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
great dr and experience
- harriet f
Patient Review
I especially liked how well you kept me informed about how my procedure was to be done. Do not send the gift certificate but enjoy it yourself. You deserve it. Thanks for your service.
- David Giebelhaus P
Patient Review
first time back to a dentist in a while. Dr. Condrey and his staff made me very comfortable and got me back to a routine dental schedule.
- Gary G
Patient Review
I have been a patient of Dr Condrey for around 5 years he was referred to me by my dentist. Him and his staff are very informative and always explain everything very well. The ladies in the office are very nice also. I have complete confidence in Dr Condrey and his staff.
- John F
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
Overall experience has been amazing! Staff is really helpful and nice!
- Andrea F
Patient Review
I have started the process of getting an implant for my front tooth. Dr Condrey has extracted the old tooth and done a bone graft to prepare for the implant. So far, my experience has been very positive and I have experienced no pain to speak of. I have confidence that the implant will be professionally done when completed. I would recommend this office to anyone considering a dental implant.
- Helen G
Patient Review
Highly recommend Dr. Condrey and his staff! Wonderful service from a great team!
- Joe L
Patient Review
Losing a tooth for the first time as an adult is traumatizing, and then having to find a periodontist is even scarier. Dr. Condrey is a blessing. Dr. Condrey made the whole process easy and seamless. Dr. Condrey's staff is kind and has a calming energy. I was a nervous wreck, and his team of ladies answered all my questions and truly made me feel better about my situation. Words can not describe the amount of stress I was feeling, and Dr.Condrey and his team truly helped me feel better.
- Gloria L
Patient Review
This experience was very good and all the staff and Doctor were great.
- Richard Elliott T
Patient Review
My appointment was at 11:00, he started at 11:00, Very nice. The nurses were very nice and helpful. Dr Condrey talked me thru every thing he was doing when he was pulling my tooth. There was No pain and little discomfort. Over, a good experience.
- Wayne T
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and staff are very wonderful and very nice to me. I really liked and appreciated how Dr. Condrey explained what was going to happen during each steps of my first gum surgery procedure and it made me feel less nervous about the surgery procedure. l also liked how appreciative and kind he is to call and check in on me the day after I had my first gum surgery to make sure I was doing okay. Also I really appreciate how Dr. Condrey said that I could call him with any questions I may have about the procedure before and after.
- Megan L
Patient Review
Very please
- Connie H
Patient Review
The staff is the friendliest staff ever. I’ve never had to wait for an appointment, they are always on time. Dr. Condrey is the best dentist I’ve ever met. He always answers all my questions and is very concerned about my well-being.
- Tim F
Patient Review
Everything went well and I would recommend Dr. Condrey and this office to everyone.
- Maria H
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey & his staff are amazing! Very professional, knowledgeable & friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Condrey for all periodontal issues!
- Connie A
Patient Review
Very professional staff and Dr. Condrey has great “bedside manner”.
- Kaye E
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff are very professional and clearly explained my options. After the procedure, I had no pain or discomfort even though I had expected it! I would recommend Dr. Condrey to anyone requiring periodontal treatment / procedures.
- Eric K
Patient Review
Having to have a tooth pulled for an implant certainly isn't anything I looked forward to, but Dr. Condrey and his staff definitely made it as pleasant as possible. They were all extremely kind and respectful each time I was there. Thank you to all of you!
- Ann P
Patient Review
I would strongly recommend Dr Condrey and I'm glad I was referred to him. Five-star doctor with a five-star staff.
- Greg H