Dental Implants
Benefits of Dental Implants
Stable Foundation
One of the main benefits of dental implants is that the titanium posts serve as a stable foundation for a dental crown (false tooth), bridge, or denture.
Restored Oral Health
Missing teeth can lead to teeth shifting and other dental problems. If you have a tooth extraction planned, our dentist can discuss the benefits of placing a dental implant immediately or soon after your tooth is extracted.
Renewed Confidence
With a new smile you have a fresh chance to practice great oral health!
Natural Oral Function
Traditional prosthetics can work wonders, but nothing can match the lifelike function that dental implants offer. The titanium posts allow crowns, bridges, and dentures to anchor directly to the jaws. Many of our patients report that implant dentistry delivers results that feel and function just like their natural teeth.
A Lifelong Solution
Dentures require adjustments and replacements due to the fact that your jaws and gums slowly atrophy following complete tooth loss. Bridges need to be replaced from time to time as well. In contrast, a dental implant can last a lifetime and the titanium is biocompatible, meaning it can fully integrate into the surrounding bone.
Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you would like to replace missing teeth, but don’t want your teeth ground down to place bridges, or wear dentures that move around, you may want to consider dental implants.
Dental implants are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. Dental implants are made of surgical grade titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth or dentures.
What Would My Treatment Include?
- The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. If there is inadequate bone to place the implant a bone graft may be necessary.
- The bone grows into the threads on the implant, so the implant becomes integrated with the bone (osseointegration). Usually this healing process takes 4-6 months before the implant can have the replacement tooth placed. In some cases, if there is adequate bone for strong initial stability, the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
- Lastly the replacement tooth can made to fit on implant. An abutment (like a stub that screws into implant and sticks out of the gums) is placed into the implant. For a single tooth implant, usually a dental crown is made to fit on the abutment. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants.
Candidate Eligibility
People who have diabetes, leukemia, being treated for cancer, immuno-compromised and other chronic health issues that would affect the healing of the bone may not be good candidates for dental implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing.