Replacing Missing Teeth
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.
A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.
Flipper
A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.
Metal Partial
A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.
Denture
The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Hager, Dr. Bowers and Dr. Klaus are often able to place implants at the time of extractions or in a fashion that does not require a second procedure to uncover them.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an implant surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Hager, Bowers or Klaus performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Periodontal Implant Center
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience with Peridontal Implant Center was very satisfactory. Office staff was very helpful, knowledgeable & courteous. I was very satisfied with Dr. Hager's treatment of my implant from start to finish.
- Evangeline H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Bowers is the best! Was able to see me on short notice and had an implant done in one hour. The entire staff goes beyond to make everything go smoothly.
- Gary N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a K9 implant done. It is the longest tooth in your head. That means drilling a deep hole for the implant. My surgery was perfect. There was absolutely no pain associated with my surgery at all. Even the healing was easy. If there is such a thing as painless dentistry, this is it. I absolutely recommend her office. She's amazing. Thank you all for everything you did for me...
- Jeffrey H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Even though I was anxious about what had to be done, the staff did a good job of taking care my concerns. I definitely would recommend this practice to anyone who needed work done.
- Danna Kay W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All staff was extremely friendly!!
- Lynn M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am so thankful that Dr Hager is in my dentist's referring circle. He was the best choice for me! Thank you Dr Hager and your staff. Oh and by the way, my procedure was for the removal of a failed dental implant provided by another doctor. Again, thank you Dr Hager!
- Elaine A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very happy with service
- Jamie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I went back to my regular dentist so he could complete the crown for my implant, he remarked about the great work Dr Hager did for me, as well as other patients of his that have seen Dr Hager. He said that new implant dentists have come into the field and that Dr Hager has set the example for them on how to do the work. I had already thought that Dr Hager did a great job, but it was especially rewarding to hear it from another dentist!
- Jim M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Dr and staff, would give 10 stars if I could!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been going to Dr Hager for over 10 years! My first procedure was in 2009, I had 6 implants implanted in my upper gum in preparation for an upper denture. I have since had 7 more implants in my lower gum to replace teeth that failed and required removal. I have seen several dentist for dentures and crowns, but Dr. Hager is the only one I have allowed to install implants.....and he will be the only one I allow in the future. You cannot go wrong with this doctor. He and his entire staff are kind, gentle, caring, courteous, and understanding! Dr. Hager is a fabulous oral surgeon! PS: I also have my teeth and implant care done by his wonderful dental hygienist, Brenda.....she shares the same characteristics as Dr. Hager and his staff, As you can see, I have had a lot of dental work done and sat in many dentist chair over the past 50 year.....there is none better than Dr Hager.....absolutely NONE! Thank You Dr. Hager for all you've done for me!
- LYNN R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Have nothing but praise for Dr. Bower and the whole staff. As a fearful patient, I was made very comfortable and treated with respect!
- Arleather Rice L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The best office staff and Dr Haggar is amazing. Would highly recommend!
- Robyn B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Bowers was exceptionally nice in that she texted/called to check with me after the procedure. I truly appreciated her extra effort.
- Maude "Ann" L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good care.
- Monte G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a very good experience. 5
- Teresa L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone makes it comfortable for the patient.
- Jana R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Hager and his staff got me through some pretty serious dental work in great shape. They were professional, highly skilled and pleasant through every visit. They made it clear that only the best possible care was satisfactory to them. I highly recommend them for any dental procedure. I will certainly call them should I need such help in the future.
- Gary A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very satisfied with the staff and the process.
- Nancy E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my last check up appointment for my dental implant. I have been very satisfied with Dr. Hager and his office staff. I have recommended him to friends if by chance they ever need his type of service.
- Nancy R