Dental Implants

Most dental implants are small titanium cylinders which are embedded in the patient's jaw bone to act like the root of a tooth. Different types of dental prostheses can be attached to the implants to replace missing teeth. Since the implant is fused directly to the bone, these replacements are as solid as the original teeth. The above drawing, done by Wayne Heim, shows an implant and how the implant can be placed in the jaw.

Below are some examples of how implants can be used to replace missing teeth.

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Fixed / removable dentures (Hybrid dentures)


Hybrid dentures are a way to replace teeth when all or most of the teeth are missing on the upper or lower. They are especially useful when a lot of bone is lost and patient is having a difficult time wearing a denture. The prostheses consists of a metal frame screwed onto the implants with teeth and pink plastic added to simulate the teeth and gums. The appliance can readily be removed by the dentist by loosening the screws. This is only needed occasionally for maintanence and sometimes for more thorough professional cleanings.



Substructure for a fixed "hybrid denture (white arrows) being tried in for fit in the patient's mouth over 5 implants (green arrows).

Frontal view of above on a model with teeth applied to substructure.(29k jpeg)

Rear view of above el with teeth applied to substructure. (25k jpeg) The holes at the arrows are for screws used to hold the denture in place.
Overhead view of above on a model with teeth applied to substructure.(19k jpeg) The holes at the arrows are for screws used to hold the denture in place.

Lower hybrid denture in place in the mouth. A space is purposely left btween the hybrid and the gums to allow facilitated cleaning. The patient has a complete upper denture.

View of finished lower hybrid seen above.

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