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Dental Implants Restorations

Implants and dental restorations, a winning combination for a balanced and beautiful smile in Battle Creek, MI

Earl E. Gaball, DDS is pleased to offer so many advanced options to patients in and around Battle Creek, MI. When we can’t “save” a natural tooth, Dr. Gaball can design a tooth that looks, feels, and functions in a way that is indistinguishable from healthy tooth structure. Restorations may be placed to complete the visible part of the tooth above the gumline, and represent the last step in the dental implants process.

Implant basics

Implants are used to rebuild teeth in a way that replicates the design of a natural tooth. The implant is shaped like a small cylinder and may be made from titanium or a type of ceramic (zirconia). Both of these dental materials are “biocompatible.” They can be used to make a wide variety of implants with a range of medical applications, because the implant “fuses” or integrates to surrounding bone. Thanks to this safe and natural process, the implant essentially becomes a “part” of you.

In the case of dental implants, after the implant is strategically placed in the jawbone, it “osseointegrates” to supportive bone in the following three or four months or so. After the implant and the bone become one, the restoration is connected to it to complete treatment. The underlying implant may be linked to the restoration with an abutment or connector piece or specialized attachments, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced and, in turn, the type of restoration that is required.

Replace a single tooth or all teeth

Implants may be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth (as a bridge), or all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw (arches as a denture). Implant-supported restorations preserve natural tissues as a conservative alternative to conventional bridges that are held in place by neighboring teeth. These neighbors must be reduced in size to be crowned. By crowning these anchor teeth, they can best stabilize the replacement tooth (pontic). Dentures that are retained by implants preserve the strength of the underlying bone. They also optimally mimic the appearance, feel, and functionality of natural teeth. Conventional dentures must be relined, rebased, and replaced to assure they fit well as tissues and bone shrinks. Optimal fit is important to the comfort and satisfaction that you get from these dentures, as the denture conforms to the contours of your mouth. These dentures also require specialized cleaning products and techniques, and take some getting used to.

As with all treatment “categories,” there are pros and cons for each and every option. We look forward to meeting you. Call (269) 883-1674 to schedule an appointment at our Battle Creek office, serving individuals and families in Marshall, Kalamazoo, Athens, Climax, Albion, Charlotte, Jackson, Hastings, Galesburg, and communities in between!