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Full Arch Replacement | Multiple Teeth Replacement | Single Tooth Replacement

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that an oral surgeon or periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.  The implants for teeth towards the back of the mouth must be made from titanium due to the extreme chewing forces created by the back teeth.  Titanium metal may not be a suitable substance for those with sensitivity to any type of metal in their body.  For teeth toward the front of the mouth, Dr. Norton has found an alternative material for dental implants.  It is zirconia which is a non-metalic substance suitable for implants where the stress loads are far less than those placed on the back teeth.

While high-tech in nature, dental implants conserve more tooth structure than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling; you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants support teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist or oral surgeon and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants.

What Dental Implants Can Do:

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures or a Bridge

Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth.

• Esthetic–Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompanies bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.

• Tooth Saving–Dental implants don’t sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched; a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!

• Confidence–Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They’ll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.

• Reliable–The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in the jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since oral surgeons and periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists and oral surgeons have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Dr. Norton and an oral surgeon or periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true.

What Is Treatment Like?

This procedure is a team effort between you, Dr. Norton and your oral surgeon or periodontist. They will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your dental team will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. Click for more information about the treatment options described below.

• Replacing a Single Tooth–If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental implant and crown replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root.

• Replacing Several Teeth–If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants along with crowns and porcelain replacement teeth that are connected to the crowns will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.

• Replacing All of Your Teeth –If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing is still required.

After treatment, your oral surgeon or periodontist will work closely with you and Dr. Norton to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.