Implant Dentistry
When can implants be used?
Replace individual missing teeth
Implants are an ideal solution to replace a missing tooth. Unlike tooth supported bridges, they do not reduce the prognosis for adjacent (abutment) teeth, they maintain the special relationships between adjacent and opposing teeth, and they provide excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Replace multiple adjacent missing teeth
Multiple adjacent missing teeth can be replaced by implant supported bridges. This technique provides and equitable and sustainable solution for replacing multiple missing teeth.
Full arch restoration
Full dental arches, both maxilla (upper arch) and mandible (lower arch) can be replaced by implant supported prostheses. The technique here consists of placement of seven or more implants in an arch. A titanium supported hybrid prosthesis is then constructed using modern computer aided drafting and design and computer aided manufacture technology. The prosthesis is then permanently attached to the implants to give the patient the appearance and function of natural teeth.
Implant Supported Dentures
Both existing and new dentures and can be enhanced by placement of implants and attachment to the implants by locating attachments. Mandibular(lower) dentures have until now been difficult to tolerate because they float around and are unstable. Now, attached to implants, they can present both function and appearance similar to that of natural teeth. Maxillary dentures have presented problems for some people who cannot tolerate coverage of their palate(the roof of the mouth). Implant supported dentures can be constructed without coverage of this area giving excellent comfort and function while presenting a natural appearance.
