Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts.
Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food).
Both have a root that holds the tooth securely and is anchored into the jaw.
The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints.
When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown.
To replace the tooth, Dr. Burns first replaces the root with a dental implant.
After sufficient healing time, your restorative dentist then replaces the natural tooth with a fabricated crown on the dental implant.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Burns is frequently able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them after a period of healing. In certain situations, the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures and shortening the overall treatment time.
Dr. Burns utilizes X-Guide Dynamic Implant Navigation in order to improve positional placement of the implant and provide better safety for the patient.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between Dr. Burns and the restorative dentist. Dr. Burns performs the actual implant placement surgery, including any initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
