With a success rate as high as 98 percent, dental implants are suitable for practically anyone with missing teeth who is healthy enough to undergo oral surgery. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that can be made to match your natural teeth.
Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or an entire set of missing teeth by supporting a fixed denture.
Dental implants have many advantages to other missing teeth procedures:
- Appearance – Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth
- Improved speech – They don’t slip allowing for improved speech and greater self confidence
- Comfort – More comfortable than removable dentures
- Easier Eating – Chewing function is far greater compared to a dental bridge or denture
- Improved oral health – Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does
- Durability – With proper care, implants can last a lifetime
Choosing a Prosthodontist for Treatment
A Prosthodontist is one of only nine specialized dentists recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontics is the specialty pertaining to missing teeth and the restoration of natural teeth. A Prosthodontist receives additional schooling after dental school and Dr. McCool has over 25 years of experience in replacing and restoring missing teeth using dental implants.
With a high quality of customer service and a low volume of patients, Dr. McCool is able to spend ample time with each patient to hear their questions and concerns, discuss their treatment options, and collaboratively reach a decided best form of treatment.
Dental Implant Procedure
The first step in the dental implant procedure is an individualized treatment plan. Dr. McCool will perform a consultation and create the plan. He will coordinate treatment and work closely with a periodontist or oral surgeon who will perform the surgery.
The tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks. During this time you will have a temporary crown in place to protect aid in healing, as well as provide function for chewing and speaking.
Once the dental implant has completely healed and fused to the bone, it will be uncovered and Dr. McCool will permanently secure the dental crown or denture to the implant. The dental crown is usually made of porcelain and looks like a natural tooth.
Implant Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a type of denture that is supported by and attached to implants. A regular denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants. Implant-supported dentures are used when a person does not have any remaining teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone structure to support the implants.
Learn more about Implant Supported Dentures