Dental Implants - Restoring Form & Function
Dental Implants are the perfect replacement for
dentures or missing teeth. Their strength and durability
allow you to talk, laugh, and eat the foods you love with
complete confidence.
You’ll face the world with refreshed self-assurance
and enjoy the many benefits of a beautiful smile. At South
Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery, we work with every
patient on an individual basis to meet their specific implant
needs. Whether you need to replace only one tooth, or would
like a brand new smile, Dr. Marashi will
create beautiful aesthetic results with professional care.
With advanced research and technology, your implants will
look and feel miraculously similar to natural teeth. Keep
reading to explore the many options with implant dentistry,
or
contact us today to discuss your
implant options.
Common Implant Restorations
Single Tooth Replacement
Multiple Tooth Replacement
Implant-Supported Fixed Denture
Implant-Supported Removable Denture
Compare Implants With Methods
Common Implant Restorations
- If the restorative treatment involves replacing one tooth,
a single implant will be placed.
- If the restorative treatment involves replacing more than
one tooth, more than one implant will be needed, but not
necessarily one for each missing tooth.
- In multiple tooth replacements, the restoration can be
attached in various ways:
| - Fixed: |
so only your dentist can
remove it. The restoration may be fixed using either cement
or screws. |
| - Removable: |
using a bar with retentive attachments, such as clips.
|
Single Tooth Replacement
Multiple Tooth Replacement
Full Upper And Lower Tooth
Replacement
Single Tooth Replacement
A dental implant is placed in bone and covered with a protective
cap while it is allowed to heal. Depending on the amount of
bone, your clinician may need to do additional procedures
to build up the bone.
After healing, when the implant is securely anchored in the
bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This functions
as the core of the replacement tooth. The abutment can be
adjusted and shaped to allow the replacement tooth, or crown,
to blend in with the adjacent teeth.
The final step is to affix a crown to the abutment. The crown
is shaped and colored to match your surrounding teeth. The
finished result matches your natural teeth. The entire dental
implant procedure can be completed in as little as two months,
with just three office visits.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
Implants used to support a bridge are placed and allowed
to bond with the surrounding bone in the same manner as a
single tooth implant.
After the appropriate healing time, healing abutments are
placed on each implant to allow contouring of the tissue.
When the implant is securely anchored in the bone, the healing
abutments are removed and final abutments are attached to
the implants. These function as the core of the replacement
teeth that are attached directly to the implants.
The bridge is designed to be permanently affixed to the implants.
As with a single tooth implant, the finished result is as
aesthetic as your natural teeth, with the same functionality.
There are no unsightly metal hooks or clasps.
Implant-Supported Fixed Denture
The supporting implants are normally placed toward the front
of the mouth, where the bone is denser, or where the least
bone loss has occurred. After the implants are securely anchored
in the bone, the abutments, which support the denture, are
affixed to the implants.
The full denture is attached to the abutments in the same
manner as a bridge, so that only your dental professional
can remove it. When this is done, the denture is attached
above the level of the gum for easy hygiene care at home.
Implant-Supported Removable Denture
For removable dentures, the implants support a bar to which
the denture is snapped on and off. This permits you to remove
it at home for cleaning. Although the denture is removable,
it remains firmly attached during normal functions, including
eating and talking. Whether fixed or removable, the finished
result is nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth.
How Implants Compare With Other Tooth Replacement Therapies
|
DENTAL
IMPLANTS
Implants offer an aesthetic and long-term solution to
missing teeth |
DENTURES(FULL
& PARTIAL)
Traditional dentures may be uncomfortable and difficult
to secure in place |
CROWN
& BRIDGE
Crown and bridge restorations involve modifying healthy
adjacent teeth. |
| Treatment
Complete In As Little As 2 To 3 Months? |
YES
If you meet certain criteria, implant restorations may
be completed in as little as 2 to 3 months. |
YES
|
YES
|
| Natural-Looking
Smile? |
YES
Implant restorations look and feel like natural teeth. |
NO
Metal clasps are often necessary to fasten the denture
into the mouth. |
YES
However, in time, gum recession may expose tooth roots,
diminishing the aesthetic results. |
| Long-Lasting
Solution? |
YES
Implants can last a lifetime. |
NO
Occasional adjustments to the fit of the denture may be
necessary. |
NO
The longevity of crown and bridge restorations can vary,
with some cases requiring rework in as little as 7-10
years. |
| Prevents
Bone Loss? |
YES
Implants help maintain bone volume. |
NO
Bone loss may occur due to the force of the dentures resting
on the gum. |
NO
Bone can continue to be lost in areas where teeth are
missing. |
| Improves
Chewing Ability? |
YES
Implant restorations can restore and significantly improve
chewing ability. |
YES
However, denture movement may occur during use |
YES
Although it may not be permanent, it does improve chewing
ability. |
| Damages
Adjacent Teeth? |
NO
Implant restorations normally do not require modification
of healthy surrounding teeth. |
YES
Surrounding healthy teeth may require a crown or modification
to help anchor the denture. |
YES
Healthy teeth are modified so the bridge can be cemented
to them. |
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