Oral Surgery

Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.

Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural and some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.

Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.

• Wisdom Teeth
• Infection
• Routine Extractions
• Single Tooth Implants
• Implant Dentures

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the molars that are farthest back in the mouth. These teeth are the last to grow into the mouth, usually after age 18. Wisdom teeth often become impacted-- they do not grow in properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a myriad of problems, including gum disease, infection, decay, even tumors. To prevent potential problems, wisdom teeth are usually extracted at the first sign that they may be impacted.

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Infection

In cases of severe infection, where restorative approaches will not save a tooth, an extraction may be necessary.

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Routine Extractions

Modern dentistry makes routine tooth extractions relatively comfortable, painless procedures. For seven days after the extraction, your tooth socket will require some care. You will be instructed to steer clear of the empty tooth socket when brushing your teeth. Some bleeding can be expected, and pain medication may be prescribed for residual discomfort.

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Single Tooth Implants

Problem

Missing teeth.

Solution

Dental implants are the most realistic tooth replacements available. Implants begin with a surgically placed post that is securely anchored into the jawbone. The bone surrounding the anchor will heal in approximately six months. With a completely solid and stable anchor point, an artificial tooth is then installed. The end result is a new artificial tooth that is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth, both from an aesthetic and functional standpoint. In cases where several teeth are missing, dental implants can also act as the teeth to which bridges are fixed, again perfectly mimicking the function of healthy, natural teeth.

Alternatives

Dentures may be considered if the financial burden of dental implants it too great.

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Implant Dentures

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Problem

Ill fitting, loose dentures. While dentures that are loose and ill fitting make eating difficult, they can cause painful sore spots on the gums as they slide around while chewing.

Solution

An implant denture may be the answer. Usually two to four implants are surgically placed in the bone and become anchored as the bone heals and secures itself to the implant. This healing process takes about six months after which the dentist can begin constructing an implant denture. An implant denture is a removable denture with attachments on the underside that clip onto a bar connected to the implants. The attachments and bar hold the denture in place and keep it from moving when chewing and speaking. Implant dentures can be classified into two groups: Implant Retained Dentures and Implant Supported Dentures. Implant Retained Dentures are held in place by the attachments, but are mainly supported by the bone and gum tissue as is a conventional denture. Implant Supported Dentures are for patients who do not have sufficient bone and supporting gum tissue. This denture is mainly supported by the bar attached to the implants.

Alternatives

New dentures may be considered if the financial burden of dental implants is too great.

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