Implants
A tooth has two parts:
- a root which is in the bone and holds the tooth in place
- a crown which is the part most people think of as the tooth, since this is the only part that we can see and feel
A dental implant has two parts:
- a root replacement which is placed in the jaws surgically
- a crown (tooth) replacement that is placed on top of the root
Both parts are displayed in the below photos.
 |
Implant
This picture shows the titanium metal root replacement part of three implants. Notice the patient has no teeth in the lower right side of her mouth. She was not able to tolerate a lower removable bridge (lower removable partial denture) and didn't have the teeth to support a lower fixed bridge. These three titanium root form (root replacement) implants replace the natural roots needed for a fixed bridge to be placed. Scroll down to see the completed case. |
Bridges
Fixed bridges can be placed over natural teeth or implants to replace missing teeth. Scroll up to see the beginning of the case.
 |
Prosthesis
This picture shows the porcelain over noble metal (gold, palladium, platinum) fixed bridge. A bridge is a type of prosthetic tooth replacement. The bridge pictured on the left is the crown (tooth replacement) part of an implant-supported fixed bridge treatment. This part is placed over the titanium root form implants to complete the case.
|
 |
Completed Case
This picture shows the fixed bridge glued (cemented) into place. The dentist (only) can remove the bridge, if necessary. The fixed bridge looks, feels, and chews like natural teeth and it remains in the mouth at all times. It is the closest replacement to natural teeth that modern dental care can offer. A bridge can improve a patient's quality of life significantly. |
Dental implants cannot get cavities (decay) like natural teeth can. It is very important to keep dental implants clean by brushing and flossing them and also having regular cleanings by your dentist.
Dr. Sefranek has received extensive training in the restoration of the root part of implants with crowns and fixed bridges.
The following article gives more information:
Understanding Dental Implants |
