Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered a strong, long-lasting treatment option for patients with lost or missing teeth. Though some dentists must refer patients to an oral surgeon for this procedure, Dr. Christopher Parker offers dental implants at a lower cost with his all-inclusive implant packages. Below, Dr. Christopher answers some of the most common questions about dental implants and high-quality porcelain crowns.
Below, Dr. Christopher answers some of the most common questions about dental implants and high-quality porcelain crowns.
What is a dental implant? How do dental implants work?
A dental implant is meant to replace teeth that are lost or missing. Each implant consists of a fake tooth, and a biocompatible “root” made from titanium that is attached to the bone – just like a natural tooth. Dental implants can be applied to replace one or two missing teeth, an entire arch of teeth, and even an entire smile. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth, and provide a very strong foundation for new teeth in the jawbone. When the root is not replaced from a missing tooth, the jawbone sinks where the tooth used to be and can shrink the bone. This is known as “bone resorption,” which alters the entire shape of your face and makes you look older. Dentures typically become loose as your jawbone shrinks, and your gums recede. Dental implants are permanent, and allow you to bite, chew, and smile efficiently. For maximum effect, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative dental procedures.
A dental implant can hold more than one tooth, in what we call a “dental bridge,” or just one tooth, a “dental crown.” Several teeth can be replaced with a dental bridge, in a customized way depending on the shape of your jaw and smile:
- Two to three dental implants will support one dental bridge, for just one area of your smile
- Your entire upper or lower arch can be replaced with five to six dental implants
- Ten to twelve dental implants can replace your entire smile
Those who opt for dental implants can choose between a fixed dental bridge, or a hybrid dental bridge that “snaps” onto the implant abutments. How many visits are required to apply dental implants? Dental implants can be applied in just one visit. During the first visit, we will place the titanium root with a temporary tooth on top. We call this procedure “Teeth in a Day.” A single implant procedure can be completed in less than one hour.
There are three parts to a Dental Implant
- The implant itself is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone and acts as a replacement for your missing tooth root.
- Once the implant has fully healed, another small post called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant by your restorative dentist. The abutment is what serves as a stable connector between the implant and the crown.
- The crown connects to the top of the abutment and is custom created to fit in your mouth just like a natural tooth.
Whether teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, cavities, injury, or any other reason, dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement solution.
Dentures/ Implant Retained Dentures
Suffer From loose Dentures? Want to regain your smile and confidence? We can Help!
At the Parker Dental Group we offer complete denture and implant retained denture services. Whether you are looking for a new denture or want to get rid of the denture adhesive we can help. We offer a full line-up of implant prosthetics to fit your dental needs. Call today for a free consultation and see what we can do for you!
