Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements. Dental implants are extremely durable and functional and have shown to be among the most successful procedures for tooth loss. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures, and offer a permanent solution for tooth loss. Implants can also be used in conjunction with dental bridges or dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation. Dental implants consist of two parts: The implant itself, which is implanted into the jaw to replace the tooth root, and the tooth restoration, which is the visible portion attached to the implant.
Dr. Ellenberg works with the restoration, or tooth portion, of dental implants. This includes new implants as well as existing implants that require replacement of the visible portion of the tooth.
For a single tooth implant restoration, a durable porcelain crown is used. The crown is custom-crafted to fit the implant and to integrate with surrounding teeth.
With multiple adjacent dental implants, an implant-supported bridge is used rather than individual porcelain crowns. An implant supported bridge is similar to a conventional bridge, except that it is anchored by dental implants, rather than adjacent teeth.
Dental implants help to correct the following conditions:
A dental implant is made of a titanium material screw and a crown. A small pilot hole is drilled in the jaw bone in order to guide the titanium screw that holds a dental implant in place. The hole is then slowly widened to place the implant screw, and a protective cover screw is placed on top to allow the implant site to heal. After several months, the protective cover is removed and a crown is placed on top of the dental implant.
Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. Studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants.
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