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Dentistry for Dental Implants

We provide dentistry for dental implants and related dental health services. Dental implants consist of an anchor, an abutment, and a prosthetic tooth or appliance.

Anchor

When a dental implant is needed a metal cylinder is surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw. This cylinder replaces the root of the tooth and is predominantly made of titanium because the material is biocompatible with bone tissue. This titanium cylinder is called the fixture.

Abutment

The abutment connects the anchor with the restored prosthetic appliance and is used to attach a crown, bridge, or removable denture after proper healing of the anchor to the bone. This healing or integration of the anchor to the bone is called osseointegration.

Prosthetic

The prosthetic tooth, or appliance, can consist of a:
• Crown – single tooth implant
• Bridge – multiple teeth implants
• Full upper or lower dentures – implant-supported dentures

Single Tooth Implants

A single tooth implant can replace both the missing tooth and its root with a natural-looking crown. This method allows the tooth to be replaced without sacrificing the health of adjacent teeth. An alternative to the single tooth implant is a fixed bridge. This involves the preparation of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth in order to support the cemented bridge.

Multiple Teeth Implants

When a patient has multiple teeth located next to each other that are missing these teeth can be replaced using dental implants as the support system for fixed bridges. An implant fixed bridge utilizes the support of the dental implants which will function as the roots of natural teeth. This method is preferable to a conventional fixed bridge or a removable partial denture because the dental implant allows the patient’s bone to be preserved. An implant fixed bridge is self-supporting and does not place a heavier load on remaining natural teeth which can result in bone deterioration and loss of support.

Implant Supported Dentures

An implant-supported denture is attached to the implants that support it. This type of procedure is performed when a patient has lost teeth in one or more arches. This overdenture has special attachments which snap onto the implants. There are several advantages to the use of implant-supported dentures. Comfortability, stability, functionality, and aesthetics all perform better when compared to conventional dentures. They also help preserve the bone in the dental arch.

Dr. Hansen and associates believe that implants should be completed with the cooperative co-treatment of the oral surgeons, periodontists, and gum specialists that treat patients who require implant dentistry. We have restored countless cases using this cooperative effort. Doctors Hansen and Warga guide all procedures done by the surgeon and reconstruct the tooth with proper cosmetics and function once bone healing has been completed. The end result is consistent with our routine technical excellence, proving both comfort and function for the dental patient requiring this type of service.

Patient Selection

When dental implants are a consideration, Drs Hansen and Warga perform a comprehensive dental examination and careful screening. This includes radiographs (x-rays), study models, and careful risk assessment taking into consideration each patient’s oral condition and general medical health. The oral examination includes an evaluation of the adequacy of bone present in the areas where the implants might be placed. Drs Hansen and Warga collaborate with specialists utilizing them as co-therapists during the assessment phase. Treatment planning between these professionals may include bone grafting to augment the proposed implant site. The health of each patient’s periodontium (gum and bone) must be sound and free of disease prior to any type of implant procedure. Drs Hansen and Warga carefully communicate with these specialists to coordinate the treatment sequence. The patient considering dental implants must be free of systemic conditions that might interfere with healing and affect implant acceptance. Examples of these conditions might include recent radiation therapy to the oral cavity, uncontrolled systemic conditions like diabetes, and some types of immunosuppressive disease. The risk for implant failure has been shown to be higher in cigarette smokers than in non-smokers. At times, consultation with medical health professionals is necessary. Careful evaluation is completed prior to any type of implant treatment.

Care of Implants

Supervision of each patient’s oral hygiene begins prior to the surgical phase and continues through treatment and beyond. Detailed instruction is given to our patients specific to their individual case. Physiotherapy aids (toothbrushes, dental floss, interdental cleaners, etc.) are selected to prevent damage to the titanium implant as well as the supporting tissues. Immaculate oral hygiene influences the long-term success of an implant. Routine supervision of the patient with dental implants is essential. This includes re-care evaluations individually established and careful examination at these set intervals.

Feel free to contact our office if you feel you might be a candidate for dental implants. Upon examination, Drs Hansen and Warga will carefully assess your individual condition and recommend treatment accordingly.

Implants provide a stable, functional replacement for a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Implants can function as a replacement for an individual tooth, multiple teeth, or as the support for full upper or lower dentures