While regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smile, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’re missing teeth, dental implants are a great way to replace them and provide a fixed solution to removable dentures. With today’s dental implants we are now able to offer natural looking replacement teeth that are fixed in the jaw. Implant treatment provides us with the option to correct the most troublesome cases associated with missing teeth and poorly fitting dentures. If you’re missing one or even all of your teeth, we believe that dental implants can help you rediscover the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically placed into the jaw bone and used to support tooth replacement structures such as crowns, bridges and dentures. While the implant mimics the root of the tooth, the replacement structure looks and feels just like a natural tooth, providing you with a permanent solution for missing teeth that replicates the fit and feel of natural teeth. Because dental implants are considered to be the most modern and successful restorative treatment option available in dentistry today, they offer many benefits over other tooth replacement methods.
Implant Procedure
All treatment begins with a thorough exam and consultation. Typically, the process can take from three to six months. In some cases, the process may take longer because additional treatments, such as bone grafting, may be required to build up the bone in order to receive the implant. The procedure and timeframe chosen depends on several factors: your dental health, the condition and quality of your jaw bone, and the number of your teeth involved. We will discuss all appropriate treatment options and recommendations with you in order to customize the best plan possible for your individual requirements and goals.
Implant restorations in our office usually involve two steps. First, one or more implants are precisely placed into the jaw bone to mirror the location of the root of your missing natural tooth. After appropriate healing time has taken place, to allow for the implant to fuse within the bone, we will then take impressions of your teeth and bite in order to custom fabricate a connector post (abutment) and crown. The abutment and crown are then attached to the implant, completing the process. Once treatment is complete, your results will look and feel completely natural and can last a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Children, teens, and adults should all see us for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to come in more than just twice a year. Dr. Durand will help determine how often you should visit our office for regular checkups.