| Dental implants are
the single most significant advancement in dentistry in the last 50 year.
Missing teeth can now be replaced with stable, comfortable and natural looking
and feeling artificial replacements.
There are many applications for the use of dental implant:
Single tooth replacement
Traditionally, when a tooth was lost, a fixed bridge was
the treatment of choice.
| With a fixed bridge, the teeth on
each side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns (caps). The
missing tooth is connected to the crowns and the fixed bridge is
cemented to place. |
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A dental implant may now be the best way to replace a missing
tooth. The teeth on each side of the space no longer need to be prepared
for crowns. The implant looks, feels and functions like the natural tooth
it replaces.
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The procedure is quite simple.
(click the image to view the complete surgical procedure)
A small hole is drilled into the bone at the location of the
missing tooth. A small titanium alloy screw (the implant) is placed into the
prepared site. The implant is allowed to heal for 4-5 months.
During this time, you can wear a temporary tooth replacement. You
won't even know the implant is there. After healing is complete,
the implant is uncovered with a laser and the final tooth is fabricated.
The result is amazing. |
Multiple Missing Teeth
When several teeth are missing,
treatment options often include a partial denture. Partial dentures clasp around
the remaining natural teeth and can be taken out for cleaning (and often taken
out just for comfort). The problem with partial dentures are that they can
be uncomfortable and put additional stress on the natural teeth that they clasp
around. Dental implants can provide the solution.
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Several dental implants are placed
within the bone in the areas that teeth are missing. The number of
implants required will vary depending upon the number of teeth to be
replaced. After the dental implants have integrated completely
with the bone, fixed teeth are made and cemented to the implants.
The result is fixed teeth that can look and feel more like natural
teeth. |
Full Denture Support
If you have full dentures, you know the problems they
present. Sore spots, food getting underneath them, slipping and a host of
other problems only a denture wearer can fully understand. Dental implants
can provide the much needed relief to improve comfort and return your
quality of life.
| In most cases, four dental implants
are placed into the jaw bone. After complete integration with the
bone, a bar is connected to the implants and a denture is made that
snaps securely onto the bar. Since the denture is firmly attached
to the bar, there is no slipping or sore spots. For an upper
denture, the plastic portion on the roof of your mouth can be
removed. This can enhance the taste of foods. |
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"Mini" Implants
"Mini" implants are a newer alternative to traditional
dental implants. They gained popularity due to their ease of placement,
immediate results and lower cost. They were originally designed as
temporary support during the healing period of traditional implants. A
significant majority of these temporary "mini" implants remained well
integrated. Today, we can use "mini" implants alone to support a lower
denture.
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Four small diameter "mini" implants are placed in
the lower jaw. The portion of the implant protruding from the gum
tissue has a small ball at its end. Caps that contain small rubber
o-rings are placed into the denture. When the denture is seated,
these o-rings snap over the balls on the implants securing the denture.
For most denture suffers, it provides a remarkable
improvement. |
Experience
Dr. Clark Brown has been placing and restoring dental
implants since 1982. He is one of the first dentists in the world to
become
certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry.
He is also a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a
Diplomate of the American Society of Osseointegration, a Fellow of the
American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a Fellow of the International Congress
of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Brown is experienced in most
dental implant systems and is constantly keeping current with the latest
materials and techniques.
Whether you need a single dental implant, multiple dental
implants or implants to support your denture, you owe it to yourself to discover
how Dr. Brown can help improve your life. Call us at (321) 259-9429 to
schedule a consultation appointment.
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