Implants Implants are used to replace a single tooth, many teeth on one side, or used to support an entire fixed or removable bridge replacing all the upper or lower teeth. The most common implant used today is the osseintegrated implant. This implant is placed in a hole which is drilled into the patient's lower or upper jaw. Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, one or more implants are placed in the bone. If neccessary a substrucure is fabricated and then a crown, bridge or denture is securely fastened to the substructure or implant.   Implants are useful for patients that have tried but can't wear conventional dentures. Patients that lost a tooth, have two teeth with no or small fillings adjacent to the hole and don't want to cut the teeth down to make a bridge, would also make good candidates. In either case the patient has to commit to good oral hygiene. Implants are usually placed in outpatient settings and have a healing phase of 6 weeks to 9 months.   T here is a significant investment involved to place the implants as well as restore them. They can be placed by periodontists, oral surgeons, or trained general dentists. So make sure to keep the implanted areas healthy, by brushing and flossing daily. Permanent Tooth Replacement for Comfort, Confidence and Cosmetics Have you, like many people, lost one or more of your teeth? If so, you may be suffering from physical discomfort, difficulty in eating or a change in your appearance. Today, technological advances in dental implants have made it possible to improve these conditions. Implants are a safe and proven way to restore your mouth to health, comfort and beauty. Best of all, they feel and look just like your own teeth. The implants today have a proven success rate. If you have lost any of your teeth or wear any type of denture, dental implants may offer many benefits. You will be able to eat easily, comfortably and confidently. You will notice an improvement in your appearance. And you will no longer be inconvenienced by loose-fitting dentures. What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are small titanium screws or cylinders that are placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw. The implants bond with the bone and act as an anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Several options are available to restore your lost teeth; Drs. Widen or Schwartz can discuss these with you in detail. Patients who have chosen implant supported teeth report that they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their original teeth. Who Should Have Dental Implants? Anyone missing teeth is a candidate for dental implants. A consultation with Dr. Widen will clarify what type of treatment you require. Some cases can be relatively simple. All facets of your implant treatment will be discussed with you in detail after a thorough diagnosis is made. Your diagnosis for dental implant treatment will include x-rays, study models, measurements, clinical exams and an evaluation of your medical conditions. Why Are Dental Implants A Good Choice? Dental implants are more stable and more "real" feeling than loose dentures. Implants are a proven restorative option with a long clinical history. Their success rate is higher today than ever before. Long-term studies indicate that dental implant patients can enjoy the daily benefits of their implants even 25 years after placement. As many as 50 million people are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants provide excellent results that greatly reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth loss. Don't suffer from tooth loss any longer. Ask Dr. Widen how you can personally benefit from dental implants. How Are Dental Implants Placed? Implant restorations are completed in two phases. The first phase involves the surgical placement of the implant or implants in your jaw. This is performed in Dr. Widen's office (Straumann ITI Type Implant) or by an implant specialist. It is performed with state of the art equipment in an aseptic environment. The placement of the implants is very precise. Once they are in place, depending on the type of implant placed, either they are totally or partially covered (Straumann ITI Type Implant) by your gum tissue for a 3-6 month healing period. During this time, the implant will bond to the bone permanently. Since the jaw bones have only a small number of nerves, the placement procedure will cause you only minor discomfort and you should heal quickly. Dr. Widen will arrange for you to be comfortable throughout the waiting period. You can even wear your own dentures until your treatment is completed. The second phase involves constructing the finished replacement tooth or teeth (the prosthesis). When the healing phase is complete, the top of the dental implants are uncovered in a quick and simple procedure (This step is not necessary with the Straumann ITI Type Implant.) Drs. Widen will then use the implants as a solid foundation for restoring your teeth. Drs. Widen will recommend which type of restoration is best for you. Options include crowns for single tooth replacements, bridges for multiple missing teeth and securely retained dentures. Each option will be carefully evaluated for your individual case. Dental implants can improve the way you look and feel about yourself. Ask us for more information about Dental Implants today. Photo Album