fuses with the bone, an artificial tooth (crown) is attached to it via an abutment. This method provides a durable and natural-looking replacement that functions like a real tooth, improving both the appearance and health of the patient's mouth.
This is the most common way to replace single or multi teeth in the mouth.
All on X Dental Implants
The "All-on-X" implant-supported teeth technique is like building a strong, new foundation for a whole set of teeth when some or all of the original teeth are missing. Imagine your mouth as a house where the teeth are the important parts holding up the roof. If too many parts are missing, the roof might fall down. So, dentists use something called "All-on-X" to fix this.
In this method, "X" stands for the number of special posts (dental Implants) that a dentist places. These posts/implant are made from a material that your body likes and can attach to, kind of like how roots hold a tree in the ground. Once these posts are in place and the jawbone has accepted them as part of the body, a whole new set of teeth (that look and work just like real teeth) can be attached to these posts.
This way, with just a few posts, you can get a whole new smile that is strong and can help you eat, talk, and look great.
The "All-on-X" dental implant procedure is a great choice for adults who have lost some or all of their teeth and want a secure, long-lasting solution. It's especially good for:
People with Multiple Missing Teeth: If someone has lost a lot of teeth, or even all of them, this method can give them a full set of teeth again.
Those with Bone Loss in the Jaw: Even if a person has lost some bone in their jaw, which is common when teeth are missing for a long time, they might still be able to get "All-on-X" implants. Sometimes, though, they might need a little bone added by the dentist first.
People Looking for a Permanent Solution: Unlike dentures that you take out and clean, "All-on-X" teeth stay in your mouth all the time and are cared for just like natural teeth.
Those Who Want to Avoid the Hassle of Dentures: Since "All-on-X" implants don't move around or need to be taken out, they're a lot more convenient than dentures, especially for eating and talking.
Patients Seeking Improved Comfort and Functionality: These implants feel and work more like natural teeth, making it easier to eat a wide variety of foods and speak more clearly.
It's not the best choice for everyone, though. Younger people, especially kids and teenagers, usually aren't candidates because their jaws are still growing. Also, people with certain health issues that make healing harder might need to look at other options. Dr. Ansari can help decide if "All-on-X" is the right choice based on a person's health, the condition of their jawbone, and what they want from their treatment.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that, unlike traditional dentures, are anchored in place by dental implants. These implants are small, sturdy titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone, where they act as artificial roots. Over time, these posts fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration, providing a solid foundation for the dentures.
Unlike regular dentures that rest on the gums and can slip or cause discomfort, implant-supported dentures snap onto attachments on the implants, offering improved stability and comfort. This setup allows for better chewing efficiency and a more natural feel, significantly enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures can be used for both the upper and lower jaws but are most commonly recommended for the lower jaw, where traditional dentures tend to be less stable.
Ideal candidates for implant-supported dentures are those who have lost most or all of their teeth but have enough bone in their jaw to support implants. This solution is particularly beneficial for those seeking a more secure and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures, offering the added advantage of preventing bone loss in the jaw over time.