Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution instead of having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support, retention, and stability for these dental appliances when implants cannot totally replace them.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Restore or enhance facial tissues.
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be placed into the bone.  Usually four months are allowed for the bone to fuse with the implant.  Most of the time a healing cap(looks like a thimbel) is placed on the implant , so that the gum does not grow over the implant.  On some occasions, it may take a separate visit(four months from initial placement of the implant) to do this procedure and another three to four weeks are allowed for healing.

 After the gum has healed, the abutment(the artificial tooth) is securely attached to the implant and an impression is taken in order to make a costom crown(cap).  Next, your crown is tried in and cemented onto the tooth when you are satisfied with the way it looks and feels.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.