Implants are a tooth replacement option that involves placing a new "root" into the bone of your jaw. Once this titanium "root" has fused with your bone it can be used to support a crown, bridge or denture. These implants can also be used to replace partials and other forms of dentures. The success rate for dental implants are extremely high and is due in part to the fact that root-form implants are made of a biocompatible material, titanium. Because titanium is accepted so well by the human body, it is also used for orthopedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements. Dental Implants have now become the standard for replacing older dentistry and missing teeth because they look and feel like your natural teeth and have a higher success rate than all other forms of tooth replacement. The initial cost is generally higher for an implant over other forms of tooth replacement, but the long term benefits easily outweigh the difference in additional cost. An investment in implant dentistry is an investment in overall health, appearance and well being, as it involves preserving the integrity of facial structures, as well as replacing missing teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental implants prevent face altering bone loss.
- For many people, dental implants will last a lifetime.
- Implants won't damage healthy sounding teeth like other restorations.
- With dental implants, you can eat and drink anything you like.
- Implant-supported teeth won't move or get loose.
- Implants look and feel very much like natural teeth.
- Many implant wearers report improved speech.
Am I a candidate for dental implant treatment?
If you are missing one or more teeth and in general good health, you are a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few qualifying factors that need to be addressed:
- Quality and quantity of available bone for implant placement.
- Uncontrollable diabetes or other medical conditions.
Overall, there are very few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment. Even people who have lost a significant amount of bone can qualify for dental implant treatment; although, an additional procedure(s) to add bone or to create new bone may be necessary. Advances in this type of treatment have made it possible for most people who would not previously have been considered candidates to have successful implant treatment.
Is my age a factor for dental implant treatment?
Providing your overall health is good, the desire to improve your quality of life is a more important consideration than age. Current research recommends implant treatment for individuals age 23 and above. It is not unusual for people with dentures to upgrade to implant-supported dentures. This treatment provides renewed self-confidence in both smile and speech, enhances chewing stability, and allows patients to enjoy foods that were once off-limits.
Can a dental implant work with existing dentures?
Every patient's situation is unique; however, from time-to-time we can use an existing denture by altering the denture to accommodate the necessary denture attachments to fit the implants.
What is the difference between a traditional crown and bridge and an implant supported crown and bridge?
There are several differences.
- A dental implant preserves jaw bone.
- We do not have to destroy neighboring health teeth by grinding down the teeth to pegs in order to accept a crown.
- Implants last longer than traditional crown and bridge. Implants are designed to last a lifetime, while a traditional crown and bridge is projected to last approximately 10 years and may need to be replaced.
Although dental implants have become the standard of care, they are more expensive than old tooth replacement methods. They are a better choice for the money; however, some dentists still recommend traditional tooth supported bridges for patients due to their own comfort level, or when patients insist on having the immediate lowest possible fee for tooth replacement. Most dentists today prefer not to grind down perfectly healthy teeth to place a traditional bridge, and therefore, will almost always recommend dental implant treatment in these cases.
When should a tooth be extracted and replaced with a Dental Implant?
There are times when it makes sense to extract a tooth and replace it with a dental implant.
- If a natural tooth is failing or about to fail.
- If a tooth has severe periodontal disease (gum disease) that has eroded the bone that supports teeth. Sometimes in these cases, it is preferable to extract the teeth; eliminate the disease and infection and replace the teeth with a dental implant.
- When a tooth has had a root canal (nerves have been removed from the tooth) leaving the tooth brittle and susceptible to fracture. Teeth with severe fractures are usually extracted and are ideal candidates for replacement with dental implant treatment.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Traditional treatment may take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending upon the quality of the bone in which the implants are placed. If an additional procedure is required in order to augment the bone, the total treatment time may be between six to nine months.
Is there special care required?
Home care for a dental implant single tooth or for a dental implant crown and bridge is cleaned like a natural tooth, with regular brushing and flossing and regularly schedule hygiene appointments as directed by your dentist. Home care is a little more complicated for people who are missing all of their teeth, in that special brushes and floss are often recommended. Permanently fixed implant supported replacement teeth are cleaned like all other bridges. If a surgical specialists who placed the implant(s) is involved, they may want to see you at least once each year in addition to your regular dentist. These visits, combined with proper home care, are essential to the long term success of implant treatment.
Straumann Dental Implants
Why Choose Dental Implants?
The decision to replace missing teeth with dental implants is an investment in your oral health and quality of life. Modern dental implants are the standard of care for missing teeth and offer numerous advantages over traditional options like bridges or dentures:
- Prevent bone loss: Implants transmit chewing forces to the jawbone, which stimulates bone growth and prevents the bone loss that naturally occurs with a missing tooth root.
- Preserve natural teeth: Unlike bridges, implants do not require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth to serve as support.
- Look and feel natural: They are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your smile, and they function like natural teeth, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
For over 25 years, Dr. Kirsch has trusted Straumann dental implants to deliver life-changing results for his patients. His extensive experience, combined with Straumann's precision engineering, offers a gold standard in restorative dentistry that patients can rely on.
What Makes Straumann Implants a Superior Choice?
Long-term research has shown that Straumann implants have a high success rate. Straumann values quality and reliability, and Straumann implants are backed by over 30 years of scientific evidence.
Straumann is a global leader in implant dentistry, known for its Swiss precision, cutting-edge technology, and decades of clinical research. When you receive Straumann Implants, you benefit from:
- High-performance materials: Straumann uses advanced materials like Roxolid®, a titanium-zirconium alloy that is stronger than pure titanium. This allows for smaller-diameter implants, reducing the invasiveness of the procedure while maintaining exceptional durability.
- Faster healing with SLActive® technology: The unique SLActive surface technology on Straumann implants promotes faster osseointegration (bone fusion). This can significantly reduce healing times and improve treatment predictability, even in more complex cases.
- Outstanding success rates: Long-term clinical research supports the exceptional reliability of Straumann implants. Studies have documented long-term survival rates of up to 99% in healthy patients.
- A commitment to innovation: Straumann continues to advance implantology with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for any clinical situation, from the versatile iEXCEL system to the fully ceramic PURE implants.
- Peace of mind: Straumann's dedication to quality and evidence-based science means you are receiving a solution backed by a trusted leader in the field.
By choosing Dr. Kirsch and the Straumann dental implant system, you are selecting a proven, reliable, and advanced approach to restoring your smile.
Meet Your Sebring Dental Implant Expert:
Dr. Michael G Kirsch, DDS, MS
When it comes to dental implants, expertise makes all the difference. Dr. Michael Kirsch has been helping patients in Sebring and the Heartland area restore their smiles with exceptional implant care since 1995. With advanced specialty training, decades of hands-on experience, and a gentle, compassionate approach, Dr. Kirsch ensures every patient feels comfortable, confident, and informed throughout their implant journey. Known for his meticulous technique and personalized care, Dr. Kirsch is dedicated to providing results that look beautiful, feel natural, and last a lifetime.