Dental Implants

A dental implant is a surgical grade titanium alloy post that a periodontist or oral surgeon positions into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place.  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.

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason.  Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.  While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits.

Dental implant restorations look and feel similar to 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.

Dental implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant.  More of your teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health.

Dental implants will allow you to once again eat with comfort and confidence.  They are secure and offer freedom from irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures.  They typically will allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.

Implants are stronger than natural teeth and have the potential to last a lifetime.  The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable.  They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.  They are so natural-looking and feeling; you may forget you ever lost a tooth.

Am I a candidate for Dental Implants?

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.  You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.  The ideal candidate is in good general and oral health and is free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth.  Since periodontists are dental experts who specialize in this area, they are the ideal members of your dental implant team.  Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel like your own.

What is treatment like?

This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist, and Dr. Brown.  Dr. Brown and your dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant(s) should be placed.  Depending on your specific condition and the types of implant chosen, Dr. Brown will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

Links

Zimmer Dental
Astra Tec Dental
Nobel Biocare
Sterngold

3D Dental Implant Imaging

Dr. Brown has successfully integrated digital radiography and Cone Beam 3D imaging into his practices and believes that Cone Beam Volumetric Imaging in necessary for precise and safe planning of his implant cases.  The many advantages of the CBVI over the available types of images include the highly accurate visualization of head and neck structures and reduction in x-ray doses.

Dr. Brown uses the CBVI for all of his implant cases.  The scan provides him the imaging necessary to determine the precise location of important anatomical structures such as nerves and the sinus cavities in relation to positioning of the implant fixtures. 

In every case this special imaging will provide an extremely accurate 3-dimensional view of the proposed implant location(s) including widths of bone and whether or not they are sufficient to be able to complete the surgical placement of the implant.

Dr. Dale Miles, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist

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 clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!!

After treatment, Dr. Brown will work closely with you and your dentist to development 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.

Benefits/Advantages

Every way you look at it, dental implants are the optimum solution to the problem of missing teeth.  The benefits are:

• Excellent Esthetic Results
• Tooth Saving
• Reliable
• Predictable and successful results and outcomes