Dental Implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, Dr. Georgacopoulos is able to mount replacement teeth onto them.
Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the dentures and bridges — as well as individual crowns placed over implants — feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.
For some people, ordinary bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or even possible, due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. In addition, ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An advantage of implants is that no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold your new replacement tooth/teeth in place.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also commit to keeping these structures healthy. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
Most Dental Implants are successful. There are a few steps you can take to help ensure success and make your implant last.
- Practice good oral hygiene – brush twice a day and floss once daily. Using interdental brushes, brushes that slide between teeth, can help clean the hard to reach areas around your implant.
- Quit smoking – smoking can weaken the bone structure and can contribute to implant failure.
- Visit your dentist – cleanings and exams every six months can help ensure your implant is in good condition, and that it stays that way.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods – don’t chew on hard items such as ice and hard candy because they can break the crown and your natural teeth.
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Safe Implants The American Dental Association considers two types of implants to be safe. They are:
- Endosteal implants — these are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post-individually, or grouped on a bridge or denture.
- Subperiosteal implants — these consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.
A Titanium Post (like a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows Dr. Georgacopoulos to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. An implant doesn’t come loose like a denture can. Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges.
Considering Implants? You must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. If your bone is too thin or soft and unable to support an implant, you may require a bone graft. Or if there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, you may require a sinus lift.
What You Should Know about Dental Implants
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
Adults Ages 35-44 Who Have Lost at least One Tooth
Adults Who Have Lost All of their Permanent Teeth
Dr. Georgacopoulos and her staff welcome you to Axion Dental Care, where dental artistry meets caring hands. Whether you’re a familiar face around our office, or brand new to the neighborhood, we want you to feel welcome when you’re here. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your dental needs. (708) 995-7495.