Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants are small screws made out of titanium to replace missing teeth. Titanium is the only metal we know that the body accepts and allows bone to grow in and around it. By placing an implant in the jawbone (where the natural tooth root was), Dr. Davidson can anchor replacement teeth to your full chewing ability or secure your loose dentures. Restoring comfort, function, aesthetics and preserving the natural anatomy are the primary treatment goals in replacing missing teeth with dental implants.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Today’s dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration.

Osseointegration is the process by which direct anchorage of a dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs. Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal, at which point Dr. Davidson can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. Once the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is done. If osseointegration does not occur, the implant will fail.

Implant Dentistry: New Procedural Strategies

Dr. Arkady Davidson has been trained to perform implant surgery, and has begun to use a new strategy for the replacement of missing teeth. He can place dental implants into locations where teeth have recently been extracted. When successful, this new strategy can shed months off of the treatment time associated with dental implants because osseointegration is sped up. Candidacy for this type of early intervention is dependant upon anatomical factors of the extracted tooth site. For example, in many cases the extracted tooth site is wider than the implant, making it impossible to place the implant into the site immediately after extraction. Dental work would have to be performed first in order to create a perfect fit for the implant.

Another strategy for implant placement within narrow spaces is the incorporation of the mini-implant. Mini-implants may be used for small teeth and incisors.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Now that you know how an implant is placed, it’s time to determine if you are a candidate.

First, we invite you to seek the advice of Dr. Davidson by arranging a consultation. He is fully trained in placing implants, crowns and surgery. He has completed a mini residency in full mouth implant rehabilitation and was awarded a University of Toronto mini residency in “surgical and prosthodontic implant management” which have allowed him to master the art of implant and cosmetic dentistry. He will be happy to conduct a comprehensive oral health examination and patient history to evaluate your candidacy.

How Can Dental Implants Be Used to Replace Missing Teeth?

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
• Support a bridge (where multiple teeth are tied together to span a larger gap)
• Provide support, retention and stability to removable partials and dentures

Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Reduces the need to cut down adjacent teeth for bridges – retains as much natural anatomy as possible
• Helps preserve the remaining natural bone structure
• Supports the face shape and smile
• Eliminates the need for removable partials and dentures – and the sores that may go along with them
• Look, feel and function just like natural teeth
• Provides confidence in eating, speaking and smiling

How Does It Hold?

An implant inserted correctly and monitored through checks (at least twice a year) is considered a success if the arch is maintained more than 7 years. Over 90% of implants resist on the arch more than seven years. The longest implant which I examined until now, while I was studying at New York University, was inserted after 30 years.

How Can an Implant Be Maintained ?

Unfortunately, many patients believe that if an implant is made of titanium, it can’t fail even if you don’t maintain it with proper hygiene. This is false! Even though titanium isn’t degradable ,the bone in which the implant is inserted suffers due to lack of hygiene, resulting in loss of the implant from moving it.

If a patient does not brush his teeth, an implant may be lost even in a few weeks! These recommendations are for all patients, not just carriers of implants, since poor hygiene is the main cause of tooth loss.

If you want to get a dental implant of quality, come to us. Dr. Davidson’s Dental office will help you have beautiful and healthy teeth, and your smile will stand out wherever you are. My goal is to provide reliable services for you and your family, and for you to have a dental experience that is comfortable and carefree.

Do you want to learn more about Dental Implants? It is easy to book an appointment, just give us a call!