Dental implants safely and predictably replace missing teeth. And they look and feel like healthy natural teeth. In Baton Rouge, Dr. Brooksher offers the convenience of having the entire dental implant process completed in his office.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a biocompatible, artificial tooth, usually made of titanium. Its components mimic the structure of a natural tooth and include a root form, an abutment (connector), and a dental crown. An implant mimics the appearance of a natural tooth and restores its function.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dentist or oral surgeon surgically places a dental implant in your jawbone attaches and an abutment, or connector on top of it. Within a few months, your jawbone and the root form will fuse together. A dentist will attach a dental crown to the connector.
Dental implants have several uses:
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Support a dental bridge
- Support dentures
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Stability – After your jawbone fuses to the dental implants, they will have the feel and stability of natural tooth roots. They last longer than other forms of tooth replacement. Implant-supported dentures are stable and won’t slip around or fall out.
- Natural-looking – A dental crown, bridge, or dentures that are supported by dental implants, if they are done with artistic skill, will look completely natural.
- Stimulate and preserve jawbone – They stimulate and preserve jawbone and help prevent bone shrinkage and facial sagging.
- Promote oral health
- They fill the spaces left by missing teeth and prevent nearby teeth from shifting.
- Unlike a partial denture that clips onto your natural teeth, dental implants are comfortable and non-irritating.
- A traditional dental bridge requires shaving down the tooth on either side of the missing one to accommodate a crown and serve as an anchor. An implant-supported bridge eliminates this step and preserves the adjacent teeth.
- Dental implants can prevent improper bite and TMJ issues associated with missing teeth.
Dental Implant Options
Dental implant options exist for any number of missing teeth. Whether you are missing one, a few, or all your teeth, Dr. Brooksher can use implants to help restore your smile.
- Individual implants – Dr. Brooksher can replace each missing tooth with a dental implant.
- Snap-on dentures – Dentures snap onto two dental implants. These are the most economical implant-supported dentures.
- Implant overdentures – Four or more implants can stabilize dentures. If you have a lot of bone loss, bone grafting might be required. For more information, read our implant overdentures page.
- All-on-4 dental implants – If your jawbone has shrunk, Dr. Brooksher can use this procedure to support an arch of dentures. He will angle the implants to eliminate the need for bone grafting. For increased stability, you can get six implants. You can read about this procedure on our All-on-4 dental implants page.
High-Quality Implant Placement
Dr. Brooksher is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), the world’s largest dental implant organization and largest provider of continuing dental implant education. He achieved this status by completing more than 100 hours of implant education and submitting 20 successful implant cases. As a fellow of the ICOI, he upholds the organization’s high standards and has a commitment to continuing dental implant education.
What Is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process includes evaluating your medical history, taking 3-D x-rays of your mouth and teeth, implant surgery, and placing dental crowns or dentures on the implants. In most cases, Dr. Brooksher completes all phases of the dental implant process—planning, placement, and restoration—in his office. He uses 3-D imaging technology to plan your dental implant surgery and restoration. This advanced technology helps to provide the best outcome in several ways:
- Determines if you have enough bone density to support dental implants or if bone grafting is needed
- Identifies the location in three dimensions of your nerves, sinuses, and other structures to ensure they are not damaged by implant fixtures
- Ensures your implants look natural at the gumline
If your case requires it, Dr. Brooksher will work closely with an oral surgeon for your implant placement. After a healing period of several months, Dr. Brooksher will restore your implants with natural-looking crowns or dentures.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Treat your dental implants like natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss between them
- Keep regular dental cleaning and exam appointments
If you want to explore getting dental implants, call us or complete our Request an Appointment form for a comprehensive examination. If you’re not ready to commit to an exam, ask about our complimentary consultation.
