Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a revolutionary way to completely replace a missing tooth. The implant contains a post that actually bonds and fuses with the natural bone of your jaw. Implants replace both the upper portion of a missing tooth (crown) as well as its lower portion (roots). Most implants can last for decades, with many patients finding them to be a permanent solution to their dental problems.
Why are Dental Implants needed?
When you’re missing one or more teeth, it can be difficult to both smile with confidence as well as eat and chew your favorite foods. Rather than compromise your other teeth to fit a prosthetic or restoration, an implant works on its own to replace what is missing. Implants are easy to place and can heal within a matter of just a few short months. Once healed, a crown, bridge or even a complete denture can be placed over top of the restoration.
Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients who want or need an implant can safely have the restoration placed in our office. In order for the implant to heal correctly, you need to have enough solid bone structure in the area where it is going to be placed. If you are missing bone, we may suggest a bone graft prior to having the implant placed. Implants are ideal for most adult patients of varying ages.
What can you expect during the Dental Implant procedure?
The procedure will begin with anesthetic or sedative to help numb and relax you during treatment. We then create an incision through the gums and make a small tunnel-like hole through the bone of the jaw. The titanium implant’s post is inserted into this hole. We then provide you with aftercare instructions to help keep your implant looking and feeling its best. After a few months, the implant undergoes a process known as osseointegration, where it actually fuses with the surrounding bone. Once this happens, we can make a restoration, like a crown or bridge, that will sit over top of the implant.
If you would like to learn more about implants and how they work, call the office today to schedule an appointment with one of our helpful team members.
