Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium rods that are placed in the jawbone that are meant to restore strength and appearance to your smile. If you are completely missing one or more of your teeth, implants can restore these areas. Implants may also be ideal for denture wearers who want a more secure and permanent fit.

Why do you need Dental Implants?

You may need a dental implant if you are missing one or more of your teeth. The implant is surgically placed underneath the gum line and heals within three to six months. A retainer may be used to keep the implant secure while it is healing. Once healed, a crown can be permanently cemented on top of the implant to help restore the tooth.

What makes you a good candidate for Dental Implants?

It is important to come in for a thorough examination and series of x-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for implant surgery. Likewise, if you need an implant removed, this can easily be done in our office. Some of the reasons you might consider this procedure include:

• You are missing one or more of your teeth
• You want to avoid having a fixed bridge placed
• You are looking to restore your smile
• You need a more secure-fitting denture

What happens during the procedure for Dental Implants?

Before an implant can be placed, you will need to come in for a consultation and exam. You will be given anesthesia to reduce any discomfort. An incision will be made into the gum and the jawbone below will be exposed. Once the jawbone has been exposed a hole will be drilled into the bone to allow the titanium post to go using special instruments. The titanium implant is surgically placed underneath the gum line and into the bone. In some circumstances you will need bone graft to help support the bone underneath. Once the implant has been surgically placed it will need time to heal and fuse naturally with the jawbone. This could take anywhere from three to six months to properly fuse together.

Once the implant has fused naturally to the jawbone, an abutment, or crown, will be placed on top of the implant to give you a restored chewing and biting functionality of the tooth. The crown will be permanently cemented onto the top of the implant, simulating a real tooth with look and functionality.

 In order to have an implant removed, you will need to come in for a consultation and exam to determine what the best course of action will be to take the appliance out.

If you need dental implants or are looking to have your implants removed, contact our office so that we can better assist you.