Dental Implants

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. Then Dr. Bruce Kanehl attaches the teeth to the implants. They are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient's smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

10 Major benefits of Dental Implants!

1. You Will Look 10 Years Younger--Dental Implants assist you in looking and feeling younger, because they prevent bone loss. By preventing bone loss that would normally occur with the loss of teeth, your facial structures remain normal and intact. The chances of wrinkling and the look of old age before your time is less likely. Implants prevent the bone loss that would normally occur with the loss of teeth. In other words, everyday that you continue to wear dentures, or have missing teeth, you are experiencing bone loss, which makes you look much older than you have to. By using dental implants your facial structures and jaw remains strong, healthy and intact. This is especially important when all of the teeth are missing, because the lower one-third of the face collapses if implants are not placed to preserve the bone.
    
2. Overall quality of life is enhanced with replacement teeth that look, feel and function more like natural teeth. You will look younger and more attractive which allows you to be even more confident and enjoy smiling, laughing, and talking with others.
    
3. You can now live longer, because you'll get to eat better and prevent malnutrition or stomach problems! Fresh Vegetables, corn and fruits are back on the menu! You can now eat the foods you like. Also, since your chewing is improved, your digestion will be even better as well!
    
4. More Confidence in social situations. Most of our patients love their new implants, because of their improved appearance, function, comfort and health. When you go out in the public, you will never have to cover your mouth with your hand, or put off eating out of fear of a denture popping out or gagging you. Also, the improved appearance of your new smile will have people giving you compliments galore.
    
5. Allows you to relax and not have to worry about your dentures moving around, popping out, or gagging you. You'll never worry about your dentures flying out when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or when you eat. Implants are so securely attached that the fear of them falling out will be eliminated. Like I said before, these will feel like they are your natural teeth.
    
6. Your mouth will be restored as closely as possible to its natural state. By replacing the entire tooth, as well as the tooth root, it is possible to replicate the function of natural teeth, with a strong, stable foundation that allows comfortable biting and chewing. Also, nothing in the mouth looks or feels false or artificial!
    
7. Increases the amount of enjoyment you get out of eating. You will be able to taste foods more fully. Wearing an upper denture can prevent someone from really tasting food, as the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so you can truly enjoy the taste of foods.
    
8. Improves overall oral health and decreases the risk of oral cancer and heart disease. It is much easier to care for implants of any kind versus dentures. Your chances of bacteria build up, and gum disease decreases when you have implants.
    
9. Eliminate Denture Adhesives FOREVER! Since implant supported teeth are securely attached to the implants, there is no need for messy denture adhesives.
    
10. Your other teeth will not be affected because of missing teeth. Since replacing missing teeth with implant supported crowns and bridges do not involve the adjacent natural teeth, they are not compromised or damaged.

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.

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