Dental Implants

The tooth has two parts – the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth while the root remains unseen while anchoring the tooth in your jawbone. The root does more than provide support for the crown. If the root is missing, this may lead to shrinkage of the jawbone. Dental implants can prevent this shrinkage from happening.

The Dental Implant procedure consists of three parts:

• The dental implant is a small titanium screw or “root” that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth and is surgically placed in either the upper or lower jaws. The titanium fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth (crown), bridge or a complete denture. Dental implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth.
• The abutment, is a post which connects the implant to the crown and can be made of titanium, gold or porcelain. It is attached to the implant with a screw.
• The restoration (crown) looks like a tooth and is usually made of porcelain It is attached either to the abutment or directly to the implant. It can be screwed or cemented onto the abutment. If the crown is screwed to the abutment, the screw hole will be covered with restorative material such as tooth-colored filling material (composite).

Many people who consider implants have removable, conventional dentures for lower and upper jaws, or have removable bridges. These people experience a significant improvement in their ability to chew food comfortably after their dental implant treatment.

THE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE
CAT Scan Technology and CoDiagnostix 3-D Implant Software

Dr. Miller’s state-of-the-art dental implant technique utilizes CAT scan technology and CoDiagnostix three-dimensional implant software to plan each implant. The CAT scan ensures accuracy of placement of the dental implants and the CoDiagnostix implant software ensures better function, aesthetics and predictability for each implant.

When combined with the patients CAT scan the three-dimensional software allows Dr. Miller and his laboratory, in-conjunction, to measure and plan the complete implant procedure, as well as any necessary bone grafting or sinus lift procedures, prior to the surgery. With 3-D software Dr. Miller has the flexibility to change the position, quantity , type, length and diameter of the implant. Further, the software allows Dr. Miller to verify that there is adequate bone surround the implants and that there is a safe zone around all vital structures. Once the implant procedure is planned on the 3-D software the laboratory fabricates a guided surgical stent which absolutely guarantees a correct implant placement.

The implant team usually includes either a periodontist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who places the implant screw into the jaw bone, and a prosthodontist or general dentist who designs and fits the replacement teeth or permanent bridge. Dr. Miller designs and fits the replacement teeth or will do restorative work on faulty crowns.

Treatment with dental implants is complicated and takes meticulous planning for best results. Dr. Miller works closely with the periodontist for optimum results. Today the implants being placed often only require one surgical procedure using a local anesthetic and sedative.

ARE OLDER PATIENTS GOOD IMPLANT CANDIDATES?

Occasionally, older patients are concerned that they may not be good candidates for dental implants. In fact, as Dr. Miller explains, health rather than age determines eligibility. At your first appointment, the dentist will take your medical history and determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth will look, feel and function like natural teeth. Not only will you be able to eat anything you choose, they will improve the quality of your life. You no longer have to worry about loose or unsightly teeth.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Richard Miller if your are considering dental implants.