Expert in Dental Implants
Dr. Cherry has been extensively trained in all types of implants and, in many cases, can perform immediate extraction and placement of dental implants.
One of his highest priorities is to ensure you completely understand what dental implants are and all of your treatment options before proceeding. You can be assured he will take the time to answer all of your questions
Replacing a Missing Tooth
| The Alternative - a Fixed Bridge |
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| To adjacent teeth have to be shaved down to fit the bridge on. Dental implants don't need this and preserve your teeth. |
A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing foods.
Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth or if one needed to be extracted, the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be cut down and the whole thing replaced with a three-crown “bridge”.
Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly healthy teeth, your periodontist inserts a dental post (dental implant) into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed into your jaw as the bone heals (like a natural tooth root). Your general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that feels and functions like your natural teeth.
Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.
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Replacing Several Missing Teeth
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| Dental Implant Supported Dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone. This helps to prevent bone loss and causes them to feel much more like natural teeth. |
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial, full denture or full bridge.
Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. They can also look unnatural and rub painfully. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.
Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. Dental implants also eliminate the need for dental adhesives. This allows you to enjoy eating the foods you previously avoided . With dental implants, your partials or dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone, causing them to feel much more like natural teeth.
Natural tooth roots and dental implants are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. Though the life span of a dental implant will vary with each patient, many have lasted for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants can last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
Bone Regeneration
A critical question in determining whether an implant can be placed is, “Is there enough bone to support the implant?” Fortunately, advanced bone regeneration techniques now make it possible to place many more implants than just 10 years ago.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation by your general dentist who will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If he feels dental implants might be possible, he will send you to us for a placement evaluation.
For More Information
The following sites will provide you with more information on dental implants:
- Biomet 3i Dental Implants Patient Information
- American Academy of Periodontology Article:
Dental Implants: Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own
Practice Limited to Periodontics and Dental Implants
Tel: (770) 619-9929 • Fax: (770) 619-9932
4165 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 190 • Alpharetta, GA 30005
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