A dental implant is an artificial root placed in the jaw surgically. The artificial root is used to anchor an artificial tooth (crown) after the bone in the jaw has healed around the implant, which typically takes three to six months. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general and oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth to disease or injury. Using an implant can help replace a missing tooth and avoid having to cut down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth as needed to place a bridge. They can also be used where a number of teeth are missing and removable partial denture can be avoided or a full denture can be anchored directly to the jaw bone. This can result in great looking and solid teeth for chewing function and increased confidence in your appearance as well as avoiding the embarrassment of loose fitting full and partial dentures.

What can dental implants do?

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting teeth next to the space.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable as needed to provide confidence when talking and chewing in public.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

The best candidates for dental implants are in good general and oral health with adequate bone in the jaw to support the intended implants. Healthy gums, which are free of the effects of gum disease, are necessary for long-term benefit of the artificial roots. We find that most people can undergo implant placement and expect excellent results, but some gum treatment may be needed prior to proceeding with the implant surgery.

What is treatment like?

This procedure is a team effort between you and your restorative dentist and involves a specialist to place the implants. As the restorative dentist, our job is to coordinate and plan the treatment for the optimum result. The first order of business is to plan effectively with your help so that we may achieve the result you want and deserve. A number of options are available and may or may not be recommended such as:

• Replacement of a single tooth
• Replacement of several teeth
• Replacement of all of your teeth
• Bone and tissue grafts
• Sinus augmentation

A key to implant success is the quality and quantity of the bone where the implant is to be placed. Bone can be added or reshaped as needed for increased quantity or for better appearance of the new tooth or teeth that are to be attached to the implant.

What can I expect after treatment?

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home care and implants are similar to your own teeth. Brushing and flossing are even more important with implants. Our goal is to allow you the freedom to chew and to speak and, of course, to smile with confidence. The long-term use of your new teeth is a must, and we expect to be able to help you maintain your natural teeth as well as the new implants with the correct plaque control and health enhancing methods available to you now and into the future.