What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post. Dental implants involve cooperation between an oral surgeon and our office. The surgical phase of treatment is completed at a specialists office, and the restorative phase is completed at our office.

Implant

Restoration

What are Dental Implants Used For?

There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:

1. As an artificial root for a fixed prosthesis (usually a single tooth or fixed bridge).
2. As anchors for a removable prosthesis (usually an Implant-Retained Denture).

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Implants are generally considered as an alternative to Dentures, Partials, or Bridges. When replacing a missing tooth in the front of the mouth, nothing looks more natural than an implant. One important benefit of implants when used for Implant-Retained Dentures is that they slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue under the denture.

• Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49% are missing at least one tooth.
• Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
• More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
• Dental implants never develop decay.
• Dental implants never require root canals.
• Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature aging.
• No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of their age -- some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Step One: The gum is gently folded back and a space is prepared for the implant to be placed.

Step Two: The dental implant "anchor" is put into place.

Step Three: A temporary cap is placed on the implant and the gum tissue is repositioned around the implant. The implant is left alone for several months so the bone can attach to the implant and create a secure anchor.

Step Four: After the implant has had a chance to attach to the bone tissue, the temporary cap is removed from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor.

Step Five: The implant is now ready for a prosthesis. An impression is taken of the implant and the appropriate prosthesis (crown, bridge or overdenture) is made.

Step Six: The prosthesis is then attached to the implant(s).

Considering a Dental Implant?

If you are considering a dental implant, contact us for an evaluation appointment. Your dentist and the oral surgeon will perform an evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for a dental implant. If you are a good candidate for an implant, we will provide you with further information to help you decide.