What are Dental Implants?
Implant therapy is provided in concert with the oral surgeon. It is the most elegant way to replace a missing tooth, since the adjacent teeth are not touched. The oral surgeon will place the titanium implant, under IV sedation, into the jaw bone. After some months of healing, we will be able to bolt a false tooth into the implant, restoring the area where the natural tooth was missing.
What are Dental Implants Used For?
There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:
- As an artificial root for a single tooth replacement.
- As anchors for a fixed or removable prosthesis
to replace multiple teeth.
 What are Mini-implants?
Mini dental implants are very strong, small, titanium screws that are approximately the size of wooden toothpicks. They can be used to anchor a bridge or denture, or for single tooth replacement. Dr. Jacobsen or Dr. Pearson will first do an exam or consultation to determine how many mini-implants you will need. Then under mild anesthesia the mini-implants are gently placed. If you have a denture it is then created to fit over and "snap" onto the implants, resulting in a tight fitting denture that doesn't "float" around the mouth interfering with speech and trapping food underneath. Call us to make and appointment for an implant consultation. Dr. Jacobsen or Dr. Pearson will first do an exam to determine if you are a candidate and how many mini-implants you will need. You can also visit the 3M site for more information on Mini Dental Implants!
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
With the exception of your natural teeth,
nothing looks more natural than an implant. One important
benefit of implants is that they slow the shrinking
of bone and gum tissue from the area of the missing
tooth, thus preventing premature aging.
- 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.
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Step Two:
The dental implant "anchor"
is put into place.
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Step Three:
A temporary cap is placed on the
implant and the gum tissue is repositioned around
the implant. The implant is left alone for several
months so the bone can attach to the implant and
create a secure anchor.
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Restorative Phase:
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Step One:
After the implant has had a chance
to attach to the bone tissue, the temporary cap
is removed from the anchor and a post is attached
to the anchor.
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Step Two:
The implant is now ready for a prosthesis.
An impression is taken of the implant and the
appropriate prosthesis (crown,
bridge or overdenture)
is made.
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Step Three:
The prosthesis is then attached
to the implant(s).
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Considering a Dental Implant?
If you are considering a dental implant,
contact us for an evaluation
appointment. We 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, we will
provide you with further information to help you decide.
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