Dental Implants
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| George Arthur, is a General Dentist at the Chelmsford - Billerica Road office. |
By George Arthur, DMD
Implants in various forms have been used in Dentistry for more than 25 years. Over the last 15 years their use has increased significantly so that today they have become the method of choice to replace single teeth and to support fixed bridgework or removable dentures.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of surgical grade titanium that is placed in the jaw to replace the missing tooth's root structure. This is a surgical procedure done in the dental office using local anesthesia. To be a candidate you must be in good health with healthy gums and bone that is adequate to support the implant.
How
an implant is performed
The implant is placed in the bone beneath the gum where it will remain for several months while it fuses with the bone. Then the implant is uncovered and a healing abutment (cap) is attached to the top of the implant. which will stay in place for approximately six weeks while the gum tissue heals.
Once healing is complete the implant is ready to be restored. At that time the dentist will take an impression to make the final crown which will match the size, shape and color of your other teeth. When completed the crown will attach to the implant replacing the healing abutment. This process can take several months, however, advances in implant designs and techniques are combining to gradually reduce this time frame.
In addition to single tooth replacement, implants can be used to replace several teeth with permanent bridgework. In this process some of the roots of the missing teeth are replaced by implants using the technique described above. During the healing phase a temporary bridge can be worn to improve esthetics and function. After healing is complete the final bridge replacing all the missing teeth is attached to the implants. The benefits of an implant supported bridge are that it will feel and function like natural teeth and will not need support from adjacent teeth.
In a situation where all teeth are missing implants can be placed to support and retain a full denture. In this situation as few as two or as many as five implants may be placed usually in the lower jaw. During the healing period the existing denture is used. When ready the new denture is fabricated and custom attachments are placed in the denture and on the implant so that when the denture is inserted it is held securely in place by the implants. Although still removable, an implant-supported denture is more comfortable and stable allowing a more natural biting and chewing function.