DENTAL  IMPLANTS

A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth.  The implant can be placed in the upper or lower jaw.  It will form a bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth.  Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.   With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95% for individual implants, and even higher for the bridges and dentures they support.  With todays technology and cosmetic restorative dentistry, dental implants can have the appearance, comfort and function that will very likely exceed your expectations!

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to inury, disease, or decay may be a candidate for dental implants.  The main limitation is the amount of available bone.  At Chesterfeild Valley Dental Group we can evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.  Dental implants are usually placed in patients ages 18 years or older.  Implants are typically not placed in anyone younger than 18.  A person has to have finished growing in order to have implants placed, so in some cases the age may even be older.  Ocassionally older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from getting implants.  However, health is more of a determining factor than age.  Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate implant treatment.  We can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history. Go to http://www.astratechdental.com/ for more information on ASTRATECH implants. 

ADVANTAGES OF IMPLANTS OVER BRIDGES & DENTURES?

   When you lose an entire tooth- crown and root- shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older.  Dental implants can stop this process.  A traditional denture or bridge doesn't.   With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge.  Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.  The care and upkeep on a dental implant is the same as a natural tooth, unlike bridges and dentures that require extra care.  There are no loose parts to worry about.  The implant is stable and comfortable.  No adjustment is needed after placement.  Normally, dental implants will serve a patient a lifetime.

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING:

 When both the tooth and the root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown.  This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.  Some people lose a tooth due to an accident or some people have teeth congenitally missing.  Implants provide the best, most natural option.  Before implants, a bridge would be placed.  However, a bridge destroys the integrity of the adjacent teeth, and provide more obstacles for good oral hygeine.  With todays technology, implants and  all ceramic restorations can give you a natural smile to bring you back what nature gave you.

SEVERAL MISSING TEETH:

  When you are missing several teeth, especially in the back of the mouth, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best alternative.  In the past all a patient could have was a removable partial denture.  Removable dentures do not provide good stability or function for chewing.  Having dental implants replace your lost back teeth will give you new, unparalleled strength and stability that allows you to eat what you want.  It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance.

ALL TEETH MISSING:

 When all the teeth are missing or in such a condition that they need to be replaced a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution. Before dental implants, there were no fixed solution available for people who lost all their teeth.  Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high esthetic solution. The implants will allow you to eat and function like having natural teeth.  Gives you a solid, stable solution that will serve you for life.  Implants will also preserve your facial appearance and prevent bone loss.

IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURE:

  Implant supported dentures can be used with new dentures or even old existing dentures in some cases.  If you are having trouble with your denture becoming loose while eating or even talking, dental implants may be a treatment option.  Usually 4-6 implants are used to anchor down a complete denture.  At the top of the implant is a ball shaped abutment.  In the denture, a rubberized circular gasket is placed so the implant can attach into the denture. This is like a ball and socket joint.  The denture can still be taken in and out of the mouth.  However,  the stability of the denture is greatly increased, and the implants prevent any  further bone loss.

ALL PICTURES AND LOGOS ARE TRADEMARKS OF ASTRA TECH INC., USA