Dental Implants

Dental implants are state-of -the-art treatment and have provided a tremendous improvement in the quality of life of many of our patients. Implants can replace a single tooth or any number of missing teeth. They can be used successfully with crowns (caps), bridges (several caps), or dentures to prevent slipping, looseness, or sore spots.

Dental implants typically have about a 95% success rate and are literally changing the lives of many of our patients. In some cases, we can avoid cutting down more teeth to fill in a space from a missing tooth. For other patients implants mean being able to enjoy foods that they avoided because of missing teeth or loose dentures.

1. Know Your Options.
   
   Millions of people nationwide are missing one or more teeth; a fair percentage of these people are missing all of them. The traditional replacement options have been bridges, partial or complete dentures. Some people have physical or emotional difficulty in functioning with dentures. In addition, once the natural teeth are gone, the jawbone begins to shrink, and there is progressive change in its appearance. The resulting ill-fitting denture may cause discomfort, pain, impaired chewing ability or difficulty in speaking. Fixed bridges are cemented to existing teeth, whereas partial dentures clamp onto adjacent teeth. These procedures create unnecessary tooth preparation and can be less attractive than desired, as in the case of partial dentures.
   
   There is a Viable Alternative:
   Dental Implants! If you are among the millions of Americans who suffer from permanent tooth loss, you can eliminate the problems and pain caused by dentures, bridges or missing teeth.
    
2. What is the procedure like?
   
   The implant process is usually a two-step process, unless you require additional bone grafting procedures. The procedure of implant placement takes place in our surgical facility. The second procedure takes place after a three to six month waiting period during which time the bone grows to hold the implant in place. Shortly after the second procedure, the crowns, bridges or dentures are custom designed to your exact needs. Anxiety management options such as I.V. sedation and general anesthesia are available and will be discussed prior to your surgery.
    
3. What are dental implants and what can they do for me?
   
   Implants are today’s best substitute for your natural teeth. They offer the most permanent or secure solution for replacing one or more teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is made out of titanium. Inserted surgically into the jawbone, it provides a stable base upon which a crown or denture can be anchored. Unlike dentures, a dental implant is fixed, feeling and acting like your own natural tooth. Many of our patients will tell you that implants have changed their smiles, their overall appearances and even their lives! Many patients who have undergone implant reconstruction say that they feel like they have their natural teeth back. Implants can provide restored comfort, a renewed ability to chew and speak properly, and often, an enhanced facial appearance. All of which make implants a priceless investment in good health.