Dental Implants
When a patient loses a tooth, a variety of options are available
for replacement. One option that has gained popularity is the
dental implant. A dental implant is a titanium fixture, which
is surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once integrated, the
implant serves as a titanium replacement of the tooth's root
on which a variety of dental restorations can be placed.
Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth,
or to serve as anchors to secure a loose denture. Implants
have a number of advantages. In many cases they eliminate
the cutting down of natural teeth for dental restorations.
They do not decay like natural teeth, and they help preserve
the jawbone where natural teeth have been lost. Dental implants
are surgically implanted as an outpatient procedure, usually
with minimal or no post-operative discomfort. Most patients
return to work the day following implant surgery.
Implants can replace single teeth, thereby eliminating the
need for a bridge or a removable partial denture.
Single Tooth Implant
Above diagram is an example of a single tooth implant
replacing the front tooth. Note the similarity
in design of implant to root of natural tooth. |
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Left
diagram is an example of a bridge as replacement option
for a missing front tooth. |
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Left diagram
is an example of a removable partial denture as a replacement
for a missing front tooth. |
| Diagrams from Straumann Dental
Implant Brochure |
Here, two implants are used to replace missing lateral incisors:
| Before |
After Implant Placement |
Restored |
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Implants can be used to support dentures, thereby eliminating
the need for adhesives or even covering of the roof of your
mouth:
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| Diagrams from Straumann Dental Implant Brochure |
This patient could no longer wear a lower partial due to extensive
decay. Supporting the new denture with two implants eased the
transition to a lower denture.
Before Teeth
Removed |
After Implant
Placement |
Implant Supported
Denture |
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When teeth are not present on either side of space created by
the loss of a tooth, a removable partial denture used to be
the only treatment option available. Implants can eliminate
the need for a partial denture:
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Diagram demonstrates the use
of a removable partial to replace
mulitple teeth. |
Diagram demonstrates the use of
implants, which provide a permanent
tooth replacement. |
| Diagrams from Straumann
Dental Implant Brochure |
This patient was unable to wear a partial denture, which formerly
replaced his missing molars on the left side. Two implants were
used to give him a permanent set of molars.
| Side View |
Top View |
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