Dental Implants
If you've already lost a tooth or multiple teeth, you may be interested in DENTAL IMPLANTS– the permanent tooth replacement options.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is made of titanium and shaped like a screw. The implant is placed into the jawbone and serves as a secure root for the new tooth. Once in place, the implant can be used to attach different types of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges or dentures.
How long has dental implant treatment been practiced?
Patients have been successfully treated with dental implants since the mid-sixties. Today there are people who have had their dental implants for more than thirty years!
When is a dental implant an alternative?
Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or have lost all your teeth, dental implants are a permanent way to get new ones.
What Is Treatment Like?
This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and Dr. Vravick. They will consult with you to determine where and how your implant(s) should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the number of implants needed, Dr. Vravick will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.
When you have lost one tooth
If you have one single tooth missing, a single crown on an implant is generally the best way to restore your chewing function and natural appearance.
When you have lost several teeth
If you have several teeth missing, a bridge or crowns supported by several implants will restore your functions and looks.
When you have lost all your teeth
If all of your teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaw, you can choose either a full bridge supported by implants or a denture retained by implants.
- A full bridge is fixed to five or more implants and can only be removed by the dentist.
- The implant supported denture is connected via attachments to two or more implants, allowing easy removal. When in place, the denture is firmly attached to the implants and there is no risk of it coming loose. Your exact treatment depends on your individual situation and personal preference. The type and amount of bone, as well as, functional conditions will all play a role in the best treatment option for you.
- Talk with Dr. Vravick and find out more. Whether you have a “fixed” bridge or an implant supported denture, you will be able to speak, chew and smile with confidence.
Procedures to allow for implant placement when there is minimal bone thickness or height.
Sinus Augmentation
A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.
Ridge Modification
Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.
Treatment planning
We use SimPlant software which is the world's first interactive 3D Implant Planning System for more accurate and predictable treatment planning of dental Implants
No more guessing
SimPlant is precise preoperative planning software that provides an increased level of confidence and an extra margin of safety for our patients.
Real 3D planning allows us to find the ideal position of the implants, while taking into account both clinical and esthetical considerations.
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
The conventional alternatives to dental implants can be a bridge, a partial removable denture or a full removable denture. If you are missing a single tooth, one option is to have a bridge attached to the back of the two adjacent teeth, an enamel-retained bridge. The durability of this kind of treatment is usually limited. teeth illustration Conventional bridge with the supporting teeth cut down.
You can also have a conventional bridge which includes cutting down the adjacent teeth. You may have to have the bridge redone a couple of times in your lifetime. Partial prosthesis supported by neighboring teeth A conventional removable partial denture or removable full denture may have a tendency to loosen with normal eating, talking and smiling. This can cause a feeling of insecurity.
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/dentures_partial_faq.asp
During normal function, our natural teeth stimulate and maintain the bone of our jaws. If one or more of our natural teeth are missing, we will actually lose bone through the years. As more bone is lost, it will become more and more difficult for a conventional denture to be stable.
One very important advantage with Dental Implants is that they stimulate and preserve the bone of our jaws.
Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures or a Bridge
Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth.
- Esthetic Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
- Tooth-saving Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
- Confidence Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.
- Reliable The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since Dr. Vravick is the dental expert who specializes in precisely these areas, he is the ideal member of your dental implant team. Not only does Dr. Vravick have experience working with other dental professionals, he also has the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own.
Your dentist and Dr. Vravick will work together to make your dreams come true.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant(s) clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!
After treatment, Dr. Vravick will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.
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