Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years.  On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  
• Restore chewing, speech and digestion.
  
• Restore or enhance facial tissues and features.
  
• Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

The process of getting an implant requires a number of visits over several months.

The process begins with a consultation with the doctor. If you are already missing teeth, your next appointment will start with a 3D cone beam image. If you need a tooth or teeth removed, the next appointment will be removal of the tooth or teeth.  

Once healing is complete, we use our 3D cone beam imaging system to create a 3D computer image of our patient, including the unique jaw and dental structures. This technology allows us to completely customize your implant procedure. We also use this imaging to have our trusted lab create a computer-generated precision surgical guide. This eliminates the need to estimate implant placement based on surrounding teeth and bone volume. This also helps us determine the correct size of implant needed. 

At your next appointment, your implant will be placed utilizing the precision surgical guide and digital images. This is followed by a 4-6 month healing period.

During your second-to-last appointment, we digitally image your jaw and teeth to create a beautiful and natural-looking porcelain crown. You will then have a waiting period of approximately 2 weeks, At your final appointment,your crown will be delivered and attached securely to the implant, and the process is complete!

This attention to detail is necessary to reduce or avoid complications. The ultimate goal of our doctors is a happy patient with a beautiful, healthy and natural-looking smile. It's all in the details!

 You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.

If you have questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation,

please contact our office.