Implant Dentistry
Implant Dentistry with Dr. Jim Otten – Your Lawrence Implant Dentist
Dental Implants FAQs
What is a dental implant, and how does it work?
Dental implants have been used to replace teeth for over 30 years. Dental implants are a long-term way to replace lost or damaged teeth. Dental implants are titanium alloy screws placed into the jaw- to take the place of missing tooth’s roots. Within a few months, bone attaches to the implant, and a replacement tooth is attached. Implants can replace individual missing teeth or to support a removable denture.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
If you have one or more missing teeth, or a denture that is loose or uncomfortable, and you generally have good oral health, you are likely a candidate for dental implants. A new patient consultation with Dr. Otten and his team will allow him to determine what type of treatment is best. Dr. Otten will answer your questions and review what you can expect during and after treatment. It is important to note that dental implants are unlike your natural teeth in that they are very rigid. It is important to have an expert in bite problems like Dr. Otten evaluate your mouth BEFORE any implants are placed. His advice will help you avoid costly problems and failure in the future.
How long will it take?
Implant therapy typically requires several steps over a period of three months to one year, depending on your case. A customized treatment plan is the first step.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Dental implants need to be cared for like regular teeth. Brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits, are recommended. If properly cared for, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Reasons for implants:
Dental implants look, and feel, like healthy, natural teeth. With the right deign they also function like natural teeth as well.
When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to shrink and the jawbone changes shape due to the bone loss; dental implants can prevent this deterioration so that your face will retain its natural shape.
Dental implants restore proper chewing, allowing for a better diet and improved overall health.
Dental implants can be used to support a denture. Loose, uncomfortable dentures and messy adhesives could be a thing of the past!
What kind of dental implants do you use?
At Dr. Jim Otten’s Lawrence implant Dental office, we use 3-dimensional Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) scans. Unlike traditional x-rays or other imaging options, CT scans give us a 3-dimensional view of the potential tooth implant sites from all angles providing superb detail of bone, with a minimal dose of radiation. This allows for placement of implants with the highest known degree of accuracy and the least amount of surgery.
Other benefits are that with implants, a single tooth can be replaced without having to cut down your adjacent teeth as would have happened with a traditional bridge. They may also be used to stabilize your loose dentures by actually fastening a denture onto the implants. Additionally there are many uses for full mouth reconstruction with implant-supported bridges or partial dentures. Implants give us many alternative treatments we never had before. If you are missing teeth or have dentures, this may be just the solution you have been seeking.