Implant Dentistry

Given the unique, minimally invasive procedure, the minute size of the implants, and the characteristic placement area, the typical dental implant patient can enjoy a light meal an hour or so after having the implants placed.

Dental Implants may also be used to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew. Plus, for patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth so that you have a more natural-looking smile.

The Dental Implant System consists of a titanium implant that acts like the root of your tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball and the retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains a Teflon O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force. When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces. The effect is a more comfortable, stable-functioning over-denture. This technique is most often employed in a patient’s lower jaw. The standard insertion protocol for dental implants calls for four of them to be gently screwed into the front of a patient’s lower jaw. The result is a tight fitting, completely reliable system that allows a patient to speak and eat with confidence. The dental implants are placed in about an hour’s time.

A denture patient who has had his or her prosthesis stabilized with an implant can remove and replace the denture easily after a little practice, and can easily utilize good dental hygiene. All in all, an implant is quite satisfying.