Dental Implants

When you lose a tooth, the biting forces change on the teeth next to the space, causing them to shift.  As your bite changes, it gets more difficult to chew your food and excess pressure is placed on both the teeth and the bone support of the teeth that must bear this extra load.  It's also much harder to clean teeth that have shifted; harmful plaque and tartar collect in these new hard-to-reach areas created by the shifting, increasing the risk of developing periodontal disease and decay.

For all these reasons, it is critical that a lost tooth is replaced.  An excellent option for single and multiple tooth replacement is a dental implant.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist or oral surgeon places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. You might think of dental implants as metal anchors, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. Through a process called osseointegration, the jawbone actually accepts and attaches itself to the implant over time, providing tremendous stability.  Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

Dental implants look and feel very natural.  Dental implants can restore confidence personally and professionally, that is many times affected with tooth loss.  Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can help you smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence.  Under proper conditions, implants can last a lifetime. 

ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS:

• Esthetic   Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
• Tooth-saving   Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
• Confidence   Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and non-removable.
• Reliable   The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

How will the implant be placed?

First, the implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site.

Then, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you and attached to the abutment. After a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.

Dental implants require a time commitment and dedicated oral hygiene routine for optimal maintenance. In addition, implants require a greater financial investment than that of a removable bridge or conventional denture.

However many people discover the end results – a healthy smile, comfort, greater chewing ability and the confidence that comes with it – make dental implants well worth the investment!

We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about implant treatment. During the process we will do everything to ensure your comfort. Our goal is to help you preserve your smile for a lifetime.

A single implant can be made when adjacent teeth are healthy and in place.

A fixed abutment or crown and bridge is often used when a crown can anchor the prosthesis in combination with an implant.