According the American Dental Association, Americans are replacing missing teeth with dental implants at an ever increasing rate. In today's society with the advancement of dental technologies, people are losing fewer teeth as they age, but recent statistics show the number of implants placed by Prosthodontists is steadily increasing. This pattern indicates that people who are missing teeth understand the benefits of dental implants over older techniques that have been used in the past.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are inserted into the bone of the jaw, where they become fused to the bone. Once they are secured in place, individual artificial teeth are anchored to the implant. Implants can also be used with a bridge or dentures. You can think of an implant as an artificial root replacement system that has many advantages over the traditional method of simply pulling a tooth and allowing it to grow over.

Why do people choose dental implants?
People are more and more starting to realize the benefits of implants over traditional crown and bridges and removable denture restorations. An implant can be used as an alternative to a traditional bridge by avoiding the need to damage two additional teeth on each side of the replacement tooth. Another advantage of an implant is that the implant acts as an artificial tooth root which eliminates many of the traditional problems associated with missing teeth such as: bone loss, drifting of teeth, teeth alignment problems, decreased chewing abilities or inability to chew, periodontal problems and undesirable esthetics. Implants are usually a much stronger alternative since it is fused to the bone much as the original tooth root was. Implants can also be used in conjunction with dentures to provide a much tighter fit. Dentures can also be complimented by implant to avoid the problems that arise when a tooth root is missing.

How are implants placed?
Placing dental implants is usually accomplished in two phases. For the surgical placement of the implants, small incisions are made in your gums, and channels are made in the jawbone to receive the implants. After the implants are snugly in place, the gums are closed back over the implants temporarily. During this phase the implant will be fused to the bone and will become a permanent part of the jawbone. This fusing process will vary but in general will take from 4 to 6 months.

The second phase begins by surgically re-exposing the implants. Small extensions are then into the implants to bring the implants above the gum line. At this point your new teeth will be created. Impressions are made of your mouth to allow the new teeth to fit very securely into the implant. After the impressions are made the resulting models of your teeth will be used in the dental laboratory to precisely fit your new teeth, denture or bridge. Once the implants and restoration are in place your original functionality will also be restored. You will be able to eat the foods you want, speak the way you want and have a beautiful smile again! At this point you will need to keep regular dental checkups and cleanings to protect your investment in your health.

Why a Prosthodontist is an Implant Specialist
A Prosthdontist is a specialist that has had an addition 3-4 years of training beyond what a general dentist has had. Dr. Frieda V. Brookshire is a Prosthodontist that has focused mainly on full mouth restorations, crowns, veneers, dentures and dental implant restorations. She can work with you on your individual needs from start to finish. The most important part for you the patient is total understanding of what will be done in your mouth. Deciding on whether a crown, bridge, veneer, denture or implant is best for you is not a simple choice... it is a major investment in your health and future. Consider making an appointment with Dr. Brookshire to see what options are for you.

Learn more about Dr. Frieda V. Brookshire and her Prosthodontic practice.
Make an appointment for a complimentary consultation to discuss your options.

Please contact our office and request additional educational information on dental implants