Dental Implants
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Dental implants can make it easier to smile with confidence and eat the foods you love again. If you’re missing teeth or struggling with loose, ill-fitting dentures, ask us about dental implants! When you lose a tooth, there are generally four options available to fill the missing space:
- A removable denture can be made that will sit on the gum and need to be taken out every night before bed. Some patients have trouble tolerating the plastic material of the denture or the pressure that it places on the gums.
- The second option is called a bridge, and requires that the teeth next to the space be shaved down in order to hold either end of the "bridge" that spans across the missing tooth space. Bridges are permanently cemented. Cleaning under a bridge can be tricky but with time and patience will become part of your daily brushing routine.
- A dental implant is the third option, and many say the option that most closely feels like a true replacement for the tooth you lost. Single dental implants are permanently cemented, and can be brushed and flossed like your regular teeth.
- Mini dental implants are smaller than traditional dental implants, which makes them an excellent way to provide extra support and stability for dentures. Mini dental implants can often be placed in just one office visit.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in both the upper and lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, dental implants naturally fuse with bone and become a solid anchor for the restorations that Dr. Recigno will eventually place on top. Dental implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth.
Dr. Recigno has been trained in both the placement and restoration phases of implant dentistry, so you can receive all of your treatment in one office.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants serve a number of important purposes. Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink and make your face look older than it is. Successful and properly maintained dental implants preserve the structure of your lips, jaw, and cheeks, and they can even help prevent the bone loss that commonly occurs after tooth loss.
Computer Guided Dental Implants
With CT imaging, placing and restoring dental implants has never been easier! We use CT imaging to create a digital replica of your jawbone, which helps us place dental implants with more accuracy and safety than ever before. The convenience and precision of CT scanning also helps us reduce the overall treatment time required for dental implants.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent option for patients with advanced tooth decay, root canal failure, trauma to the mouth, or severe natural wear and breakdown of their teeth. However, there are still some things to consider before you decide on dental implants. For example, dental implants are best performed after adolescence, when the teeth and jaw bone are fully developed. Additionally, the dental implant procedure can be more complicated for individuals with gum disease, active diabetes, immune deficiencies, and for patients who smoke. To ensure that you get the treatment that’s right for you, visit Dr. Recigno for a full dental implant evaluation.
