Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. If you have lost teeth, dental implants restore your ability to eat virtually anything and smile with confidence because they look and feel natural. The implants are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental Implant Placement

The success of dental implants relies on your jawbone healing to the posts to support them for many years. Dental implant placement starts with images that are used to determine the health of your jawbone. The results of the scan may show you need additional procedures before placing your implant posts, such as periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, bone grafting, or a sinus lift. Once you are ready, using special instruments, the titanium implant is inserted. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the implant covered by the gum tissue. After that, time to heal takes place. The length of time varies from person to person, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed. Once healed the crown is ready to be placed. The whole process may take one day to many depending on your circumstances and how many teeth are affected.

Dental Implant Replacement

Dental implants are becoming more and more widely accepted as they restore your ability to eat and smile without worry. However, sometimes there are problems with dental implants and in some cases the issues that arise require their removal. In most instances, removing a failed dental implant is a safe and relatively easy process. Dental Implant failure usually occurs because of two main reasons:

Early failure, which is when within the first few months of when the implant is surgically placed the bone has not formed rigidly around the implant. This is often due to poor healing, infection, lack of stability when it was placed, or most likely micromotion (too much movement of the implant during the healing process). Early failure is usually and easy fix because the implant comes out easily.

Late failures occurring after about a year can be caused by trauma or an implant disease called “perio-implantitis”, where bacteria have developed and are destroying the bone around the neck of the implant. Perio-implantitis represents an active infection with a dental implant that can manifest causing pain, plus, abscess, and bad odor. Immediate measures need to be taken in order to prevent further damage and stop the infection.

Properly installed dental implants from Venetian Dental will give you peace of mind, a healthy smile, and the ability to eat and enjoy life. Give us a call if you are experiencing any problems with your present implants or are looking for more information about dental implants.