Services
Dental Implants
Dental Implant Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
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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 anything and can smile with confidence, knowing their teeth appear natural and that facial support will be preserved. Implants are titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone grows around the implant, creating a strong foundation for the crown. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. When teeth are extracted, the body does not think the bone is needed so it recedes away deforming the shape of the jaw. Implants stimulate the bone and keep it at healthy normal levels.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If you feel implants are the choice for you, we will evaluate your bone thickness and other anatomical landmarks. We may capture a Cone Beam radiograph if more data is required. A cone beam is a CAT scan of your head. With this information we can decide if you are a good candidate for implants and whether you have enough bone to support an implant. During these visits, your specific needs and desires will be addressed. Your questions and concerns are important so our team will work with you very closely to help make sure you are pleased with the outcome. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which acts as a substitute root. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. When you leave the day of your procedure, you will have a small cylinder (healing cuff) covering the implant to protect it while the bone grows around the implant and anchors it in the jaw. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide a stable anchor for your new tooth.
The placement of dental implants and the time involved depends on each person’s specific needs. If a tooth needs to be removed first, we will place a bone graft to help hold the shape of the bone until the socket heals. Once the bone heals, your implant will be placed. For roughly 4 months we will allow the implant to heal and fuse to the bone. Once the fusion has occurred, the final restorations will be fabricated and cemented into place restoring function.