Dental Implants

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 components. 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 material used by orthopedic 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 dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Thompson is able to place single stage implants. These implants can be placed in the same surgery as the extraction. This technique eliminates the need for a second surgery and reduces the total time before you are able to get a tooth restored. Not all patients are candidates for single stage implants – ask Dr. Thompson about weather or not you could get a single stage implant at your implant consultation !

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.  Dr. Thompson performs the tooth extraction, bone grafting, and implant placement.  The restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent tooth (crown) that is permanently attached to the implant.

• Surgical Instructions for After Dental Implant Surgery