Centre Dental

Dental Implants

 

Dental implant---best replacement of lost teeth

       When one or more teeth are lost, replacement is usually necessary to avoid more serious problems.  Traditionally treatment includes removable dentures and fixed bridges, which may not provide long term solutions.
 

        Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
 

 

       The implants themselves are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Abutments that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These abutments provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth (crowns).

 

 

        If a tooth cannot be saved and an implant treatment is planned, it is important that a bone/gum-saving procedure is incorporated into tooth extraction.  Dr Shi has been utilizing this atraumatic technique in tooth extraction procedures for many years. By applying this technique, the natural foundation of your future implant is saved, and your recovery time is shortened.

 

 

        After atraumatic tooth removal, a bone grafting procedure may be done to rebuild the jaw bone so that the future implant can be placed in sound foundation. This may be done before implant placement or in conjunction with implant placement depending upon the individual situation.

 

Dental CT scan

         After the bone heals, we strongly recommend that you get a CT scan so that we can design the strongest implant possible yet your safety is ensured. 
 

 

Implant placement

 

        For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. 
 

        After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr Shi will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums.  Your gums will heal around the post.

 

 

        Once the gums heal around the metal post, we will take a digital impression of the implants using an iTero scanner, and abutments and artificial teeth can be made in dental laboratory. When the artificial teeth are placed, they will look and feel like your own teeth.

 

        Please call us to schedule a free consultation, Dr Shi will provide a detailed plan for your unique condition, and answer all your individual questions.