Dental Implants

Dental Implants: The Advanced Solution for Missing Teeth in Brantford

Dental implants are the most advanced and long-term solution for missing teeth. These screw-shaped posts come in various sizes and lengths, with a continuous screw-like thread.

Understanding Dental Implants

Overview of Dental Implants: Structure and Function

A single implant can replace one tooth, while multiple implants can replace a segment or even an entire set of teeth. Besides tooth replacement in prosthodontics, implants can also be used as anchor points in orthodontics.

The size of the implant depends on the amount of bone in the designated placement area and its intended function. However, careful planning is required before the actual procedure. In some cases, additional work needs to be done prior to implant placement to ensure the success of the procedure and restore the surrounding bone and gums. This may involve procedures such as sinus lift and bone augmentation.

Careful Planning: Preparing for Implant Placement

Bone augmentation involves surgically adding artificial bone to the remaining jawbone to create enough support for the implant. Sinus lift, on the other hand, involves lifting the maxillary sinus floor by adding artificial bone beneath it to provide sufficient bone for implant placement.

Procedures for Successful Implant Placement: Sinus Lift and Bone Augmentation

The implant placement procedure itself is practically painless and follows the following steps:

Step 1: Under direct supervision, the implant is carefully screwed into the designated location and left to heal for a few months.

Step 2: During the healing period of about 3 to 6 months, bone cells will grow and attach to the implant, securing it in place.

Step 3: Once the healing is complete, the implant can be loaded with a crown or bridge provided by a dental laboratory, effectively restoring the missing tooth or teeth.

Implants offer a versatile solution for missing teeth. They can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth with the help of bridges, depending on the layout. It's important to note that bridges cannot be combined between implants and natural teeth.

Mini Dental Implants: Stabilization for Dentures and Orthopedic Dentistry

Mini dental implants, as the name suggests, are smaller-sized implants used to stabilize dentures. They are suitable for patients with reduced jawbone who are not eligible for bone augmentation. Mini implants can also serve as anchor points in orthopedic dentistry for applying forces to teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants: Natural, Functional, and Aesthetic

Implants have numerous benefits for oral and general health. They closely mimic natural teeth, don't overload adjacent teeth like bridges, and are easy to clean and maintain. With their longevity and aesthetic appeal, implants are considered the best solution in prosthetic dentistry.

Qualifying for Dental Implants: Bone Density, Oral Health, and General Health

To qualify for dental implant placement, certain aspects of your health must meet the requirements. Your dentist will assess your bone density, oral health, and general health to determine if you are a good candidate. Preparatory treatments such as bone grafting might be necessary to enhance bone density. Oral health should be free of cavities and periodontal disease. Additionally, your general health should be sufficient to undergo the surgical procedure and allow for proper healing. Once implants are in place, they require regular dental care, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and routine check-ups.

The most common type of dental implant is the root-form implant, consisting of an implant screw made of titanium, an abutment that connects the implant and restoration, and a crown, bridge, or denture as the final step.

Dental implants offer several advantages, including a natural look and feel, permanence, improved speech, confident eating, and a boost in self-esteem. They also preserve more of your natural teeth and facilitate better oral hygiene.

If a missing tooth is not replaced, it can lead to jawbone shrinkage, changes in facial appearance, and looseness in neighboring teeth over time.

Determining Candidacy for Dental Implants: Consultation and Evaluation

Most healthy adults can be candidates for dental implants, and the placement procedure is typically painless under local anesthesia. Recovery time is usually minimal, and the long-term value of implants outweighs other treatment options. Dental implants are low maintenance, provide stability and confidence, and are more comfortable as they are permanent and do not move during eating or talking.

To determine if dental implants are the right option for you, it's best to schedule an appointment with our dentists at Fairview Family Dental in Brantford. We provide excellent dental implant services to our patients.