Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several
missing teeth, or even as an alternative to dentures when most or all
your teeth have been lost or removed. Properly done, a dental implant
will look and feel just like your natural tooth, and it is often the best
way to replace a missing tooth while leaving the surrounding teeth intact.
Removable appliances (such as dentures or flippers) can be uncomfortable
and need to be replaced periodically. With proper care, a dental implant
can last a lifetime.
Dr. Courey is a certified prosthodontist, which means that beyond his
degree in general dentistry, he has pursued three additional years of
specialized training and been certified in the replacement of missing
teeth. He has presented nationally and internationally on dental implant
related topics, and has been recognized by his peers as a leader in the
field. You would be hard-pressed to find a New Jersey dentist who is more
knowledgeable about dental implants. Dr. Courey can guide you with knowledge,
expertise and compassion through the process of restoration, helping you
regain not only your beautiful smile, but your quality of life in the
simple act of eating comfortably again.
Brief Description of the Dental Implant Procedure
Most commonly, a dental implant involves the surgical placement of a
root form, which is implanted in the bone of your jaw, and then the placement
of the crown over the root form. This picture (left) illustrates the position
of the root form and crown - in an actual case the root form is completely
hidden. When the root form is implanted into your bone, it is called an
"endosteal" (inside the bone) implant.
Dr. Courey also uses bone grafting. Bone grafting is used to replace
missing bone, or add to existing bone to create a stable place to anchor
an implant. This is often necessary when periodontal disease or missing
teeth have damaged the jaw bone or otherwise left it too deteriorated
to support an implant or dentures.
All-On-Four Dental Implants
If you do not have enough bone left in your jaw to support the root form,
Dr. Courey can offer you several options in addition to bone grafting.
He is trained in the All-On-Four technique, which uses implants to provide
a way to "anchor" complete dentures when too little of the jaw bone is left
to support the denture on its own.
How might Dr. Courey decide that a dental implant is
the best treatment option?
If the missing tooth space has no surrounding teeth (or is in the
back of your mouth Dr. Courey may decide an implant is the most
appropriate treatment choice. While bridges can be used to replace
missing teeth, they do require structurally sound teeth to anchor
to immediately adjacent to the missing tooth site.
If you are missing only one or two teeth, and the teeth next to the
missing teeth are normal and healthy, implants can help you avoid
having a bridge placed on normal, healthy teeth.
If all of your teeth are missing, dental implants can help you avoid
bone loss in your jaws that can lead to facial collapse. Over time,
the bone in your jaws is reabsorbed at the site of the missing tooth
or teeth. Implants halt this process.
Ultimately, a skilled dentist with specialized training must determine
the best treatment option for a missing tooth or teeth. Dr. Courey is
one of the top dentists in New Jersey to assess your dental implant treatment
options.
