HINTON, EDSON, JASPER, GRANDE CACHE ALBERTA - What are Dental Implants?
Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Dental Implants are designed to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Dental
Implants are small, surgical titanium, screw-shaped, threaded fixtures
that are placed into the bone in the upper (Maxillary) and/or lower
(Mandibular) arches of the mouth. They are used to replace one or many
missing teeth, or to stabilize dentures. Titanium is an inert metal that
is capable of creating a very tight bond with bone. Titanium is used in
other operations such as knee or hip replacements -- so it is a proven
surgical component.The implant acts like the root of a natural tooth, and bone actually forms around a special coating on the implant to hold the implant firmly in place. This process is referred to as osseo-integration. A crown, with the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth is then affixed to an abutment (post) which is connected to the implant. The 'abutment' is simply a small connecting piece between the implant and the crown.
In cases where there are multiple missing teeth, or where the patient has previously had dentures, multiple implants are placed in the mouth to allow for implant-supported crowns or bridges, ball or "Locator" abutment retained Overdentures, and/or Titanium or Gold Bar-supported Overdentures.
Dental
Implants, being made of Surgical Titanium, are very strong and durable.
The success rate for dental implants is extremely high; and, with
proper care, good dental hygiene, and a healthy life style, it is quite
rare that implants will fail. Technology and procedures have advanced
significantly since the first implants were placed. Some failed
implants can be attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking)or to poor
dental hygiene.