Dental Implants

Dental Implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

Call Clarksville Office Phone Number 434-374-2137 today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation

What are Dental Implants?

The Implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the tooth implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

One of the more important benefits of dental implants is preservation of the jawbone. Implants help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. Dr. Young initially places the implant within your jawbone. For the first four to six months following surgery, the tooth implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You will be wearing an essex appliance or removable partial denture during this healing period.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Young will uncover the implants and attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental examination which will include a CBCT (3d xray) and health history. During the consultation visit, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Young. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Call Clarksville Office Phone Number 434-374-2137 today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Young is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of eight weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place tooth implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called immediate loading, greatly simplifies the surgical process.

What Type of Prostheses 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 complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (overdenture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by a dentist.

Bone Grafting

Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed.

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.

Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is obtained from a tissue bank or taken from the jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the graft and encourage bone regeneration.

Call Clarksville Office Phone Number 434-374-2137 today for more information or to schedule an appointment.