Implant Dentistry
...the art of individualized care
Dallas, Texas
Roots. Although you can't see them, a solid root structure is instrumental in maintaining healthy teeth. Damaged roots cause tooth rot, decay and - in extreme cases - total tooth loss.
A dental implant is a substitute for a tooth root. Implants are an anchor for replacement teeth. The implant is inserted into the jawbone, and then the false tooth - also called a "pontic" - is then attached.
Implants are made of titanium, which fuses well with bone (this process is called osseointegration). The final result is a strong support structure which, in most cases, will hold your pontic to your jaw for the rest of your life.
There are three different types of dental implants. One, called a root form implant, is a screw type of implant which is inserted directly into the jawbone, under the gums. The second, called a plate form implant, is very similar to a root form implant. The only difference is that a plate form implant is set directly on top of the jawbone, under the gums. This type of implant is used when the jawbone is too narrow or short - a condition usually caused by disease.
If the jawbone has undergone severe deterioration, the third type of implant must be used. Called a subperiosteal implant, it is basically a custom-made, artificial jawbone. Creating this implant is an intricate, surgical procedure. Fortunately, most patients do just fine with either a root or plate form implant.
Once your implant is installed, the artificial tooth - or teeth, in some cases - are installed. These teeth are not dentures, and are not removable. Rather, they are permanently attached, and behave just like real teeth.
Types of Implaints
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have missing teeth, or have been diagnosed with root problems, dental implants might be right for you. Contact Dr. Taylor today. He has been trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and is an expert in dental implants. Contact him today for an initial consultation - a healthier mouth is right around the corner!
