Expert in Dental Implants
 Dr. Price has been extensively trained in dental implant placement, and
accompanying procedures such as sinus augmentation and denture
stabilization. He has over 14 years of experience placing dental
implants.
One of his highest priorities is to help you come to an informed decision
regarding your treatment. Our procedures are always preceded by an
extensive examination and consultation. At this time, your questions will
be answered.
Dr.
Price works closely with you and your general dentist to provide you with
excellent tooth replacement care.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots
attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid
foods.
Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth or if one needed to be extracted,
the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be ground down. The missing tooth is replaced with a three-crown bridge.
Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two
perfectly healthy teeth, the periodontist inserts a dental post (dental
implant) into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. This post
becomes solidly fixed into your jaw (like a natural tooth root). Your
general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that
looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing
teeth.
Replacing Several Missing Teeth
 |
| Dental Implant Supported Dentures are firmly anchored to the
jawbone. This helps to prevent bone loss and causes them to feel much
more like natural teeth. |
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a
removable partial or full denture.
Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. During the day, they can
also look unnatural and rub painfully. Dentures and partials make it
difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.
Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures. This
prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with floating partials and dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for
overnight soaking and cleaning. Dental implants also eliminate the need for
dental adhesives. This allows you to enjoy eating the foods you previously
avoided . With dental implants, your partials or dentures are firmly
anchored to the jawbone, causing them to feel much more like natural teeth.
Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your
jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone
and prevent it from shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked
prematurely old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating
dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between
94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene, the percentage
is closer to 98%.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
The discomfort involved with receiving a dental implant is similar to having a routine tooth extraction. This is accomplished with the use of local anesthesia. Most of our patients experience little to no pain. Our patients routinely use one to two doses of their prescribed pain medication and are fine to return to their normal activities the following day.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. Though the life span of a
dental implant will vary with each patient, many have lasted for over 30
years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants should
last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed
bridge is between 10-15 years.
Bone Regeneration
A critical question in determining whether an implant can be placed is,
"Is there enough bone to support the implant?" Fortunately, advanced
bone regeneration techniques now make it possible to place many more
implants than just 10 years ago.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation by your general dentist
who will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If he
feels dental implants might be possible, he will send you to a periodontist
for an evaluation.
For More Information
The following sites will provide you with more information on dental implants:
|
