Dental Implants

From Dr. McGee –

The challenge of Dentistry has always been to restore or replace that which has been lost. Fillings and crowns are excellent at achieving this goal in many cases. However, when it comes to replacing lost teeth, traditional methods of tooth replacement, like removable partials and dentures, fall short.

They can restore form, but function and comfort are always compromised. Bridges are comfortable but require the involvement of teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space. This can lead to various problems with supporting teeth.

Dental implants are the most natural way to replace missing teeth. They stand alone and do not depend on other teeth for support. Whether you are missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants are usually the best solution.

Dental implants restore both form and function. They are more comfortable than other options and are proven to have better longevity than other treatment options.

Dental implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth.  A typical dental implant has the three components illustrated in the diagram

An implant fixture, which is the part inserted into the bone. It serves as an artificial tooth root.

An implant abutment, which is usually attached to the fixture with a small screw.  The type of abutment varies with the specific use. They can be used to retain crowns or dentures.

A crown (or other restoration) is fitted onto the abutment. In most cases, crowns are held on with a type of dental cement. In some cases, they may be held on with a screw.