Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as a replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth.

This treatment is based on a medical phenomenon known as osseointegration, which means the implant integrates with the patient’s jawbone. This phenomenon was first discovered in 1952 by Professor Branemark, and in 1965 he performed his first implant surgery. Today, more than a million patients have been treated with implants from Nobel Biocare, thanks to that strangely worded phenomenon, osseointegration.

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Traditionally, the procedure is performed in two steps. The oral surgeon installs the implant, and it is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jaw bone. During the healing period some form of temporary prosthesis is usually worn to minimize interference with the patient’s appearance. Once good osseointegration is established your dentist will fit a permanent crown on top of the implant. Recent developments mean that it is now also possible in some situations to have the implant and crown installed in one single session.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as the patient’s dental health, the number of teeth involved, and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure their long-term health.

Typically there is a fee for the surgical procedure, and a separate fee for attaching the costs and constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee it is necessary to have a dentist examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, we will be able to recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you are used to. But most importantly, dental implants often improve the quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

It's not just how skillful the dentist is that matters, it's what they're like as a person too. You expect your dentist to be competent - and not hurt you ! - but are they friendly, nice to be with, or just cold and efficient. It really helps to get that little bit of human contact, to have a laugh together perhaps...and go away feeling good...which I certainly haven't had with many dentists ; but visiting Corson Dental is almost fun ! Strange but true...
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