Dental implants to replace teeth, The many benefits of prosthetics that are designed like natural teeth!
Restorative dentistry need not be in your future. Our University of Michigan- and Pankey Institute-trained dentist, Dr. Douglas Hoppe, works closely with patients of all ages from across central Michigan to keep their teeth looking, feeling, and functioning at their best. From our office in Eaton Rapids, Douglas Hoppe DDS provides a range of preventative and general dentistry services to protect the teeth from the leading causes of damage and tooth loss: dental decay and gum disease.
Additionally, our advanced practice is prepared for whatever life brings with high-quality dental restorations and prosthetics.
The beauty and functionality of implants restoration services
Dental implants represent a modern type of tooth replacement. A tooth may need to be replaced if it is:
- Deeply or severely infected or inflamed
- Treated with root canal therapy, but does not heal
- Not a good candidate to be preserved with nonsurgical root canal treatment
- Persistently infected, despite other interventions (such as surgical endodontic procedures)
- Fractured in a way that threatens the structural integrity of the tooth
- Dislodged or fully avulsed (knocked-out) and cannot be properly “re-rooted” or reimplanted
The implant is a small biocompatible material made from titanium or zirconium. This material is designed to fuse naturally, predictably, and safely to the surrounding natural tissues. Once it has healed, the implant can function like a tooth root. Natural roots hold or stabilize the teeth in place. Earlier-generation replacement teeth, such as bridges and dentures, only replace the visible part of the tooth, the white crown, and gummy tissue as appropriate to your situation.
Before & After Results
The patient presented with congenitally missing (permanent teeth never formed from birth) maxillary lateral incisors (tooth #7 and tooth #10).
The patient had extensive orthodontic treatment to align her teeth properly before the implant surgeon could place the implants. Once the implants had been properly integrated, the patient was treated in my office. Custom porcelain abutments were used, which is the connection between the titanium implant which is embedded into the bone and the porcelain crown that goes over the top of the custom abutments. Custom porcelain crowns were placed over the top of the custom abutments. The patient was very happy with the end result. I added some 8 year follow up pictures to show how well things continue to look and function.
With this advanced alternative to “conventional” bridges and dentures, Dr. Hoppe attaches the implant to the “prosthetic” or replacement tooth. These prosthetics range from a single crown to a dental bridge to partial and complete dentures (“overdentures”). Since the replacement teeth are designed like natural teeth (with roots!), patients with dental implants enjoy many benefits, including:
- Natural esthetics
- Natural feel in the mouth
- Lasting function
- Superior comfort (no loose dentures)
- Low-maintenance
- Prevents or stops the bone loss
To the last point, implant-supported dentures are connected to the jawbone. So, they keep the supportive bony tissue strong. Bone loss is potentially devastating and can affect everything from the structure and appearance of your face to the fit of traditional dentures. Overdentures maintain their fit and do not require the ongoing relining and adjustments associated with conventional dentures. To learn more about the implant process and how our kind and highly capable team in Eaton Rapids, MI, can help, call us at (517) 667-7066.
Dental Implants
For Excellence In Dental Care, Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Hoppe Today!
It does not matter if you are seeking preventive dental care in the form of a teeth cleaning and exam or more intensive dental care like a root canal or dental emergency. Douglas Hoppe DDS is here to make sure you get the care you need. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (517) 667-7066.
