Implants
Dental implants provide the foundation for replacement of missing teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. With dental implants, dental health can be preserved with the maintenance of natural bone and soft tissue around teeth.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium (a small, lightweight metal) post that can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Because dental implants integrate (fuse) with the jawbone, an implant is very stable allowing you to bite and chew naturally. Long-term studies continue to show remarkable success rates for implants.
Why dental implants?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:
- Esthetic – Without the root of your tooth present, the bone in your jaw can shrink. Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
- Biocompatible – Since the titanium fuses and integrates with your own bone, the dental implant is stable and comfortable.
- Tooth Saving – Dental implants can replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth. Implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighbouring teeth are not altered to support the implant.
- Stable – Removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing. Because dental implants integrate with the jawbone, an implant supported denture tends to be comfortable and stable, allowing you to bite and chew naturally.
- Reliable – The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.
Ridge Preservation
To expect predictable long term success for dental implants, both functionally and esthetically, a sufficient amount of healthy jaw bone should present at potential implant sites. At times, the bone that holds the teeth in place (the socket) may be damaged by periodontal disease and/or infection resulting in shrinkage of bone. This shrinkage of the bone can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called ridge preservation to promote growth and thicken the bone.
The procedure involves placement of a bone graft material around the jaw bone where the dental implant is expected to be placed. A biocompatible barrier membrane over the bone graft is also placed to secure the graft in place. The gum tissue is then closed over the bone graft and barrier membrane. The bone graft and membrane actually signal your body to regenerate lost bone and tissue, thru a process called Guided Bone Regeneration. Following the ridge preservation procedure, Dr. Goyal will also see you for post-operative and follow-up visits to determine when the newly regenerated bone is mature (hard) enough to allow placement of an implant.
Temporary restorations can be provided during this healing period to maximize esthetics, comfort and function.
Sinus Augmentation
Insufficient Bone Below Sinus Implant After Sinus Augmentation
For optimal results and longevity, dental implants require sufficient quality and quantity of bone and tissue within the jaw. In the mouth, there may be naturally occurring, diseased, or deformed areas requiring bone and tissue grafts before implants can be placed.
The maxillary sinus is a hollow, air filled spaces located directly above the back upper jawbone (maxilla). The proximity of the maxillary sinus to the upper back jawbone can cause an insufficient amount of alveolar bone required to place a dental implant to replace premolar and molar teeth. In addition, if an upper molar or premolar is lost, the edge of the sinus cavity can move and intrude on the jawbone, further reducing the area suitable for implants. Bone resorption caused by tooth loss can make the posterior maxilla severely compromised.
A sinus augmentation or sinus “lift” is a method to help prepare the posterior maxilla for successful implant treatment by increasing the alveolar bone height. This is accomplished by raising the floor of the sinus. Room is thus created for placement of bone graft material to allow new bone to form. After a period of time, implants can be placed into the newly grafted maxillary bone. The end result of this procedure is an improved survival rate, allowing for long-lasting implants that will improve both the esthetic aspect and functionality of the patient’s mouth.
Find Out More:
Please call our office to learn more about Dental Implants.