| Dental Implants |
 A dental implant is a titanium post designed to replace missing teeth. The post is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing, and provides a more permanent solution.
Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Implants are surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, and fuse to the jawbone. Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone, a process called osseointegration. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural, and some people find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes. Candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.
Reasons for Dental Implants| • |
Replace a missing tooth
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Maintain healthy bone levels
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Help support overdentures
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Keep the look and feel of a real tooth where one is missing |
What does a dental implant involve?Implant Site Preparation
The gum tissue is opened to expose the bone area where the implant will be placed. In situations where there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be a recommended procedure. Once healthy bone has been established, a special drill is used to prepare the bone to receive the implant.
Placing the Implant
After the bone has been prepared, the implant is placed and the tissue is sutured. After seven to ten days the sutures are removed. The healing process takes three to six months. This is the amount of time it usually takes the implant to become part of the bone of the jaw.
Attaching the Post
When the gum tissue is ready, a special post is attached to the implant; it is the support for the new porcelain crown. Today's technologies often include zirconium abutments attached to the implant post, to assure that the new porcelain tooth possesses translucency properties similar to a natural tooth.
Placing the Crown
After impressions are taken a crown is made and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is then slipped over the post and cemented. This final prosthetic crown appears as a natural tooth.
There is a high rate of failure of implants in patients who smoke, so dental implants tend to not be an option for patients who are actively smoking. We will help you determine whether dental implants will be a good tooth replacement option for you. Proper brushing and flossing will maximize the longevity of your new dental implant.
Call us at 304-345-1092 to schedule your consultation about dental implants. |
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| What Is Apical Surgery?
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Periapical lesions are abnormal growths or infections that affect the tip of the tooth's root. While conventional endodontic treatments may not be enough, apical surgery is a standard procedure that is often the last resort for maintaining a tooth with a periapical lesion. The main goal of apical surgery is to contain bacteria within the root canal system, preventing infection from spreading to the periradicular tissues. The oral surgeon will place a tight root-end filling after a root-end resection, preventing bacterial leakages throughout the process. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about apical surgery and how it can help restore oral health.
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| Are Sweets and Ice Really Bad for My Teeth? |
Many people have a habit of chewing sweets like taffy and caramels, and also on ice. While it may seem like a harmless habit, it poses serious oral health risks. As you enjoy sugary treats or chew ice cubes after a drink, consider the impact on your teeth. Sugar attracts harmful bacteria that cause cavities and decay, while crunching ice can cause tiny chips and cracks in your teeth. The problems usually start small and worsen over time if you don't act quickly. If you want to enjoy sweets or chew on ice, be sure to maintain a strict hygiene routine and schedule routine visits with our dentist.
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