Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. If you have lost teeth, dental implants can help you smile with confidence while regaining the ability to eat virtually anything. Additionally, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which 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.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, the first step is a consultation. During these visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by our doctors. Often, radiographs or 3D imaging is necessary to ensure you have the ability to have implants placed. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental Implant Procedure
After administration of local anesthetic, a small titanium post, or implant, is placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. This can either be completed at the time the tooth is removed or delayed until after the extraction site has healed completely. Over the next 2-3 months, the bone then bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
After the implant has integrated with the bone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing abutment or “screw”. At which time you will return to see your dentist to have an impression or digital scan taken to design your new restoration. Your replacement teeth, consisting of custom abutments and crowns or dentures are then made to fit your specific implants. The entire procedure usually takes four to eight months.
