What Are Dental Implants

Dental Implants represent the biggest breakthrough in modern teeth replacement therapy. Unlike conventional teeth replacement therapy which involves fixed bridgework or removable dentures, dental implants have the distinct advantage of preventing bone loss, or regenerating already lost bone in the jaws. As a result, a more youthful appearance is created.

Dental implants, unlike conventional teeth replacement therapy, are not susceptible to the ravages of tooth decay from bacteria as they are made of a completely inorganic material. The research on dental implants have shown that the bond formed between the bone and the implant fixture is so strong that should the jaw be subjected to undue trauma, the bone-bone interface would fracture before the bone-implant interface. Implants are therefore likely to outlive the patient.

Dental Implants Surgical Phase

There are two phases required for implant tooth replacement therapy. The first phase is surgical and involves the placement of a titanium fixture (root) into the jawbone. While this may sound like an uncomfortable procedure, our experience has been that it is completed with a minimal level of discomfort.

long with a local anaesthetic, many patients opt to have this phase performed with nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation (laughing gas) or deeper levels of conscious sedation, wherein they have no memory of the procedure. Once the surgical stage is completed, the implant is left for four to six months to bond with the surrounding bone.

Dental Implants Restorative Phase

This phase involves the uncovering of the integrated implant fixture, the securing of an abutment (support structure) onto the implant, and the fabrication and placement of a porcelain crown or bridge.

 

Consultations

Dental consultations are advantageous in that they provide an opportunity for the patient to be educated about all conditions applicable to themselves, and to be acquainted with all the options available to them.

During a consultation, you can expect to undergo a thorough dental examination with appropriate x-rays and photographs. Specific concerns will be addressed and a detailed explanation of the risks and benefits of each available option will be discussed.

 

Call 416.922.9040 or email smile@drlbrown.com to schedule your personal consultation today !

Dentures

Dentures represent one alternative for aesthetic teeth replacement therapy. They serve to re-establish both form and function when the natural dentition has been lost. In so doing, dentures serve to restore and preserve the natural facial harmony and tissue integrity while preventing facial implosion.

Modern denture placement often is accompanied by implant therapy. By implanting roots into the jaw, implants serve to anchor both partial and full dentures.

This combination of implant dentistry and denture therapy has significant advantages over dentures alone, in that bone resorbtion (i.e. the melting away of bone from the pressure and abrasion of the denture) is arrested, and bone regeneration often occurs. The patient therefore retains a more youthful appearance and the dentures, due to increased stability, behave more like real teeth.