What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants are an alternative to dentures or bridgework for replacing teeth The dental implant is made from titanium and is surgically implanted in the jaw boneAn implant functions like the root of your missing tooth Implants are usually placed in a dental office, using only local anesthesia Generally, there is minimal post-operative painor discomfort

Comparing Implants To Natural TeethDental implants are an ideal tooth replacement therapy because implants closely mimic natural teeth

All natural teeth have a dentin core, surrounded by an enamel coating, and are anchored in the jaw bone by their rootsA completed dental implant has a crown, which replicates the appearance of the enamel coating of the surrounding natural teeth. The crown is fixed to an abutment, or post, the equivalent of the dentin core. The post is attached to the titanium implant, which is anchored in the jaw bone and acts as the root of the replacement tooth.

The Effect of Not Replacing A Missing Tooth

This x-ray reveals the bone loss that follows tooth loss

Adjacent teeth become misaligned as they move into the space created by the missing tooth

The impact of tooth loss and bone resorption: collapsed facial profiles, sunken lips, increased wrinkles around the mouth and a pointed chin and nose that appear too close

Single Tooth ReplacementUnlike bridges and dentures, implants more closely mimic natural teeth in appearance, feel and function Unlike a conventional three-unit bridge used to replace a single tooth, the healthy adjacent teeth do not have to be modified to support the bridge

An OSSEOTITE implant is placed in bone and covered with a protective cap while it is allowed to heal. Depending on the amount of bone, your clinician may need to do additional procedures to build up the bone.

After healing, when the OSSEOTITE implant is securely anchored in the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This functions as the core of the replacement tooth. The abutment can be adjusted and shaped to allow the replacement tooth, or crown, to blend in with the adjacent teeth.

The final step is to affix a crown to the abutment. The crown is shaped and colored to match your surrounding teeth. The finished result matches your natural teeth. The entire OSSEOTITE implant procedure can be completed in as little as two months, with just three office visits.

Multiple Tooth ReplacementTitanium implants are so strong, and bond with bone so well, that one may not be needed for each tooth replaced Your dentist will determine how many implants will be needed in each individual case

Implants used to support a bridge are placed and allowed to bond with the surrounding bone in the same manner as a single tooth implant.After the appropriate healing time, healing abutments are placed on each implant to allow contouring of the tissue.

When the OSSEOTITE implant is securely anchored in the bone, the healing abutments are removed and final abutments are attached to the implants. These function as the core of the replacement teeth that are attached directly to the implants.

The bridge is designed to be permanently affixed to the implants. As with a single tooth implant, the finished result is as aesthetic as your natural teeth, with the same functionality. There are no unsightly metal hooks or clasps.

Full Upper or Lower Tooth ReplacementIn most cases, only six implants are needed to permanently anchor a full upper or lower denture, although more may be required depending on bone quantity or quality Removable dentures held in place by implants do not require the use of a dental adhesiveUnlike adhesive-retained dentures, implant-retained dentures will not move during eating

Implant-Supported Fixed DentureThe supporting implants are normally placed toward the front of the mouth, where the bone is more dense, or wherever the least bone loss has occurred.

After the implants are securely anchored in the bone, the abutments, which support the denture, are affixed to the implants.

The full denture is attached to the abutments in the same manner as a bridge, so that only your dental professional can remove it. When this is done, the denture is attached above the level of the gum for easy hygiene care at home.

Implant-Supported Removable DentureFor removable dentures, the implants support a bar to which the denture is snapped on and off. This permits you to remove it at home for cleaning. Although the denture is removable, it remains firmly attached during normal functions, including eating and talking.

Whether fixed or removable, the finished result is nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Gum Recession

Healthy Gums

Bone Loss

Bone Level Maintained

Healthy Teeth Cut Down

Healthy Teeth Not Modified