Dental Implants

Dental implants are the latest breakthrough solution for lost or damaged teeth. Unlike other older, traditional options, such as fixed bridges or removable partials, dental implants look and function almost exactly like natural teeth, so you can smile confidently and eat all of your favorite foods.

And now, with today's technology, dental implants have become even more affordable than you may think.

A single implant replaces a single missing tooth.

1. Implant- A titanium rod that is surgically buried and integrated into the bone and which cannot be seen above the gumline

2. Abutment- A metal core placed on top of the implant above the gumline. The abutment connects the crown to the implant. 

3. Crown- The tooth-shaped final restoration. The dentist may prescribe various types of crowns to match each patient's needs.

Placing dental implants usually requires multiple visits over the course of several months. During the main surgical visit, a small incision is created in the gums at the missing tooth site in order to bury the implant screw into the jawbone. Bone grafting may be required if there is not enough bone in the jaw socket to hold the implant. It will take about 3-6 months for the bone and tissues around the implant to heal and for the implant to fully integrate into the jaw. During this healing period, you may be placed in a temporary crown or removable partial denture over the surgical site.

After the healing period is complete, the final tooth-shaped crown will be attached to the top of the implant. This crown can be made to match cosmetically to the rest of the teeth and will function just like any other tooth when complete.

Caring for your dental implants is fairly easy – treat them as you would your regular teeth. This means it is important to brush and floss your implants daily to remove plaque buildup. If your particular implants require special maintenance, your dentist will discuss with you. You should also maintain routine dental check-ups, so that we can make sure your teeth, gums, and implants remain as healthy as possible.

Dental implants are the most preferred solution for missing and unrepairable, damaged teeth. Unfortunately, they are not for everyone. The ideal candidates are people over 15 years old with proper amounts of bone in the jaws and that are in good physical health, with no signs of periodontal disease.

Please consult with your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as they may negatively affect your healing and outcomes from implant surgery:

Bleeding disorders (including blood thinners), diabetes, tobacco or drug use, use of oral/IV bisphosphonates, and any other general health problems.

If you think dental implants can improve your quality of life, schedule a consultation with us today. We will perform a thorough examination to determine your qualification and answer any questions you may have.