Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth, bridge or denture in place. Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. The goal is to create a smile with teeth that look and feel just like your own. Dr. Berube will discuss all options of tooth replacement at your appointment and discuss the advantages and disadvantages to all of these options. If you decide you would like implant treatment, we will discuss all of the steps and parts in detail.

What are some of the advantages of using implants?

Implants have become the standard of care for the replacement of teeth, whether single or multiple. Some of the advantages include that implants look and feel like a natural tooth, an implant does not sacrifice the health of neighboring teeth and implants help keep the jawbone healthy and intact.

Implants have an extremely high success rate (>95%) and they have been used consistently and predictably for decades now. We can place implants on most anyone, including those with medical issues and with bony irregularities. Some may fear this treatment and opt for the "easier" and "less expensive" bridge, but it is not your easiest, most predictable, or cost effective treatment for the long-term. Plus, you are compromising two teeth to replace one tooth.

This aspect of treatment is indicated if you would like a tooth replacement option that:

• is the standard of care
• is the most cost effective method over time
• looks and feels like a natural tooth
• is the least aggressive option since it does not sacrifice the health of neighboring teeth
• will keep the jawbone intact

Implant procedures performed include, but are not limited to:

• Single tooth replacement
• Implants to support a denture or removable partial denture
• Implants to support a fixed, full arch restoration
• Extractions in preparation for implants
• Soft tissue grafting to enhance the esthetics of implants
• Bone grafting in preparation for implants
• Sinus lift procedures in preparation for implants

For more information, please see visit these site:

http://www.perio.org/consumer/2m.htm

http://www.naturally-attractive.com

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