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Eureka Smile Center
Jack Griffin, Jr., D.M.D.
18 Hilltop Village Center Dr
Eureka, MO 63025
Phone: (636) 938-6241
Fax: (636) 938-7941
Dental Implants
An Excellent Option for Tooth Replacement
Dr. Griffin has successfully placed and restored hundreds of dental implants for almost 20 years. They are a terrific choice for replacing missing teeth or anchoring loose dentures or partials and can provide a natural and comfortable way to improve a patients bite, smile, and confidence. After examination, medical and dental history, radiographs, and photos, Dr. Griffin will determine if implants are right for you.
A dental implants is a surgical grade, titanium post that is shaped like a tooth root. They are placed under the gums where the tooth was originally and then allowed to integrate into the patients jaw before being used to replace teeth or anchor dentures. The placement is usually simply done with local anesthetic and the procedure is often described as being less traumatic than a tooth extraction. There is seldom much pain or discomfort involved. Patients are often surprised at how easy the procedure is.
The implant is allowed to incorporate into the jaw, integration, and allowed to heal for several weeks depending upon the jaw structure and other factors. They are uncovered after that healing time with a very simple procedure. The inside of the implant body is hollow with threads. These inside threads allow an abutment or post to be screwed to it without the need for anesthetic or pain.
A ceramic or metal abutment is placed, impressions taken, and sent to a ceramist for tooth fabrication. For some cases, the tooth can be made in one day with the CEREC porcelain system allowing insertion of the crown on the appointment the post is placed.. On top of this a tooth is custom made to match the shade and shape of the teeth. If cosmetic changes are desired, we will plan to enhance those teeth around the implant.
The result is often a tooth that is as secure and esthetic as the original tooth. Implants have over a 95% success rate. Poor hygiene, smoking, certain medical conditions, trauma, grinding, and clenching are some of the factors that may lead to implant failure. Dr Griffin and his staff will review these with you and determine the possible influence of these in your case.
Today's dental implants give us choices that we didn't have until a few years ago. We now can successfully replace missing or lost teeth with implants and porcelain teeth that are natural looking, solid, and predictable.
Implants Can Provide Denture Stability
A very popular use for dental implants is to anchor loose complete or partial dentures. Many of our patients request this service after struggling for years with loose, poor fitting, or moving denture. These implants can restore the confidence, biting efficiency, and eating security often lost when dentures are placed.
There are many choices for denture and partial anchoring which will be discussed at your consultation appointment depending upon your particular needs and situation. The newer anchors allow the denture to “snap” into place and provide a feeling of stability difficult to achieve with traditional dentures.
We work with several different types of implants and will considering many options before recommending a particular treatment. Whether using very small MINI dental implants (MDI’s) or standard sized implants, we can give security with implants that is impossible to achieve with a denture alone. Most patients who experience the stability that implants give their denture wonder how they functioned without them before!
The implants are placed under the tissues where the tooth roots were originally located. After proper healing, abutments are placed on top of the implants and then attachments are placed inside the denture. The result is a new solid stable feel that will leave you with a confidence you cannot get any other way with a denture.
With partials, we can use implants for stability and do away with unsightly metal clasps that are usually needed to hold partials in. This results in a much more natural appearance by using special attachments to help secure the teeth instead.
Implant Expectations
Implants can provide many years of service whether replacing missing teeth or anchoring dentures or partials, however commitment to care must be accepted by the patient. Proper cleaning daily by the patient at home and follow up by the hygienist and dental staff once or twice a year is critical to long term success. Medical conditions such as diabetes, hormone, or conditions where the bodies defense mechanisms are compromised may affect the implant survival. Smoking, clenching of the jaws, teeth grinding, and other habits must be controlled for optimum implant success.
Our team is committed to making your implant experience a great one! Please call for an appointment to discuss these wonderful advancements in dentistry and see what you are missing!