Fernyhough Periodontics, P.A. is one of the
most comprehensive dental implant centers in the Northwest.
All combined, the three doctors have over 40 years experience
in the placement of dental implants.
These doctors have been extensively trained
in all types of implants and can perform immediate extraction
and placement of dental implants in many cases.
Because each of the doctors has an extensive
educational background, one of their main priorities is that
you are completely informed about dental implants and your
options before proceeding. You can be assured all of your
questions and concerns will be answered. An implant video
is available on request to take home.
natural tooth root |
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A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone
by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone
and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.
dental implant |
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Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth (or
one needed to be extracted), the healthy teeth on either side
of the missing tooth would be cut down and the whole thing
replaced with a three-crown “bridge”.
Dental implants are the modern alternative.
Instead of cutting down two perfectly good teeth, a dental
post (dental implant) is inserted into the jawbone to replace
your missing tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed in
your jaw (like a natural tooth root). Your general dentist
then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that looks,
feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural
replacement for missing teeth.
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have
been replaced with a removable partial or full denture.
Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at
night. During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub
painfully. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible
to eat certain foods.
Dentures can cause
bone loss due to lack of stimulation. |
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Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial
and full dentures.This prevents the slipping, irritation,
and pain associated with “floating” partials and
dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures
for overnight soaking and cleaning. With dental implants,
these restorations are anchored firmly into the jawbone becoming
much more like natural teeth.
Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts
are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth
roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from
shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked prematurely
old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating
dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.
After their healing period, the success rate
of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker
with good oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.
Placing a dental implant is usually like getting
a cavity filled. It is often done under local anesthesia and
patients generally experience little discomfort after the
procedure.
Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone.
Dental implants have been in patient’s mouths for over
30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, Dental
implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average
life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
A critical factor in determining if an implant
can be placed is the question, “Is there enough bone
to support an implant?” Fortunately, advanced bone regeneration
techniques now make it possible to place many more implants
than just 10 years ago.
All three of the doctors have not only had a
large amount of advanced training in bone regeneration but
have also published and taught on the subject for many years.
You are truly in expert hands at Fernyhough Periodontics.
Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation
by your general dentist who will determine if you are a
good candidate for this procedure. If he/she feels dental
implants might be possible, he/she will send you to a periodontist
for a placement evaluation.
The following sites will provide you with more
information on dental implants:
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