Dental
Implants
What are Implants?
Dental Implants have been used successfully for many
years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in
the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached
to the post. The surgical phase of treatment is completed at a specialists
office, and the restorative phase is completed at our office.
What are Dental Implants Used For?
There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:
- As an artificial root for a fixed prosthesis (usually a single
tooth or fixed bridge).
- As anchors for a removable prosthesis (usually an Implant-Retained
Denture).
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Implants are generally considered as an alternative
to Dentures, Partials,
or Bridges. When replacing a missing tooth
in the front of the mouth, nothing looks more natural than an implant.
One important benefit of implants when used for Implant-Retained
Dentures is that they slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue
under the denture.
- Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49%
are missing at least one tooth.
- Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system
ever devised.
- More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
- Dental implants never develop decay.
- Dental implants never require root canals.
- Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature
aging.
- No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because
of their age -- some patients receive implant treatment when they
are in their nineties!
How are Dental Implants placed?
 Step
One:
The gum is gently folded back and a space is prepared
for the implant to be placed. |
Step Two:
The dental implant "anchor"
is put into place. |
 Step
Three:
The gum tissue is replaced over
the implant and the implant is left alone for several months so
the bone can attach to the implant and create a secure anchor. |
Step Four:
After the implant has had a
chance to attach to the bone tissue, the excess gum tissue is removed
from above the implant. |
 Step
Five:
The temporary cap is removed
from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor. |
Step Six:
The implant is now ready for
a prosthesis: A single tooth much like a crown,
a fixed bridge,
or an Implant-Retained Denture. |
Considering a Dental Implant?
If you are considering a dental implant, Contact
Us for an evaluation appointment. Dr. Prather will perform an evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate
for a dental implant. If you are a good candidate for an implant, Dr. Prather will provide you with further information to help you decide.
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