Understanding Dental Implants

There are many common causes of tooth loss. Unfortunately, if left untreated, the consequences can be just as numerous.

Not only are dental implants the most natural-looking solution as well as the most functional, dental implants are the best way to prevent jawbone deterioration and further tooth loss.

This section will help you understand the specifics of the procedure Dr. Berzin may recommend for you, including the single tooth implant, multiple tooth implant or full-mouth rehabilitation.

Whether it’s caused by the natural aging process or by sudden mouth trauma, the loss of a tooth can be a shocking and upsetting event. We understand the emotions that can accompany such a loss, and that’s why we offer what is not only the most lasting and natural option, but the only solution that has absolutely no negative impact on surrounding teeth, and in fact helps preserve them. A typical single tooth implant procedure is completed in two steps. The first step is placing the implant itself. The implant is a titanium screw that Dr. Berzin will place in the jawbone. The implant essentially takes the place of the tooth’s root. Depending on the quality of existing jawbone, the implant will heal for two to six months while the jawbone remoulds around it to form a strong, permanent bond. A temporary tooth replacement can be placed over the implant in the meantime. In the second step, a crown will be made especially for your mouth; it will look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Our patients who have experienced the loss of multiple teeth have understandable concerns about the appearance of their smiles, as well as the loss of function and difficulty chewing. We share those concerns, but ours also extend a bit deeper—down to the jawbone. Because when there’s a gap on the surface of the gums, there’s a matching gap below, one that needs structure and support. A multiple-tooth implant procedure is also known as an implant-supported bridge. Unlike a traditional bridge, which sits atop the gums and relies on the adjacent teeth for support, an implant-supported bridge begins with a set of titanium screws placed in the jawbone beneath the surface of the gums. Over a healing period of two to six months, these dental implants form a biological bond with the surrounding jawbone. This not only gives you the strongest possible foundation for your new teeth, but it also prevents the deterioration of the jawbone, which can otherwise occur after tooth loss. Once the dental implants are firmly integrated with the jawbone, your specially created implant-supported bridge is attached in place. Your implanted-supported teeth will look, feel and function just like strong, natural teeth.

Though our teeth play a major role in our everyday lives, it’s a privilege to not be obliged to spend much time thinking or worrying about them. We strive to give that privilege to each one of our patients – especially the ones in need of a full-mouth restoration, and that’s just not possible with traditional dentures. Full-arch implant rehabilitation begins with a set of dental implants being embedded in the jawbone. These dental implants work to preserve the surrounding jawbone and prevent deterioration or, in extreme cases, a caving in of the mouth area. The dental implants can also be thought of as the root system for the patient’s new teeth. The dental implants will bond with the jawbone for a period of two to six months, ensuring a strong anchor system. There are two options for full-arch rehabilitation. The first is a full-arch implant-supported bridge. The implant-supported bridge will be attached to the metal posts and remain in place permanently and will be carefully cleaned and maintained by the patient the way natural teeth would be. The second option is an implant-supported denture, which clips into place and can be removed for nightly cleaning, like traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures, however, have a much stronger foundation than traditional dentures and offer increased retention and stability. In addition to looking like healthy, natural teeth, both implant-supported dentures and implant-supported bridges give patients natural chewing function and won’t interfere with speech. With a consultation, Dr. Berzin can recommend the option that is best for you.