Dental Implants

Dental Implants are small titanium "fixtures" that take the place of the natural root of the tooth and are gently implanted into the bone, using local anesthesia, these very tiny titanium roots actually bond or integrate with a patient's bone, more securely than natural root would. Often an osseointegrated dental implant placed by your dentist is more stable than a natural tooth's root. Upon these implants, we can build permanent teeth, custom designed and shaded to aesthetically suit each patient's distinctive facial requirements.

Missing teeth have unique demands. The challenge is to replace your missing teeth with appearance and function, without harming your remaining teeth or gum tissue. Below are some common questions & answers about dental implants, please feel free to contact us to learn more about a dental implant consultation or take the time to request an appointment online.

Common Implant Procedures:

Single Tooth Replacement
Tooth Replacement

Multiple Teeth Replacement
Missing Teeth

Full Arch Replacement
Full Arch Replacement

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Reasons for dental implants:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.  Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete.  After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.


Related Procedures

Back

Connect With Us

Ready to come in for an appointment?
Contact us today!

MacDonald Periodontics
Specialist in Periodontics and Implant Surgery

Saint John, New Brunswick Periodontist, Dr. Kevin MacDonald is dedicated to Periodontics such as Periodontal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Bone Grafts, Crown Lengthening, Dental Implants and more.


Site Developed by ProSites.com