Implant Dentistry
A dental implant is an excellent treatment for replacing missing teeth. Small titanium implants replace the roots of the missing teeth. Custom fitted artificial teeth are secured to the implants which hold the teeth firmly in place. Implants can also be used to support bridges and dentures. An implant is the next best thing to your natural tooth.
Depending on your situation, placing an implant may consist of several phases and treatment times can vary widely. First we must determine if an implant is right for you by discussing your health history and treatment goals and performing a comprehensive examination of your gums and jaw bone. Dr. Cook will also determine if you need any additional procedures such as bone grafting or gum surgery.
To begin an implant procedure, Dr. Cook will shape a channel into the bone and then place the implant into the prepared space. Over the course of the next few months the implant will become securely fused to the bone.After the implant and your bone have fully integrated, a custom made restoration will be secured to the implant.
There are many types of implants available depending on
your particular need and situation. Implants fall into three general categories:
- Single-unit implants: This type of implant is designed to replace a single missing tooth. They are virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth, except they may be stronger, last longer, and are impervious to cavities.
- Multiple-unit implants: These are used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth (such as back molars). Two implants can support multiple crowns without sacrificing strength or durability, restoring your ability to eat and chew normally.
- Overdentures: If you wear dentures, you know they can become loose and prone to slipping. The longer you wear a denture, the more bone loss you experience. This may lead to the denture “floating” in your mouth, increasing the chance that it will slip unexpectedly.
With an overdenture, the denture is anchored to the bone with titanium implants, so it cannot float or slip. Depending on your particular case, we may design one that snaps into place or is secured by a special bar that is invisible when the denture is worn. In addition to helping you avoid the embarrassment of slipping dentures, overdentures can protect you from further bone loss.
Implants have several advantages over alternative forms of treatment. Implants stimulate the jaw bone when you chew, preserving the bone and keeping it healthy. Implants are also strong, comfortable, and secure, looking and feeling just like natural teeth.
Dr. Cook is a Fellow Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI). Dr. Cook performs all phases implantology: from surgical placement through restoration.