Implants

More Implant Information

There are several different types of implants. To the left are listed the most common types. More detailed information is available for each type by clicking on the description to on the left side of the page.

All implants have one characteristic in common. An artificial anchor of some kind is placed in the bone that acts, in essence, as a replacement for the teeth roots. These anchors are generally made from titanium and usually coated with a substance that better facilitates their quick and complete integration with natural bone. Once these anchors have healed solidly in place, prosthetic teeth may be constructed and attached firmly to the implants either with screws, clips or cement. Sometimes a combination of attachments is chosen. Which attachment method is used is dependant on many technical factors and is usually fully discussed with you at the treatment planning stage.

Most implants require a healing phase from 1 or 2 months to many months while the implant integrates or becomes compatible with the surrounding bone. During this time the implant remains covered by the gum tissue. When possible, a temporary restoration of some kind is placed over the area.

The type of prosthetic teeth that are most often attached to the implants fall into two main categories:

Removable Dentures - Although usually a brand new denture is constructed to fit onto the implants, sometimes an already existing set of dentures may be refashioned with clips on the underside so that it fastens securely to the implant but may be removed for cleaning. An example of this type of restoration is provided below.

This may be the final and permanent restoration but at times the denture attachment technique is is used merely as a temporary or transitional solution until the patient can afford individual permanently fixed crowns or bridges. An example of this type of technique is provided below.