Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that 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. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Morgan will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. 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. By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing. The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as "wisdom teeth." Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed? Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.. Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
* Difficulty in Chewing,Biting or Swallowing
* Speech Problems
* Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain
* Open Bite
* Protruding Jaw
* Breathing Problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth,be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences,or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins,a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process,feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care,you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
One or more of the following procedures might need to be performed in order to prepare your mouth for a denture:
* Bone Ridge Reduction
* Bone Smoothing and Reshaping
* Exposure of Impacted Teeth
* Removal of Excess Bone
* Removal of Excess Gum Tissue
* We Will Review Your Particular Needs with You during Your Appointment