Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In nearly all cases, the person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are lost.
For more information and a descriptive video on Implant Dentistry, click here.Dental implants are truly changing the way people live! They have been helping people improve their appearance and function for over 30 years. Dental implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth and can also be used to enhance the function and stability of traditional dentures. With dental implants, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/x-ray examination and health history. During a separate consultation visit, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed. You will then be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist suggested by our practice for the surgical phase of your treatment. Once a complete assessment has been made, a definitive treatment plan will be established. As always, your questions and concerns are important to us. Our team will work with you very closely to address your needs and help make your procedure a success.
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. After the healing phase, small posts are then attached to the implant. These posts protrude through the gums providing stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone by the surgeon according to our specific design that satisfies your particular needs. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are normally beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. If needed, temporary appliances can be made to satisfy cosmetics and limited function.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The oral surgeon or periodontist will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. We can then begin the process of making your new teeth. Guide posts are attached to the implants and an impression is taken. This impression, using duplicate “dummy” implants, creates an accurate model of the mouth. In the lab, following our specific design, posts or attachments are connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure (including the surgical phase) usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life and remark that the process of implant placement was less involved than an extraction.
These are but a few of the benefits of dental implants: