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
From the welcoming staff as you enter the office to Dr Condrey’s ability to make sure your dental plan is very well explained and understood, one is assured of the excellence of care you will receive.
- Gloria W
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey was very knowledgeable about dental implants and I felt that I was in the best place to get them.
- Randal D
Patient Review
If I need any other periodontal work in the future I will be sure to use Dr. Comfrey again in a heart beat. To top it all off, the appointments were always on time and within the time scheduled to take place. Thank you and continued good luck with your practice!
- Thomas D
Patient Review
Very smooth operation with no complication. Dr. Condrey was very understand and patient with my concerns. All my questions were answered and I felt very comfortable with the operation and the follow up by Dr. C and his staff. Everyone very friendly and very efficient.
- Mary C
Patient Review
From the moment you walk into Dr. Condrey’s office, the receptionist is extremely warm and welcoming. Andrea is my hygienist and does an excellent cleaning on my teeth. Would highly recommend this practice.
- Robin A
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey always explains what he is about to do and ensures that you feel comfortable at all times. He works quickly and efficiently and always ensures you experience as little pain as possible. I felt very confident is his abilities and patient care.
- Paul G
Patient Review
I have been coming to Dr. Condrey for 5 years. He is very gentle and patient explaining what is going on and what I need to do. My teeth are in good condition from having dental cleanings with Andrea every 6 months. She is a great dental hygientist! The team is very professional, frinedly and everyone is very kind. Great place to take care of your periodontal and implant needs.
- Karen K
Patient Review
Hello, after many visits, this is my third review of Dr. Condrey’s office, and I am telling you, they are fantastic! Dr. Condrey, his dental hygienist Andrea, and his entire staff, are awesome. Consistency is what will tell for sure, if you are in good hands, and in every appointment, I get the same great service. They are professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and very important; if you get a little nervous in a dentist office like me; they will make you feel at ease 🙂 I highly recommend them, you will be pleased to be their patient.
- Adria S
Patient Review
I have visited Dr Condrey and the team for over 6 years for treatments and general cleanings. I admit, I’m a nervous patient, but the team treat you like family and genuinely care about your overall health and wellbeing. The front office team always greet you with a smile and Andrea’s professional care is one of the reasons why I use Dr Condrey’s office. This whole team and the treatment they provide are first class….
- Martin C
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff made my procedure a very good experience. They were kind, caring, and sensitive to my needs. Going into it, I was nervous about pain and potential side effects, but Dr. Condrey eased my concerns and everything went well. I would highly recommend Dr. Condrey and his team to anyone who needs periodontal care.
- Rhonella McClellan
Patient Review
I am a recent patient, Jan. 03, 2023, of Dr. Condrey. I had soft tissue grafting. From the time he finished until my two week follow up, I haven't had the first bit of pain. It's like I never had anything done.. I just had the stitches removed and will follow up again in March. Dr. Condrey has a wonderful friendly and professional office staff. Dr. Condrey is kind and gentle and makes you feel like family. I give the entire office a 5-Star rating!
- Irene L
Patient Review
Thanks for the deep cleaning that you did. I can feel the difference since the cleaning.100% of the bleeding is gone. Thanks again. Lloyd
- Lloyd A
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey is very skilled and competent as an oral surgeon. He takes plenty of time in talking with you to answer any questions. He called me a couple of times after my implant was placed to check on me which I greatly appreciated.
- Jackie S
Patient Review
Thank you for always doing such a great job welcoming patients to your office. Would highly recommend Dr. Condrey for any perio work you may need or to have your teeth cleaned.
- Robin B
Patient Review
The staff is very friendly and very professional. All of my questions were answered before the procedure and I never had to wait more than 10 minutes in the waiting room. Office is very clean and Dr. Condrey actually called me personally to ask how I was doing. Not many doctor's are that caring. It meant a lot to me!
- Karan B
Patient Review
Anyone needing periodontal work should visit Dr. Condrey's office for the best outcome.
- John M
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey is a great doctor! He and his staff are amazing. I highly recommend!
- Demetrios A
Patient Review
I was very satisfied and I would highly recommend Dr. Condrey and his entire staff. This is a well run practice.
- Randall H
Patient Review
A great doctor with a great staff, highly recommended!
- Greg V
Patient Review
Doctor performed surgery and bone grafting with care and scheduled implant in near future. Doctor and his staff are very professional and took good care of me.
- KUTURU ASHOK R