Dental Implants

Dental implants could be your key to a comfortable, permanent and attractive replacement for missing teeth.

Frequently, we pay little attention to the work our natural teeth perform throughout our lives. We may talk, smile and laugh with confidence and our teeth may function pain-free for decades.

That can change if we lose a tooth or our teeth lose some of their ability to perform natural functions. That is when we realize the overwhelming value of healthy teeth in our lives, and how much they affect our confidence and appearance, in addition to our ability to chew properly. Dental implants have helped hundreds of thousands of people regain function and confidence. If you're missing a single tooth or require a complete set of teeth, we want to share with you the many benefits of dental implants.

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

A description of dental implant treatment

Dental implants are metal anchors- usually made of titanium- that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. Through a process called "osteointegration," the jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant over time, which results in tremendous stability. This process generally takes three to six months.

A general dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist or a team of these doctors usually performs implant treatment. The best treatment for each patient is created by first completing a medical and dental history and a thorough oral examination, to include X-rays.

The procedure and follow-ups often are performed in the dental office under local anesthetic, but other types of anesthesia may be used to ensure your comfort, depending upon your individual situation.

Immediately after surgery specific instructions are provided to assure the best possible healing. Sometimes we may prescribe pain medication and/or antibiotics to aid in the healing process and help alleviate any discomfort. We may also fit you with temporary dentures or natural-looking teeth to help you function as normally as possible. Until you receive your permanent replacement, it is important to limit your diet to soft foods and follow important oral hygiene instructions. Follow-up care also is important during this time.

Dental implant benefits

Dental implants replicate the structure of your natural teeth and provide a stable support system for replacement teeth or dentures. Other benefits include:

Increased self-confidence. The function of dental implants mirrors natural teeth, so most people who get them have a restored sense of self-confidence once they realize they can once again talk, laugh, smile and chew with confidence.
Comfort and fit. Your replacement teeth are anchored securely to the implants in your jawbone, preventing them from moving like unsecured dentures can. Dentures that aren't well-secured can cause mouth sores and an annoying clicking sound. Dental implants eliminate these problems.
Improved biting pressure. Healthy teeth can absorb more than 500 pounds of biting pressure per square inch. Dental implants can withstand nearly the same pressure as healthy teeth.
Longevity and reliability. Proper oral hygiene and care have been proven to prolong the life of scientifically tested and approved dental implant systems for 20 years or more with few complications.

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

The permanent fixed denture is
often an excellent alternative to
removable dentures.

Possible risks

Bleeding, infection, injury to the nerves or sinus cavity, or incomplete healing of the bone around the implant which result in implant failure are rare. However, the healing process can include gum inflammation, discomfort and swelling, which are normal effects of oral surgery. If you have questions about your individual situation or want to discuss what is considered normal in the healing process, we are happy to address your concerns.