Dental Implant/Implant Retainer

All About Dental Implants

Dental implants can help to restore a fuller and more beautiful smile.  Implants can also act as retainers for partials and dentures to ensure a more secure fit. No matter how the implants are used, they are an incredibly viable option for those wanting to correct dentition within the mouth.

What is a Dental Implant and How can it be used as a Retainer?

Dental implants are small titanium rods that are surgically placed underneath the gum line and into the bone that acts as the tooth’s roots. These rods are the base of and strength of the new prosthetic tooth that will be created. The rod fuses naturally with the bone in the course of roughly three to six months for a secure implant that acts as a solid base for crowns once the healing has taken place. Implants can also act as retainers for dentures and partials if you have issues with them falling or slipping out of place.

 

Who is a good candidate for Implants?

A thorough examination and series of x-rays as well as a CT scan will be conducted prior to implant surgery. Some of the best candidates for implants include:

  • Those who are missing teeth but do not want a fixed bridge placed
  • Patients who wear dentures or partials and want a way to keep the prosthetic in place permanently
  • Patients who are not suffering from bone loss, as this condition can cause implant failure

What to expect when having Dental Implants placed?

The dental implant is a type of surgery that requires local to general anesthetic, so it is important to know that you must have someone with you at your appointment that can drive you home and help take care of you until the effects of the medication have worn off. Our highly trained dentists will begin by making an incision into the gumline to expose the bone below. Once the bone has been exposed, the implant is then embedded into the gum tissue. The implant will need to fuse with your jawbone, which is the longest part of this procedure and can take up to three months to fully fuse together. Once the implant has fused with your bone and created a structurally sound base, an abutment or crown, will be placed on top of the implant. This abutment will look and function as if it were your natural teeth. You will need to make routine trips to the office to ensure it is healing correctly. Once fully healed, a crown can be placed on top of the implant or you can be fitted for dentures or a partial.

If you need a dental implant or implant retainer, or would like to inquire further about this service contact us today!