Single Tooth Implants

A single tooth implant replaces the missing tooth's roots. It is a stand-alone unit and does not involve treating the teeth next to it.

Implant-Supported Bridges and Implant-Supported Dentures

An implant-supported bridge replaces the lost natural teeth and some of the tooth roots when more than one tooth is missing. Unlike traditional bridges, an implant-supported bridge does not need support from the teeth next to it.

If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported denture can replace the missing teeth and some of the tooth roots. Because the bone in your jaw actually grows around the implants, an implant-supported denture tends to be comfortable and stable. This allows you to bite and chew naturally.

What Is Involved in Implant Placement?

Many kinds of implants are available. Treatment can take only one day, or it can take several months, or somewhere in between. Your dentist and you can discuss which type of implant is best for you.

Implant treatment usually involves three main steps:

1. Placing the implant

Dr. Brown will use x-rays or other images to carefully find where the implant should be placed. Then, he will surgically place the implant into your jawbone. You may have some swelling and/or tenderness after surgery. Dr. Brown may recommend medicine to make you more comfortable. During the healing process, Dr. Brown may tell you to eat soft foods.

2. Healing process may take several months

The reason why an implant is so strong is because the jawbone grows around it and holds it in place. This process takes time. Some patients might need to wait up to several months until the implant is completely healed before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have implants and temporary teeth placed all in one visit.

3. Placement of the replacement tooth or teeth

For a single tooth implant, Dr. Brown makes a new tooth that is customized for you, called a dental crown. It is designed to look just like your other teeth. For multiple missing teeth, implant-supported bridges and dentures are also custom-made to look like your natural teeth and to fit your mouth. The replacement teeth are attached to the implant posts that were surgically placed in your jawbone.

Replacement teeth usually take some time to make. In the meantime, Dr. Brown may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture. This will help you eat and speak normally until your permanent replacement teeth are ready.

3D dental imaging (also known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography) allows Deer Run Dentistry to see more anatomy and with more clarity than traditional film-based dental x-rays. The focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality and a lower dose of radiation. With an enhanced visualization of your teeth, bones, and surrounding hard and soft tissue, Deer Run Dentistry will understand more about your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Integrating your 3D image with our state of the art implant guided surgery software, Dr. Brown and the staff at Deer Run are able to seamless transition your missing tooth/teeth to a functional, aesthetic, and permanent restoration.