Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that were first developed half a century ago by a Swedish scientist named Per-Ingvar Branemark. Implants arose from the patient’s need to secure loose-fitting dentures. Engineering and enhancements to the implant have enabled dentists to expand its usefulness, including the replacement of missing or lost teeth. Today, implant techniques provide a wide range of tooth replacement solutions including:

• Single Tooth Replacement
• Supports for Permanent Bridges
• Support and Retention for Dentures
• Replacement of Dentures by Full Arch Permanent Bridges

Implants mirror the size and shape of a patient’s natural tooth and are often as strong as the patient’s original tooth. In addition, implants don’t suffer from decay, periodontal disease or need root canal treatment.

The implant or artificial root is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. This implant then heals and fuses with your bone. Once the healing process is completed the implant can be fitted with a single tooth, become part of a bridge or support a full or partial denture. This entire implant process generally takes anywhere from three to eight months.

Our office provides implant placement by Dr. James Pucci, our periodontist. By having this part of the implant process completed in our office, we are able to combine the surgical and restorative planning as well as all treatment phases. Patients feel comfortable knowing they can have this type of treatment in our office without having to go to an outside specialist. Communication between our patient, Dr. Pucci, and Drs. Mogelof has proven to be the right way to provide excellent results.

Implants have made a tremendous difference in the lives of denture wearers. A patient who lost his/her remaining lower teeth may have struggled to function with a lower denture. Now it is possible to place implants and actually have the lower denture snap onto the implants thereby making the denture stable and eating pleasant again!! Patients who have upper dentures may use the same method to make the denture so stable that the middle of the palate can be removed making it more comfortable and allowing better taste. If several implants are placed in either the upper or lower jaw, patients could eliminate their dentures completely and have permanent teeth again!

Why not make an appointment to see how implants can improve your quality of life. We will be happy to help you explore the possibilities.