Dental implants are a modern method of replacing teeth that have been lost. The idea is simple; an implant is the placement of an artificial root into the jawbone. The artificial root can then be modified to secure a denture or replace a missing tooth. This technology was first developed in the 1950s in Sweden, by Per Branemark, who was looking for a way to make loose dentures fit tighter. In the last 60 years, implants have undergone extensive improvements in engineering and we can now use them for a variety of dental procedures:
Replacement of a single missing tooth
Replacement of several missing teeth with an implant bridge
Anchorage and improved fit of a denture
Anchorage for a partial denture
Implant placement is generally a simple two-step procedure. First, surgery is performed (usually by an oral surgeon) to place the implant into the jawbone. Surgery usually takes only an hour or two and can often be done with local anesthetic alone. During the next four to six months, the implant is left to heal in the jawbone, allowing bone to grow and fuse around the anchor and firmly hold it in place—a process known as osseointegration. After the gums and bone have had several months to heal, the implant is ready for completion. The artificial teeth are made and fitted to the anchoring implant. The result is a strong, long lasting, and natural-appearing artificial tooth!
Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Newton or Dr. Clouse will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental implants are a modern method of replacing teeth that have been lost. The idea is simple; an implant is the placement of an artificial root into the jawbone. The artificial root can then be modified to secure a denture or replace a missing tooth. This technology was first developed in the 1950s in Sweden, by Per Branemark, who was looking for a way to make loose dentures fit tighter. In the last 60 years, implants have undergone extensive improvements in engineering and we can now use them for a variety of dental procedures:
Implant placement is generally a simple two-step procedure. First, surgery is performed (usually by an oral surgeon) to place the implant into the jawbone. Surgery usually takes only an hour or two and can often be done with local anesthetic alone. During the next four to six months, the implant is left to heal in the jawbone, allowing bone to grow and fuse around the anchor and firmly hold it in place—a process known as osseointegration. After the gums and bone have had several months to heal, the implant is ready for completion. The artificial teeth are made and fitted to the anchoring implant. The result is a strong, long lasting, and natural-appearing artificial tooth!