Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a very effective way to replace missing teeth and are becoming more popular year after year. This is the alternative treatment to a bridge in a lot of cases. Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a whole mouth can be restored through an implant-supported denture. An implant is a titanium coated screw that is placed into the bone. Titanium is one of the only metals that when placed in the body. After the implant is screwed into place, the bone around the implant will integrate into the threads by a process known as osseointegration. The dentist at Riverside Heights Dental will refer you to a periodontist who will surgically place the implant. The implant is given several months to integrate into the bone and then it is restored with a crown, bridge or denture at a later date at our office in Surrey.
Implants require surrounding bone in order to work. If a tooth has been missing for a long time, the bony area where it used to be may have shrunk down considerably. Bone grafting is a commonly used procedure in order to augment the bone to allow for a healthier site for implant placement. The periodontist will determine if you have enough bone available for implant placement with the aid of a CT scan.
Implants are as close as technology has come to simulating a real tooth. They are really the best option available for a missing tooth. Implants are not necessarily for everyone, so please Contact Riverside Heights Dental in Surrey, near the Guildford mall to ask us more about implants.