Dental Implants
Dental implants are the state-of-the-art way to replace missing teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth, or a full mouth of teeth. They can be used to support a single crown/tooth, a bridge replacing multiple teeth, or even a denture.
The main advantage of using dental implants instead of traditional bridges is that the adjacent teeth don't have to be crowned (to support the bridge). A traditional “fixed” bridge requires the adjacent teeth to be tied together in one piece. That means if one tooth fails, it takes the rest of the teeth with it.
With dental implants, each tooth can function independently. Sometimes a provisional denture is worn over the implant during the initial healing period, so the patient has a temporary tooth while they're waiting for their final tooth.
Watch a video on Implants vs. Bridges
Watch a video on Single Implant Placement - Lateral Incisor
Watch a video on Provisional Dentures
Do you already have a denture that just won't stay put?
Imagine how great it would feel if your denture didn't budge. Think about the confidence you'd have if you didn't have to worry about your denture loosening up at the worst possible time! Visualize your life without the burden of having to constantly think about your dentures. Ask us how dental implants can be added to your existing denture for a rock-solid smile!
Denture patients who have trouble with loose dentures can experience a dramatic improvement in comfort and function by having dental implants placed to support the denture. The denture will still be removable, but it will snap in very securely. No more loose dentures!
Watch a video on Two Implant Over Dentures
Watch a video on the Milled Bar Procedure
Looking for a permanent solution? The All-on-four Nobel Biocare Implant system may be right for you.
Did you know that more than 35 million people in the U.S. and Canada are missing all of their teeth on one
or both arches? It's estimated that an additional 30 million people have bad teeth and/or periodontal
disease, and will face losing all of their teeth in the near future. In the past, the only solution for
these patients has been full dentures.
Nobody wants dentures
The traditional approach to replacing a full set of missing teeth has been to use full dentures. A full denture is a set of artificial teeth that rests on the gum line, and can often provide an excellent cosmetic result. However, dentures have a number of key problems.
- Dentures are not fixed in place and tend to slip, move, and even fall out. This is why there is such a huge market for denture adhesives and creams.
- Dentures can be very uncomfortable and painful, given that they rest on the gums. Therefore, eating can be very unpleasant and difficult.
- With dentures, you have only about 25% of your natural chewing capacity. This greatly restricts what and how you can eat.
- Many denture wearers report a lack of confidence because of their dentures. While they can smile, they have trouble eating, singing, being active, and sometimes even talking without fear that their dentures will slip or fall out. And dentures can have a huge negative impact on your social and business interactions.
- Upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth with plastic, which can be uncomfortable and greatly inhibit your ability to enjoy food.
- Also important, dentures do not stop the problem of bone loss. Long-time denture wearers often look much older than they really are because of the loss of bone in their jaws.
A full arch of teeth now can be replaced with just four implants, without bone grafting.
Watch a video about Lower All-On-4
Watch a video about Upper All-On-4
Dental implants are the preferred solution
Dental implants have proven to be an ideal solution for those missing all of their teeth on one or both arches:
- Dental implants are fixed in place and do not move. Therefore, a permanent set of replacement teeth can be attached to the implants, and will function almost like natural teeth.
- Dental implant-supported teeth can give you back 95% of your natural biting and chewing capability. You will be able to eat the foods you like without the embarrassment of worrying about your teeth.
- Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. You will have the complete confidence to eat, speak, sing, laugh, be active, and do all the things you do with natural teeth, knowing that you have a beautiful smile and fully functioning teeth.
- Dental implants address the problem of bone loss. The implants are fixed into the bone and when you eat, the implants exercise the bone and stimulate the growth and health of the bone. This is true even when you have only 4 implants on an arch.
Implant surgery
This type of surgery is often performed in the oral surgery department in the hospital. Some dentists also perform this surgery in their dental office. The Lewisporte Dental Clinic has qualified personal and the appropriate equipment to perform implant surgery in the dental office.