What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a restoration that can be used to replace a missing tooth within the mouth. Implants are helpful in that they work on their own. This prevents surrounding teeth from being compromised or filed down to accommodate a restoration. Implants are easy to place and can last for decades without showing signs of wear.

Why are Dental Implants needed?

A dental implant might be needed if you are missing one or more teeth. The implant is unique in that it replaces both the upper and lower portion of a tooth. The implant will actually bond with the underlying bone to become a part of your smile. Implants can hold onto single crowns, fixed bridges as well as dentures.

Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?

Implants require a lot of solid and healthy bone structure to be placed correctly. If you have bone loss, we will recommend having a bone grafting done prior to surgery. The procedure is essential for restoring your smile and preventing the need for other procedures. Implants are one of the most common dental restorations placed in healthy adult mouths.

What happens during the Dental Implant procedure?

The implant procedure will begin with anesthetic or sedative to numb the area. We then create an incision through the gum line and make a tunnel through the bone underneath. The titanium implant is then placed deep into the tunnel that was created. You will need to give the implant a few months to heal and fuse with the bone around it. You will then need to come back into the office to have a crown, bridge or over-denture made for the implants that have been placed. The process takes a few months from start to finish, but you will have a relatively permanent solution to many of the dental and oral problems that you may be experiencing.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants and how they work, call us today to speak with one of our friendly team members.