What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an alternative to dentures or

bridgework for replacing teeth
The dental implant is made from titanium and is surgically
implanted in the jaw bone
An implant functions like the root of your missing tooth
Implants are usually placed in a dental office, using only
local anesthesia
Generally, there is minimal post-operative pain
or discomfort

Comparing Implants To Natural Teeth

Dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement therapy
because implants closely mimic natural teeth

All natural teeth have a dentin core, surrounded by

an enamel coating, and are anchored in the jaw
bone by their roots

A completed dental implant has a crown, which

replicates the appearance of the enamel coating of the
surrounding natural teeth. The crown is fixed to an
abutment, or post, the equivalent of the dentin core.
The post is attached to the titanium implant, which is
anchored in the jaw bone and acts as the root of the
replacement tooth.

The Effect of Not

Replacing A Missing Tooth

This x-ray reveals

the bone loss that
follows tooth loss

Adjacent teeth
become misaligned
as they move into
the space created
by the missing tooth

The impact of tooth loss

and bone resorption:
collapsed facial profiles,
sunken lips, increased
wrinkles around the mouth
and a pointed chin and
nose that appear too close

Single Tooth Replacement

Unlike bridges and dentures, implants more closely
mimic natural teeth in appearance, feel and function
Unlike a conventional three-unit bridge used to replace a
single tooth, the healthy adjacent teeth do not have to
be modified to support the bridge

An OSSEOTITE implant is
placed in bone and covered
with a protective cap while it is
allowed to heal. Depending on
the amount of bone, your
clinician may need to do
additional procedures to build
up the bone.

After healing, when the OSSEOTITE implant is securely anchored

in the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This functions
as the core of the replacement tooth. The abutment can be adjusted
and shaped to allow the replacement tooth, or crown, to blend in
with the adjacent teeth.

The final step is to affix a crown to the abutment. The crown is

shaped and colored to match your surrounding teeth. The finished
result matches your natural teeth. The entire OSSEOTITE implant
procedure can be completed in as little as two months, with just
three office visits.

Multiple Tooth Replacement

Titanium implants are so strong, and bond with bone so
well, that one may not be needed for each tooth replaced
Your dentist will determine how many implants will be
needed in each individual case

Implants used to support a bridge are placed and

allowed to bond with the surrounding bone in the
same manner as a single tooth implant.

After the appropriate healing

time, healing abutments are
placed on each implant to
allow contouring of the tissue.

When the OSSEOTITE implant is securely anchored in the bone,

the healing abutments are removed and final abutments are attached
to the implants. These function as the core of the replacement teeth
that are attached directly to the implants.

The bridge is designed to be permanently affixed to the implants. As

with a single tooth implant, the finished result is as aesthetic as your
natural teeth, with the same functionality. There are no unsightly
metal hooks or clasps.

Full Upper or Lower Tooth

Replacement
In most cases, only six implants are needed to
permanently anchor a full upper or lower denture,
although more may be required depending on bone
quantity or quality
Removable dentures held in place by implants do not
require the use of a dental adhesive
Unlike adhesive-retained dentures, implant-retained
dentures will not move during eating

Implant-Supported Fixed Denture

The supporting implants are normally placed toward
the front of the mouth, where the bone is more
dense, or wherever the least bone loss has occurred.

After the implants are securely

anchored in the bone, the abutments,
which support the denture, are affixed
to the implants.
The full denture is attached to the
abutments in the same manner as a
bridge, so that only your dental
professional can remove it. When this
is done, the denture is attached above
the level of the gum for easy hygiene
care at home.

Implant-Supported Removable Denture

For removable dentures, the implants
support a bar to which the denture is
snapped on and off. This permits you to
remove it at home for cleaning.
Although the denture is removable, it
remains firmly attached during normal
functions, including eating and talking.
Whether fixed or removable, the
finished result is nearly indistinguishable
from natural teeth.

Gum Recession

Healthy Gums

Bone Loss

Bone Level Maintained

Healthy Teeth Cut Down

Healthy Teeth Not Modified