The Uses of Dental implants

Dental implants consist of three parts: a bio-compatible titanium post, an abutment, and a tooth-colored crown. When replacing missing teeth with a dental implant, the titanium post is implanted into the jaw bone. The dental implants will fuse with the jaw bone over time in a process called osseointegration. This process replicates the relationship between the bone and the root of the tooth and generally takes three to six months. Once the dental implants have fused with the bone and are secure, the abutment (a connector the rises above the gum to accommodate the crown) is placed and your general dentist will place the final crown to complete the replacement of the missing tooth.

Dental implants are the preferred replacement for missing teeth. Removable dentures, partial dentures, and fixed bridges do not offer the same stability, versatility, or bio-compatibility as dental implants. Most importantly, dental implants offer a crucial added benefit over traditional methods of replacing missing teeth because they preserve your bone structure.

When you have missing teeth, bone deterioration begins. This loss is called atrophy. It works much like a muscle that shrinks after you no longer work out with weights. Over time, the bone loss experienced at the site of the missing teeth can cause changes in your facial structure, most often exemplified by a sunken look of your face. For those patients who delay in placing an implant, the atrophy can be so severe that bone grafting procedures may be necessary to rebuild the jawbone before dental implants can be placed. Therefore, earlier treatment is often easier, more predictable, and less costly. Discover whether you are a candidate for dental implants to restore your missing teeth; contact our office today.

Guided procedures are the latest technological advancement. This technology allows Dr. Finley to plan your tooth replacement, and coordinate with your restorative dentist, all the way from the initial procedure to the final result. All using special computer software and 3-D printers!!!! Often the procedure can be done using minimal invasive techniques that get you back to your life sooner and easier!!!
Dr. Finley has been trained in guided implant surgery by the prestigious Pikos Implant Institute and was one of the first 200 people to receive training on the most advanced procedure for same day, full mouth reconstruction. 3-D planning and placement makes dental implants precise, safe, predictable, efficient, and more comfortable. Some cases even require no incisions or stitches!

Dr. James M. Finley, located in Lafayette, LA, is a Periodontist who serves patients from Lafayette, Crowley, Breaux Bridge, Opelousas, St. Martinville, New Iberia, Abbeville, Maurice, and surrounding areas. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!