Dental Implants
Dental implants are the ideal way to restore a missing tooth or missing teeth. Dental implants have been around for over 20 years and are highly successful. They are designed to replace the root of a tooth, your dentist can then make a tooth which will look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dental implants restore a missing tooth without compromising the adjacent teeth. They can restore the ability to eat virtually anything and smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Dental implants are permanent and are not removable like dentures.
What are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are small titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A small post is then attached to the implant which protrudes through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants do not go off in metal detects, become sensitive with weather changes or prevent you from getting an MRI. You would never know they were there except for your new tooth!
The Implant Surgical Procedure
The most important aspect of implant surgery starts with developing a treatment plan with the patient, the surgeon and the restoring doctor. There is a true art to implant placement and this requires a thorough pre-operative evaluation. At this evaluation we discuss patient goals, surgical options, the surgical procedure and what to expect after implant placement.
Implant surgery is less invasive and traumatic than a tooth extraction. Most patients are amazed at the pain-free, simple procedure. First, a custom dental implant is placed within your jawbone. Under some circumstances an implant can be placed the same day as the tooth being extracted. Advances in implant design and placement have made it possible in some cases to place a tooth on the implant the very same day. Typically the implant has to heal for at least two months following surgery. If it's a front tooth being replaced, don't worry we always have a plan to immediately replace your tooth. You should be able to wear a temporary denture (Flipper) and eat a soft diet during the healing time.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone you will be referred back to your general dentist where the treatment will be completed by attaching artificial teeth to the implant(s). The entire implant process varies for each individual. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life