In the past, patients who needed to restore a missing tooth or even an entire smile only had the option of a structurally incomplete tooth replacement, such as a conventional denture or a dental bridge. That is, those appliances do not have any component under the gumline. They only fill in for the absent crown portions of missing teeth.

Although they’re obscured from view, the roots of your teeth play an important role in your smile’s stability. They help to anchor the jaw in place and they are also essential in absorbing the forces needed to chew tougher foods, like crunchy fruits and vegetables.

Patients who prefer to maintain a root-like structure now can turn to dental implants. These innovative modern devices are small cylinders made of biocompatible titanium, which allows the jaw bone to form a bond with it. That process, known as osseointegration, leaves the implant embedded in the jaw, much like your absent tooth’s root was.

The dental implant is inserted into the jaw in a surgical procedure that is often performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist.

After the patient has healed from dental implant placement and osseointegration is complete, the implant can then support the restoration – a single crown, a bridge or a denture – that is specially designed to meet the patient’s needs.

We appreciate that the appearance of your restoration is likely just as important to you as its function. As an experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Sewitch is well-versed in designing prosthetic crowns, bridges and dentures that mimic the aesthetics of natural teeth. Dr. Sewitch can take advantage of state-of-the-art lifelike materials, and the restoration can be customized to blend in with your remaining biological teeth. Your friends and family may not even be able to tell you’re sporting a prosthetic tooth unless you tell them!

In comparison to previous appliances, implant-supported appliances tend to be more predictable and maintain their fit over time. Dental implant patients are far less likely to experience eventual failure of the appliance than patients who choose conventional bridges or dentures.

To learn more about the restoration options for your dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sewitch. Be informed on all of your treatment options before making a decision about your specific restoration.