Dental implants make it possible to securely and permanently replace missing teeth. Whether you are missing just one tooth or a full row of teeth, dental implants can be used to restore your smile. A dentist can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Dr. Michael Vanover at Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park is your dentist for dental implants in Orange Park, FL.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are an innovative alternative to dentures or bridges for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone that function as roots for artificial teeth. Over time, dental implants fuse with the bone so that they become permanently fixed in place. Dental implants function as a secure anchor for porcelain crowns, which are natural-looking replacement teeth. Dental implants can also be used to anchor some types of dental bridges and dentures securely in place.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Numerous benefits are associated with dental implants. A primary benefit is that dental implants restore your smile by replacing missing teeth. Since dental implants replace missing teeth, they can also resolve many of the unwanted side effects that can occur when teeth are missing. For example, dental implants provide support for sagging facial muscles and minimize drooping. They can also improve speech by filling in the gaps from missing teeth. Additionally, dental implants minimize the strain on the overloaded existing teeth by restoring normal biting and chewing functions.
How is 3D CT Cone Beam Scanning used with implants?
Placement of dental implants usually requires a minor surgical procedure that involves opening the gums to examine the area of bone where the implant is to be placed. The use of 3D CT Cone Beam Scanning with dental implant surgery helps shorten surgery time and eliminates the need for opening the gums to view the jawbone. 3D CT Bone Beam Scanning allows the dentist to digitally evaluate the area of jawbone where an implant will be placed without opening the gums. The technology can also be used to plan the exact placement of the implants. This technology is available at Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park!
What is Guided Surgery for Dental Implant Placement?
Guided surgery is a high tech technique that results in more accurate, less traumatic implant placement. The 3D CT Cone Beam Scan is merged with an intraoral 3D scan (done with a handheld laser imaging system) of the patient's teeth and gums. With the two scans merged together, the entire implant placement surgery (implant size, location, angulation, and depth) is all planned on the computer and a guide is made that fits into the patient's mouth at the time of surgery, so the implant placement is completely directed/guided allowing for exact placement of the implants. This technology is also available at Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park!
Can anyone get dental implants?
Not everyone who wishes to replace missing teeth with dental implants is a candidate for them. Candidates for dental implants should have good oral health with no gum disease. Candidates should also be in good health overall and have enough jawbone to support placement of the dental implants since the two will fuse together eventually. Dr. Vanover, your Orange Park dentist can determine if you are a candidate.
Dental implants can restore your smile by replacing missing teeth. For dental implants in Orange Park, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vanover by calling Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park at (904) 272-2438.