Dental implants

Implants are great alternatives to missing teeth, providing patients with strong, natural-looking materials to fill in unsightly gaps. The implant itself refers to the titanium component that is placed in the upper or lower jaw to substitute the root of the tooth. A popular alternative to partial dentures, implants are expertly-anchored to the jawbone and placed into the gums where the tooth roots lie.  Implants may be used to replace a single tooth, secure a bridge, or attach a partial denture.  Nearly all patients are candidates for dental implant placement, with the exception of patients who lack the bone density needed for attachment. Implants are designed to look just like natural teeth and greatly improve patients’ smile appearances.

The implant is inserted surgically into the jawbone.  After the implant integrates into the surrounding bone (which takes time) it should be firm and stable. The implant is then uncovered and an impression is taken to create the crown that sits on top of the implant. Once the crown is made and inserted the implant is complete.

What are dental implants and what can they do for me?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place.  While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.

Advantages of dental implants over dentures or bridges

Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth than dental bridges

• Esthetic - Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth.  Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.  No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
• Tooth-saving - Dental implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant.  More of you own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
• Confidence - Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence.  They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They’ll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.
• Reliable - The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable.  They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.