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Missing Teeth
When teeth
are missing, they can be replaced with dental implants.
Implants are metallic root forms made out of a surgical metal
called titanium. The titanium implants (roots) are placed into
the bone beneath the gum tissue and allowed to heal for four
months. During this healing phase, the bone grows into the
surface of the implants by a process called osseointegraton.
Once osseointegraton occurs, the implants will be strong enough
to support new teeth, thereby replacing the missing ones.
Lower right
jaw is ready for implants.
With local
anesthesia the gum is opened.
Holes are
drilled into the bone to receive the implants.
The implants
are screwed into the bone.
The implants
are now in place in the bone.
Healing caps
are placed over the tops of the implants.
The implants
must heal and osseointegrate for four months.
After four
months, the healing caps are removed.
The posts or
‘abutments’ are screwed onto the healed implants.
An impression
is taken of the abutments so that new teeth can be fabricated.
The new teeth
(called crowns) are placed over the implant abutments.
The final
crowns resemble the original teeth in looks and function.
Lateral
incisor (tooth #10) is missing.
Xray of
implant replacing #10.
Implant
abutment in place.
Final
porcelain crown is cemented over abutment.
Three teeth
are missing in the upper left area of the mouth.
Three
implants are placed into the bone and allowed to heal for three
months.
Three
‘porcelain fused to metal’ crowns are placed over the implants.
Normal
function and aesthetics are restored.
Teeth are
missing on the upper right side of the mouth.
Six implants
were placed and all upper right teeth restored to natural
function.
All remaining
upper teeth were hopeless due to periodontal disease.
A full
upper arch of implants were placed, followed by a permanent full
arch of porcelain crowns.
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