Prosthetic Restorations
When a natural tooth cannot be repaired, your West Des Moines dentist may suggest high-quality prosthetic restorations that will soon have you smiling again. Whether you need one tooth or an entire arch replaced, Dr. Johnson offers a variety of prosthetics and will help you find the right solution to fit your needs.
Implants
Dental implants are composed of two parts: a small titanium screw that is inserted into the jaw and the restoration that is attached to the screw. Implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth by actually integrating into the jawbone over the course of several months. The restoration that is placed on top depends on the number of missing teeth you have.
- A single crown can be placed if you are only missing one tooth
- A bridge is the solution for two or more adjoining teeth
- A partial denture replaces two or more non-adjoining teeth
- A full denture would be attached if an entire arch needs replacing
If you are a candidate for the implant procedure, Dr. Johnson will refer you to a specialist. An oral surgeon or periodontist will place the implant posts into your jaw. Expect at least three months for the implant to integrate with your bone tissue, and you may wear a temporary prosthetic during that time. After the implant post is solid, Dr. Johnson will secure your permanent restoration. Modern prosthetics look, feel, and function just like real teeth.