Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases, a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, various treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Kalant and Dr. Pink are able to place single-stage implants. These types of implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but require using the most recent advances in dental implant technology. Drs. Kalant and Pink are able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Kalant and Pink perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Dental Implants — Lead to a Longer Life?

Dental implants are considered “the next best thing to natural teeth.” This  statement is certainly true! Dental implants are a great option that offer many benefits, including ones that have the potential to help you live a healthier — and perhaps a longer life.

  • A strong bite  Research has found that senior men with a weak bite are up to 84% more likely to pass away before they reach their mid-80s than those who have a strong bite. Dental implants provide a bite force that is much stronger than what you would get with traditional dentures.
  • The ability to eat a healthy diet Those individuals who have lost multiple teeth lack variety in their diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Dental implants provide options to virtually eat anything, including raw vegetables, crunchy nuts, tough meats, and much more.
  • An improved social life Chronic loneliness and social isolation are both linked to a heightened risk of death. Social-emotional deficiencies affect our overall health. Dental implants may give you the confidence you need to go on dates, smile in photos, and truly enjoy your interactions with other people.
  • A lower risk of future tooth loss  losing teeth often leads to further tooth loss because the bone starts to shrink around the roots. Dental implants help retain healthy bone to reduce the chances of this happening. Teeth like company! 

All in all, tooth loss could shorten your life. Fortunately, dental implants can restore your smile and perhaps boost your longevity.