Dental Implants – Greater Steele Creek and Fort Mill Communities
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. McWatters performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A full arch dental prosthesis replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw and the number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended.
Surgical Procedure:
Dental implant placement takes approximately 30 minutes for one implant and only 1 to 2 hours for multiple implants. The procedure consists of a small incision in the gum tissue and space is created by special instruments while Dr. McWatters carefully checks the depth and angulation to ensure perfect positioning, then the titanium implant is inserted and the gums are stitched closed over the implant to allow undisturbed healing for several months.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
The common alternative known as a “bridge” requires sacrificing the structure of surrounding teeth, ultimately compromising the health of adjacent good teeth. In addition, removable prosthesis (partial and complete dentures) may be uncomfortable if not adjusted to fit your jaw perfectly, and inconvenient to remove at night and replace for cleaning.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not in an ideal state for implants, there are multiple ways to improve implant success that may be recommended.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Dr. McWatters offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.