A New Smile

It's no fun when you're missing teeth. You may not feel comfortable eating or speaking. You might even avoid smiling in public. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in your mouth. Best of all, they look and feel like natural teeth.

Implants Can Help

If you want a dental restoration that looks and feels as though it's really part of your mouth, dental implants may be right for you. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Your jawbone fuses with the implant to provide a secure platform for a prosthesis (artificial tooth). If you are missing many teeth, several implants can be used to support a partial or complete denture.

Working Together

Throughout the implant process you'll work closely with a dental team. Part of the team prepares your jaw and surgically places the implant. Others build and adjust the prosthesis. Your surgeon may be an oral surgeon, periodontist, or a general dentist skilled in implant procedures. Your restorative dentist maybe be a prosthodontist or a general dentist.

A single prosthesis is used to replace a tooth that has been lost.

A partial prosthesis is used as an alternative to a bridge.

A complete denture prosthesis is used as an alternative to a traditional complete denture.

Choosing a Removable or Fixed Complete Prosthesis

With a removable prosthesis, the new teeth are joined to the implants by a connecting device, such as a clip and bar. This allows you to take the prosthesis out for cleaning. For support, this type often uses four to six implants per jaw.

With a fixed prosthesis, the new teeth are fitted to a frame that is secured to the implants. Five or more implants are placed among the contour of the jaw. In some cases, a fixed prosthesis offers more stability for chewing.

Your Surgical Experience

Upon arriving, you may be asked to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic. You may also be given medication to help you relax or to make you sleepy. Right before surgery, the jaw is numbed. Then the jawbone is prepared so the implants can be placed. If you're awake, you may hear sounds or feel vibrations. But you shouldn't feel any pain. The length of the surgery depends on how many implants are placed.

Healing Abutments and Final Abutments

Depending on your dental needs, two kinds of abutments may be used. Healing abutments (also called healing cuffs) help gum tissue heal around the implant site. Once the gum had healed, final abutments are placed so the prosthesis can be joined with the implant. After abutments are placed, it usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for gums to heal. During that time, follow your surgeon's advice about what kinds of food to eat. You will also be given instructions for cleaning around abutments. Proper cleaning prevents infection and promotes healing.

When your gums have healed around the abutments, your restorative dentist will begin making your permanent prosthesis. Several office visits may be needed to make a precise model of your mouth. Then it may take a few weeks to build your prosthesis.

A Custom Fit

To custom-fit your prosthesis, your restorative dentist will make impressions (molds) of your jaws, teeth, and abutments. Bite registrations are also made to see how your teeth fit together. These molds are used to create a model of your mouth. Your new prosthesis is made from this model.

Once your prosthesis is ready, you'll have several fittings to see how it feels in your mouth. With a fixed prosthesis, this process may take a little longer. After any needed adjustments are made, the prosthesis is attached to the abutments. You may be told not to eat hard or crunchy foods for a few weeks after the prosthesis is attached.