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.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. 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. The great news? 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.
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“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Condrey is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an implant surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Condrey 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.
J. Gregory Condrey, DDS, MS, PA
Patient Review
I liked Dr. Condrey‘s demeanor. He was attentive and listened well and offered clear explanation of the procedure. The staff treated me with respect and made sure I knew what to do.
- Douglas E
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff are caring, pleasant and professional. I had a molar extracted in preparation for implant. I was informed by Dr. Condrey throughout the procedure and both he and his associate were concerned that my comfort was foremost. Best of all, no swelling and only two ibuprofen for very minimal discomfort!
- Michael L
Patient Review
I had to do a periodontal tooth extraction and the Dr did a fantastic job, I felt I was in good hands. The staff in the office were professional and friendly to me. The team explained very well what was going on with the billing, as well as follow up dental care. Thanks to the Dr.
- Joseph E
Patient Review
Very please
- Connie H
Patient Review
This is my second set of procedures with Dr. Condrey. He is very competent and experienced. I feel I am in good hands for the various complicated procedures he is doing.
- Dolores S
Patient Review
I was so dreading to have to go through this procedure (extraction and bone grafting) but Dr. Condrey and his staff were so compassionate and understanding that I left feeling so grateful that I was fortunate enough to be in his care. So caring, gentle and the procedure was pain-free. Thank you!
- Diana A
Patient Review
Dr Condrey took time to thoroughly discuss treatment options and timeline for the specific chosen treatment. He answered all my questions and made me feel very comfortable. Thank you Dr. Condrey and your staff.
- Sumangala P
Patient Review
My experience so far has been very positive. The staff was pleasingly pleasant and professional. I am looking forward to the rest of my visits.
- Adrienne N
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff made my experience go as smooth as possible! They were all very kind, had smiles and a very friendly demeanor! They got me through my procedures safely, keep me calm and helped with whatever questions I had. With confidence, I would recommend them highly!
- Debby A
Patient Review
Great Doctor, knowledgeable, explains all procedures in detail.......
- Don H
Patient Review
I first saw Dr Condrey somewhere around 2009 for dental services and came away very impressed with the way my case was handled. I was disappointed when my regular dentist gave me the news that I again needed the services of a periodontist. When his first recommendation was Dr Condrey, my fears were removed because of my prior experience with him. His office staff and his assistants all share the same high level of customer care. This team works as a unit in every regard from answering the phone, to scheduling appointments to ultimately providing excellent care for the patient. Kudos to Dr Condrey and his team for setting the bar so high!
- Tom P
Patient Review
I needed my gums to be check prior to having braces and my orthodontics referred me here. I was already getting gum treatment elsewhere but decided to see Dr. Condrey for ease of communicating dental report back to my ortho. My dental insurance is out of network but they took care of the processing of my reimbursement and got the check in no time. Location is easy to find without the hassle of looking for parking space. Clinic space is modest and clean from receiving area to the treatment room. Making telephone appointment is a breeze and calls are answered by courteous staff. All the staffs are pleasant and easy to communicate with. I feel that they are there for customer service and not just to do "the job". I had a total of 3 visits. On all my visits, I was seen on time. Apart from gum assessment and xrays, i have 2 teeth pulled out by Dr. Condrey. I was amazed that he was able to remove these without needing to make an incision on my gum (which i was told before from another clinic). It was little pain to almost no pain procedure. I appreciate the reminder/checklist that they gave me about what to do before and after the procedure with the list of suggested food to eat after the extraction. I didn't have to asked for dental report to give to my ortho, they did it for me. I'm glad that I made the right choice of getting treatment here. I will definitely come back in this clinic should the need arise. Great team!
- Michelle M