~Implants~ |
A dental implant is a metal post that creates a stable foundation for a crown that replaces a missing tooth. It is placed directly into the jawbone, and is the closest thing to your natural tooth. |
There are two parts to a dental implant which simulate the strong holding ability of the tooth and root. The main part of the dental implant is embedded in the jawbone for an effect that is considerably stronger than dentures are capable of. The second part of the dental implant is a post that protrudes above the jawbone and gum line. This is the part that the crown is cemented to. If you are replacing one tooth, a single post is all that is necessary. For the replacement of multiple teeth, you may need to have several dental implants. |
There are approximately 50,000,000 people in the United States who are "edentulous" (literally meaning lacking teeth) who struggle daily with prosthetic devices. A majority suffer a great deal of discomfort as a result of lose or ill-fitting dentures. Many denture wearers simply withdraw from any type of social engagement as a result of being compelled to wear them. Moreover, it's not uncommon for family members to complain about a denture wearer's disagreeable breath as a result of food being trapped and decaying under their denture prosthesis. |
Implants for Crowns and Bridges |
Implants for Dentures |
The standard insertion protocol for Mini Dental Implants (MDI) calls for four of them to be gently screwed into the front of a patient's lower jaw. This is a relatively painless procedure that can be performed by a general dentist, requiring only a mild anesthesia. The MDI, which are approximately the size of wooden toothpicks, are placed about five millimeters apart in the patient's lower jaw. The patient's denture is then carefully adjusted by the dentist to allow it to snap onto the four MDI. The result? A tight fitting, completely reliable system that allows a patient to speak and eat with confidence. The MDI's are placed in about an hour's time. Because of the unique, minimally invasive procedure, the minute size of the implants, and the characteristic placement area, the typical MDI patient can enjoy a light meal an hour or so after having the mini implants placed. Further,a denture patient who has had his or her prosthesis stabilized with MDI can remove and replace the denture easily after a little practice, and can easily utilize good dental hygiene. All in all, the MDI is quite satisfying. |
Advanced Dental Care |