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 What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants have been a solution to missing teeth for decades. The implant itself is a titanium post similar in shape to the roots of the lost tooth that goes in the jaw where the tooth once was. Then a tooth or, if all the teeth are missing, a denture can be attached to the post. Most general dentists refer to a specialist to perform the surgical portion, however Dr. Eldredge has completed a year long implantology residency in Seattle in order to do the entire procedure in our office in Corvallis, Oregon.
What are Dental Implants Used For?
There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:
- As an artificial root for a single tooth replacement.
- As anchors for a fixed or removable prosthesis to replace
multiple teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
With the exception of your natural teeth, nothing looks or feels more natural than a dental implant-supported restoration. In addition, implants stop the process of bone degradation that occurs when a tooth is lost.
- Approximately 49% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 are missing at least one tooth.
- Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
- More than 95% of implants last longer than 15 years.
- Dental implants never develop tooth decay.
- Dental implants never require root canals.
- Dental implants preserve the bone in the jaw, which can prevent premature aging.
- Age never disqualifies you from being a candidate for dental implants -- some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
 Step One:
The gum is gently folded back and a space
is prepared for the implant to be placed.
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 Step Two:
The dental implant "anchor"
is put into place.
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 Step Three:
A temporary cap is placed on the implant
and the gum tissue is repositioned around the implant.
The implant is left alone for several months so the
bone can attach to the implant and create a secure anchor.
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Restorative Phase:
 Step One:
After the implant has had a chance to
attach to the bone tissue, the temporary cap is removed
from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor.
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 Step Two:
The implant is now ready for a prosthesis.
An impression is taken of the implant and the appropriate
prosthesis (crown, bridge
or overdenture) is made.
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 Step Three:
The prosthesis is then attached to the
implant(s).
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Considering a Dental Implant?
If you are considering a dental implant, contact
us for an implant consultation appointment. The doctors will take a 3 dimensional radiograph to determine if there is sufficient bone available to support an implant or if more work needs to be done to prepare the area. With all the information in hand, we can make a plan to replace missing teeth with the best restoration dentistry has to offer and make a plan to keep it affordable.
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