Dental Implants

Fairfield Dental Implant Restoration - Cosmetic Dentistry - Implant Supported Dentures

When it comes to replacing single or multiple teeth, dental implants are the closest thing to having a natural tooth. Craig Spletzer, DDS, provides dental implant restorations, and can help you decide if dental implants are right for you. Not only are dental implants a great way to replace missing teeth, but they also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Our Fairfield dental implant restorations provide excellent support and stability for these types of dental appliances. Depending on the case, an oral surgeon will consult during treatment planning to provide the best possible care to each patient.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

A huge benefit of dental implants versus traditional crowns and bridges is their ability to be placed without any preparation to nearby teeth. Instead of having to cut or grind down nearby teeth, dental implants are single units and stand completely on their own - just like natural teeth. That also means if anything happens to that tooth it will be easier to effectively treat as only one tooth will need to be worked on.

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
Restore a patient’s confident smile.
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
Restore or enhance facial tissues.
Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires multiple visits over several months to ensure quality treatment.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.