Dental Implants

Whether you are missing one tooth, a number of teeth, or all of your teeth, our doctors and team are experienced in the placement of dental implants to fully renew your beauty, comfort and self-confidence.

With an extensive clinical history, dental implants are now a proven restorative option. A dental implant can be the solution for a missing tooth or when the root of a tooth is damaged. Implants can also be used to replace many missing teeth.

1. Tooth needing extraction

2. Immediately after extraction a space is left

3. The implant can be inserted into this space

4. The implant is left to heal for a period of time

5. New bone grows around the implant

6. The prosthetic tooth is attached

Dental implants are the closest thing to natural dentition ever available. Not only do implants offer outstanding appearance, they provide natural-feeling comfort, increased ability to chew and enjoy food, allow you to speak with confidence — no slurring or whistling as can occur with dentures — and offer protection for any remaining teeth and for your jawbone. Their beauty and natural look are wonderfully obvious benefits, but dental implants also offer near-perfect tooth replacement in every way.

A dental implant is composed of a small, man-made titanium screw that is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to replace the root of your missing tooth. There the implanted post bonds with the bone of your jaw and is able to serve as the root and provide an anchor for a replacement tooth. At that time, the crown, created to match your natural tooth, is positioned and attached over the implant, providing a permanent replacement tooth. Your implant tooth will feel, look and perform just like your natural teeth and you will have a smile you love to show off!

The placement of dental implants is very flexible, replacing a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth. With the look, feel, and function of your natural dentition, dental implants allow you to eat, speak and smile in a natural, comfortable manner. And they also preserve the facial structure that bone loss associated with gum disease and tooth loss can erode.

As far as qualifying for dental implant surgery, individuals who have suffered the loss of one or more teeth due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease and have the general health and necessary bone density to permit the procedure are all candidates for dental implants. There has to be sufficient bone in the area of the missing tooth to furnish an anchor for the implant.

Health more than age is a determining factor regarding your suitability and if your health is sufficient to have a tooth extracted, it is probably adequate for you to receive implants. Our doctors will make a thorough evaluation of both your dental and medical health histories to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. You'll have the opportunity to express all of your concerns and ask any questions you may have so that we can clarify the entire process for you.

In regard to the length of the overall procedure, the recommended time after extraction and before implant placement has traditionally been eight to twelve weeks. There are now "immediate load" implants which can be placed at the time the tooth is extracted, using a temporary restoration (crown).

However, in some cases, in order to anchor the implant, bone in the jaw first has to be built up which is done through placement of a bone graft. Implant placement is then postponed for six months to allow the graft time to attach and grow. But keep in mind that even if you need treatment which takes a while longer, there is nothing which rivals implants in their likeness to natural dentition in either appearance or function. Your fantastic results will be worth the wait.

With our doctors' expertise, your implants are placed very gently and great care is taken in regard to the oral tissues. Anesthesia and sedation are used throughout the procedure to eliminate discomfort. Patients generally report that their post-surgical discomfort is minimal. We would be happy to have you speak with implant patients from our practice who can tell you about their own experiences and show you their great results.

Don't continue to suffer difficulty eating, pain or embarrassment due to tooth loss. Please call our office today to learn more about how dental implants can enhance your health, restore your beauty, and renew your life!