Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.
Our doctors have extensive training in Implantology. Through continuing education are abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry.
Evaluation
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, we will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Procedures
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants gradually bond with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final crown, bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. We will uncover the implant and place a healing collar which will allow your dentist to start making your new tooth/teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
In some cases, the implant is placed in a “single stage” procedure where we will place the implant and the healing abutment at the same time, negating the need for a second surgery. The decision being one or two stage procedures depends on the quality of bone and the stability of the implant.
Single teeth to the Full Arch Implant therapy
Our doctors have extensive training in implant therapy. We can provide functional replacement of a single missing back tooth or an esthetic and natural looking replacement of a front tooth. If you are missing multiple teeth we can use implants to replace a missing segment of teeth with an implant supported bridge or multiple side-by-side single implants.
If you are missing all your teeth or are wearing a complete denture our doctors can discuss various implant supported replacement options including implant supported over-dentures or fixed full arch bridges and hybrid solutions with you during your consultation.