If you are missing one or more teeth, you’re probably wondering what procedures are available. Even more so than the treatments you’re able to receive are the ones that are right for your individual needs - your periodontist at Kenneth M. Lubritz, DDS, Periodontics & Dental Implants can help you make this determination. Periodontists have several years of training after dental school that makes them uniquely qualified to place dental implants and provide the bone and soft tissue grafting that may be necessary.
A popular treatment option for those missing a single tooth or several is dental implants - a procedure designed to mimic the structure and functionality of your natural teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants consist of titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jaw bone where your natural tooth used to be. Usually this is done under local anesthesia, like what is used for fillings. Laughing gas and other sedation techniques are also available. After a healing process, a crown is fabricated and placed atop the implant, completing a natural-looking replication of a tooth.
Dental implants can replace one tooth alone or several teeth, depending on your specific needs. For those who are missing an entire dental arch, a set of implants can be placed to support a full denture - a restoration known as implant supported dentures. Implants can also be used to support bridges and partial dentures.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Determining whether dental implants are right for you is a matter of scheduling a consultation with your periodontist, who can make the decision process much easier.
It’s essential that you have a strong enough jaw bone to receive dental implants. Because your jaw is the supporting element to your teeth, it must have a density high enough to support your implants. Your periodontist will examine your jaw and decide whether it’s strong enough to receive implants. If not, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary, which may add to your treatment time but also to the longevity of your smile. In some cases, tissue grafting may also be necessary.
Other determining factors include your medical history and if you have any underlying conditions that need to be addressed before your procedure begins. Your periodontist will ask a series of questions to establish whether you are healthy enough to receive implants. He or she will also correct any dental issues that are present that could impact the efficacy of the procedure.
Call Today for More Information
You can learn more about dental implants during a consultation in our office. Contact Kenneth M. Lubritz, DDS, Periodontics & Dental Implants today to get started on your treatment!