At Southern Maine Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our expert surgical team performs the surgical aspect of the implant procedure and then collaborates with a restorative dentist, who then works with the patient to fabricate a customized restorative crown or bridge.
The best solution to replace missing teeth, dental implants, which can simulate the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Implants can help preserve the health of neighboring teeth, maintain bone structure, contribute to an improved ability to chew and provide patients with the confidence to smile
Single Dental Implant
Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth in the mouth. After placement, the anchors will begin to fuse with the bone over the course of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.
Implant Supported Bridges
What are the advantages of an implant supported bridge?
Because of the natural look and feel and the functional stability provided by the implants, implant supported bridges are an effective solution to replace multiple missing teeth.
A traditional bridge uses teeth on either side of the missing tooth space for support, and preparing teeth for crowns can weaken them. Because these teeth serve as attachments, they are subject to additional forces that can damage both healthy and compromised teeth or bone tissues.
A dental implant supported bridge replaces missing teeth by placing two or more dental implants rather than adjacent teeth. These implants avoid putting any additional stress on your natural teeth and help preserve the health and function of the surrounding bone tissue and teeth.
Full Arch Restorations
For patients missing many or all of their teeth, implant retained or implant supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. These solutions can simulate the look and feel of natural teeth and stay fixed in place with the implants acting as anchors. Using implants for retention or the support of dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.
X-Nav Guided Dental Implant Placement
3D technology allows our doctors to more accurately place dental implants using minimally invasive techniques that improve patient comfort and healing while maintaining the highest standard of treatment and restoring your smile.