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Implants
Restoring a Solid Foundation
When people lose permanent teeth due to accident, injury, disease or extraction, we find dental implants to be a secure, functional replacement option. They're superior to many other replacement choices because they actually restore comfort and appearance, yet remain functional for the long run. What's more, they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, thus maintaining the integrity of your overall dental structures. Since they are permanently, surgically anchored in the jawbone, implants' stability and permanence restore your ability to speak and eat normally, supply support to facial musculature, and eliminate the inconveniences and discomforts of ill-fitting prostheses. Sometimes, Drs. McLaurin will recommend implants as anchors for bridgework or fixed dentures as well.
Permanent Posts
The implant itself consists of a small titanium post, inserted into the jawbone below the gum surface at the location of the missing tooth. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation onto which artificial teeth are then attached and shaped to match your existing teeth. The number of teeth you're missing will determine the best kind of restoration for your case: one or two missing teeth indicates a simple crown restoration; two or more missing teeth require permanent fixed bridgework; a complete replacement set of upper or lower teeth requires choosing between a removable vs. a fixed prosthesis, which in turn determines how many implants per jaw are required.
Coordinated Care
The implant process generally requires three separate steps, "anchoring", "attachment", and "restoration". Each post must form a solid, enduring base with sufficient stability to withstand the tremendous mechanical pressure involved in normal chewing, so we'll typically allow about six months for the it to incorporate into the bone. During the wait, we'll provide a temporary bridge or dentures to facilitate eating and to maintain facial muscle support. Meanwhile, the lab will custom design and manufacture restorations to be placed over your implant top(s).
Restoration & Results
Once we're certain that your implant post has bonded with your jawbone, and your artificial teeth are ready, your doctor will complete the final step of implant placement process, placing the prepared restoration(s) over your protruding implant posts. This results in a secure, attractive, replacement tooth or set of teeth, designed to function as effectively as your remaining natural teeth. Depending on the number of teeth involved, this final part of the implant process requires only a short time to complete.
And what about the success rate of such procedures? As a matter of fact, the technology has proven to be a successful tooth replacement method for nearly 35 years. Limiting factors may include the recipient's general health, bone structure, and gum condition; chronic health problems such as clenching, bruxism, or systemic diseases may also decrease the success rate of the procedure immensely, as will unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Implant location also plays a role in the success of the procedure: lower front jaw implants may be up to 95% successful, while side or rear placements only 90% successful.
