Overview

Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants are an alternative to dentures which rest on the gums or fixed bridgework which employ adjacent teeth to secure and provide support for the replacement of missing, natural teeth.

When given the choice, many patients chose dental implants over dentures and fixed bridgework because implants function much more like natural teeth. Dental implants are preferred by patients seeking the most comprehensive and comfortable solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants provide superior strength, stability and support to the mouth and jaw when teeth are missing and can help prevent bone deterioration that often results from missing teeth.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth; implants can be used to replace two or more missing teeth. Dental implants are sometimes used to secure a removable partial or full denture.

Replacement of Missing Teeth • Overview

When faced with the prospect of having missing teeth replaced it is important for you, as the patient, have a basic understanding of the treatment options available to you from your dentist. To aid you in this area the chart below outlines the fundamental choices you and your dentist are likely to discuss, the preferred treatment being determined by individual diagnosis and the patient's particular circumstances.

Implant(s) consist of titanium posts placed in the jawbone. The bone fuses with the titanium post through a process known as osseointegration creating a very strong foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth.

A significant benefit of dental implants and noteworthy difference compared to dentures or fixed bridgework is directly related to the fusion of the bone, i.e. the process of osseointegration. This process, the fusion of the bone to the implant, prevents future bone loss and bone deterioration that cannot be avoided when dentures or fixed bridgework are used. Once the implant fuses to the jawbone a crown can be created, fitted and cemented in place. Crowns replicate or improve the patient's natural bite and appearance.

Personal Care Plan

You may wish to discuss with Dr. Caputo a personal care plan, taking into account your priorities regarding other oral health needs. Discussing a personal care plan with Dr. Caputo, while not required, is an opportunity to discuss your overall oral health, personal concerns and desires in this regard, and to address your needs and wants.

If wish to undertake a course of treatment, both new and existing patients can avail themselves of Dr. Caputo's “Special Offer” of $96 for a Comprehensive Examination and Consultation. The examination includes a series of five (5) x-rays, facial photographs, and an examination by and consultation with Dr. Caputo. See offer details.

Dr. Caputo and his staff are generally able to schedule appointments, whether an initial visit or follow up appointment, within a very short time.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

In order to provide patient's the most advanced, non-invasive diagnostic procedures appropriate to a given circumstance, Dr. Caputo's office hosts three forms of radiography, including i-CAT, open CT scans.

Dr. Caputo's practice includes on-site, state-of-the-art i-CAT, open CT scanning and 3-D software to diagnose complex situations and plan advanced forms of treatment. I-CAT dental CT scanning is performed while the patient sits in an open-air chair. The I-CAT Cone Beam imaging system scans your head and jaw creating detailed 3-D imagery of the head, joints and airways which can be viewed from any angle or as cross-sections.

Dr. Caputo and his staff view emergency dental care as both an ongoing part of their daily routine and a critical element of meeting the needs of all patients.