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

Working closely with your restorative dentist, your periodontist places dental implants  composed of titanium into the jawbone.  These implants  bond or integrate with your bone at which time your restorative dentist will restore the implant with a natural looking tooth or teeth.  Dental implants are predictable, strong, stable, and durable.

         Missing Maxillary Central Incisor                 Central Incisor restored with a Dental Implant

           Multiple Missing Teeth                            Mulitiple Teeth Restored with Dental Implants

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.
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

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

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.  Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After the dental implant has securely integrated with the bone, your  restorative dentist starts the  process of fabricating the artificial teeth to fit the implant.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. 

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