Implant Treatment for Tooth Replacement

Dr. Johnson Hagood and Dr. Talmadge Wilkins of Vero Beach Art of Dentistry have had great success in replacing missing teeth either with dental implants or with fixed bridges. Using the latest advanced materials and tissue management techniques, they are able to provide the service that is most appropriate for you.

The reasons why teeth should be replaced are significant. A missing tooth is an obvious dental malformity that undermines the confidence to smile. Not only does it compromise appearance, but it also compromises the ability to bite, chew, and fully breakdown foods, leading to altered eating habits. It can alter speech. The condition leads to bone loss in the jaw and the abnormal shifting of the other teeth as well as bite problems for remaining teeth.

Dental implants have become our favored way to replace missing teeth whenever possible. Acting as substitute tooth roots, implants bond with the bone to form a stable foundation for permanent replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A dental implant helps preserve bone tissue by providing the stimulation that was previously provided by natural tooth roots. This helps maintain the integrity of facial structures.

Implant treatment is more conservative than crown and bridge treatment or removable partial dentures, because adjacent teeth are not modified to receive crowns or clasps. And there are numerous functional and esthetic advantages to implant treatment.

Single Tooth Replacement with Implant Crown

A dental implant is made of three equally important pieces: the titanium implant, the abutment, and the crown. In the first step of the procedure, the implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone. After placement, the titanium implant begins to fuse with the jaw bone. This process, called “osseointegration,” creates a firm connection between the bone tissue and implant and takes approximately six weeks. The next step is to fit the abutment over the part of the implant that is exposed above the gum line. Finally, the crown, the piece that looks like a natural tooth, is placed over the abutment.

Traditionally, patients had a tooth replaced with a fixed bridge or removable bridge (partial denture). Crown and bridge treatment is still a common procedure Dr. Hagood and Dr. Wilkins performs for patients who prefer to not have an implant or are not a good candidate for an implant. The traditional crown and bridge treatment is not without complications. Crowning the adjacent teeth requires removal of some dental enamel and can lead to damage of the crowned teeth, which may otherwise have remained healthy. And, the bone tissue continuously resorbs at the site of the former tooth roots, as there is no stimulation of the bone for cellular growth. Bridges often need to be replaced once or twice over a lifetime, depending on wear, cosmetic concerns, and forces affecting the crowned teeth. Similar complications exist with partial dentures.

Many new patients come to Dr. Hagood and Dr. Wilkins seeking the best solution after problems have developed with a fixed bridge or partial denture they received in the past. The good news is that implant treatment is often still an option for these patients. Bone tissue can be developed with a surgical grafting procedure, and then an implant placed for a fixed prosthetic tooth that appears natural, fosters continuing bone health, and restores strong function. The adjacent teeth that were modified for the former treatment can be restored to beautiful condition. Dr. Hagood and Dr. Wilkins expertise in functional and cosmetic dentistry ensures your treatment will be successful and long lasting.

Implant treatment is today’s gold standard of care because it provides for greater health and functional benefits and is the longest lasting treatment. Although implant treatment is initially more costly than alternative treatment, it is likely to be less costly, in the long-run, for patients looking forward to a decade or more of life.

Multi-Unit Implant Bridges

If two to four adjacent teeth are missing, a multi-unit bridge of prosthetic teeth may be retained by one or two implants. This conserves on procedures and cost, while still providing the strong, stable function of implants and bone stimulation.

Implant Treatment for Complete Dentures

Even edentulous patients seek the care of a fine restorative and cosmetic dentist like Dr. Hagood and Dr. Wilkins, because they are willing to invest in fine dentistry that will restore their confidence and enjoyment in a full life.

Some patients come to us, who have had a full arch of teeth replaced with a complete overdenture because this was the best treatment available until recent years. Complete overdentures are removable for cleaning and sleeping. These dentures tend to slip and slide, especially on the lower arch. Most patients, who wear these dentures, have had to adapt to modified chewing and food choices. Over time, their dentures have lost the perfect fit they once had, as the underlying jaw bone has resorbed.

Very successful implant treatment can be achieved for these patients that restores masticatory function, improves nutrition, and significantly improves their quality. A complete snap on denture can be supported on a few implants and removed for cleaning. Or, a fixed hybrid overdenture can be attached to as few as four implants for the most lifelike function and appearance.

A diagnostic workup to ensure success will include 3D CBCT imaging, and implant placement will be guided by this imaging for precision. If your bone tissue will need development prior to implant placement, a preferred surgeon, Dr. Wilkins will perform this procedure as well. Medication can prescribed to make your implant related surgical procedure(s) fast and comfortable. Special surgical techniques will be used so your healing is accelerated.

After osseointegration of the implant(s) is completed, you will be ready for the prosthetic portion of your treatment. Dr. Hagood and Dr. Wilkins will order the prosthesis that is customized for your mouth, and will attach the prosthetic tooth or teeth, and maintain your oral health subsequent to implant placement. You will be instructed in how to best clean your mouth, and your regular oral hygiene visits will include procedures to maintain healthy gum tissue around your implant(s).

Learn What Is Possible for You

Dr. Hagood and Dr. Wilkins together will compassionately and carefully guide you in understanding the options that are available to best treat your oral health situation and meet your goals. If you are new to the practice, we recommend that you make an appointment for a initial consultation and exam. During your consultation, you will learn what is possible for your oral health circumstances and the estimated associated costs. If you are a patient of ours and considering implant treatment, feel free to reach out and schedule time to discuss what is most appropriate for you.

Are dental implants on your mind? Do you want the highest quality of care? Would you like the opinion of one of the nation’s foremost restorative and cosmetic dentists? Don’t hesitate to give our friendly office a call. Call Vero Beach Art of Dentistry at (772) 567-2237 (772) 567-2237.