Dental Implants

Dental implants have improved the quality of life for many of the patients in our practice and may be the answer for you, too! People who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence knowing that their new teeth appear natural and are reliable in any situation. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Whether your problem is a loose denture, a poor fitting partial or a missing tooth or teeth, you need to consider dental implants. Dr. Brueggeman and Dr. Kopecky invest many hours of continuing education in staying current with this fast-growing technology that has changed so many lives for the better. Please refer to Dr. Kopecky’s bio for implant course topics on which he has lectured.

What are Dental Implants?

Quite simply, dental implants are artificial replacements for natural tooth roots. They are made of titanium and placed in the jawbone by a dental surgeon. Dental implants integrate with the bone to serve as stable anchors for new crowns, bridges, partials or dentures.

What are the Advantages?

• Provide the most natural tooth replacement
• The only method of tooth replacement that preserves jawbone
• Not susceptible to cavities
• Not susceptible to periodontal disease
• Preserve healthy teeth by not needing to cut them for bridges
• Provide a long-term investment minimizing future dental expense
• Help improve chewing function, speech, restoration comfort and overall self esteem

What are the Treatment Options with Dental Implants?

1. Single tooth replacement with a crown
2. Multiple tooth replacement with a bridge
3. Multiple tooth replacement with a removable partial on teeth and implants
4. Replacement of all the teeth with bridges
5. Replacement of all the teeth with a fixed hybrid denture
6. Replacement of all the teeth with removable dentures attached to implants

Procedure

Dental implants begin with a clinical evaluation by Dr. Brueggeman or Dr. Kopecky. The necessary records will be obtained and you will be referred to the appropriate surgeon who will place the artificial roots (implants). Each case is unique and the length of time that treatment takes depends on your particular circumstance. Sometimes CT scans are utilized with 3-dimensional computer software to complete “virtual” surgery and better plan for a predictable outcome. Your dental team will outline the steps needed for the successful placement of your implant restorations.

Once the implant is integrated with the bone, Dr. Brueggeman or Dr. Kopecky will make an impression of it to send to a dental lab for fabrication of your final restoration. Temporary teeth may be worn in between appointments based on esthetic or functional needs. When you return, a post, called an abutment, is screwed into the implant and holds the final restoration in place.

There are three different ways a restoration can be attached to an implant:

1. Attachments or clips to retain removable partials or dentures
2. Cement for crowns or bridges
3. Screw retained (directly into the implant) for crowns, bridges and even fixed dentures.

How to care for implants

Oral hygiene for dental implants is just like taking care of natural teeth. You must brush and floss the implants daily and continue dental visits for professional cleanings and exams as recommended. The implants won’t get cavities or gum disease, but they can loosen from the bone and fail if they are neglected. Sometimes additional aids such as floss threaders, interdental cleaners, water piks or powered tooth brushes are recommended for cleaning underneath bridges and “fixed’ dentures supported by implants. Drs. Brueggeman and Kopecky will make sure you have the right tools and instructions to assure long-term success of your dental implant.