Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dr. Ruefenacht has been surgically placing implants since 2002.
 
What are they?
A dental implant is an artificial root that is placed in the bone.  After a period of healing, a crown is attached to your implant restoring original aesthetics and function.
 
 Why should I have one?
 Missing teeth are not only aesthetically displeasing but are also functionally compromising:

• Posterior (back) teeth establish the bite and protect the jaw joints, much like the foundation to your house. Losing one or more posterior teeth can lead to TMJ issues and premature wear of remaining teeth.
• A missing tooth can cause unwanted movement of adjacent teeth.
• Implants allow us to avoid the needless capping of adjacent teeth for bridge placement.

What are they made of?

Titanium metal and non-metallic ceramic Zirconia.
 
Which one is best for me?
Dr. Ruefenacht will discuss the relative merits about both materials and how they apply to your specific needs. We are trained in placing a variety of metal and ceramic implants. Often times bone grafting is needed. To learn more about bone grafting, please click here. 
 
Growing Bone. 
Give bone the right mix of pH, minerals and nutrition and it will grow.  We are blessed to have discovered such a product from Steiner Biotechnology.  This technology causes your bone to grow to maturity for implant support in 6-8 weeks instead of the usual 6-12 months.  No artificial, nor pig, or cow, nor cadaver products are used.  With this process, it’s all your bone so there’s nothing foreign to cause infection and rejection.

Moment of Triumph!