Important COVID-19 Updates

Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant can be used to replace one or more missing teeth within the mouth. Rather than compromise surrounding teeth or having to wear a removable prosthetic appliance, an implant works on its own to replace what you’re currently missing. Implants are often made of titanium, and the rod of the implant is embedded deep into the jawbone. Over time, the implant bonds with the bone through a process known as osseointegration. Once healed, a crown, fixed dental bridge or complete overdenture can be made to sit over the implant.

Why would Dental Implants be needed?

When you’re missing one or more teeth, this can have a serious impact on your confidence. You might avoid smiling or even laughing because you don’t want people to see your smile. Likewise, missing teeth can seriously affect the way you’re able to eat and chew. In order to improve your overall quality of life, we can easily place a new implant and have it replace the teeth you’re missing.

What Are Dental Implants
Why Would Dental Implants Be Needed

Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?

Implants rely on solid underlying bone to heal properly. For patients who have areas of bone loss, a bone grafting may be needed before an implant can be placed. To determine if you have enough bone in the area the implant is needed, we will take special x-rays to get a look at the entire jaw. Most people who want implants can safely and successfully have them placed through surgery.

What happens during the Dental Implant procedure?

The oral surgery to place implants begins with sedation or local anesthetic. We will discuss our sedative options with you prior to your appointment. We then make an incision through the gum line and create a tunnel-like crevice into the jawbone. The implant is inserted into this hole and is then given time to heal. Osseointegration (fusion) of the new implant can take anywhere from three to nine months depending on the patient. Once the implant has bonded fully, we’ll make a single crown, multi fixed bridge or an overdenture that will be placed on top.

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants, call us today so that our friendly staff members can help to answer your questions.