WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
A dental implant is a replacement dental tooth root made of titanium, which anchors into the jawbone and supports an implant crown. The bone grows around the implant as if it was a natural tooth but even stronger.

HOW ARE IMPLANT CROWNS AND FIXED IMPLANT BRIDGEWORK DIFFERENT FROM CONVENTIONAL BRIDGES?
An implant supported crown or a multiple tooth implant restoration is different from removable bridgework in that no natural adjacent teeth need be altered. A conventional bridge needs two natural teeth to be attached to on either end. A fixed implant bridge is self-supporting and does not involve altering the structure of other adjacent teeth. It is permanently attached to the jawbone.

HOW IS FIXED IMPLANT BRIDGEWORK DIFFERENT FROM DENTURES?
Dentures are typically supported by gums and remaining teeth. In time they loosen, become uncomfortable and can lead to the eventual loss of the natural teeth that the denture is attached to. Dental Implants feel like natural teeth, they are stable, secured to the jawbone and not removable. With implants you avoid the need to purchase denture adhesives and the bother of using adhesives. They allow you to eat foods such as apples, corn on the cob, just as with natural teeth.

DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK IMMEDIATELY? HOW MANY VISITS ARE REQUIRED?
Dental implants generally require an initial surgical visit for implant placement and can be done relatively quickly. Implants are placed into the jawbone creating an artificial tooth root. The healing process usually takes three to six months. After the healing process, a minor surgery is performed to uncover the implants which have stabilized in the jawbone and are underneath the gum. During the healing process you will be fitted with temporary natural looking teeth. Mini-transitional implants can be used for a temporary acrylic bridge or crown during the healing phase of the definitive implants.

Once the implant is stable and integrated into the bone, a permanent implant crown is placed on top of it. Since the implant acts like a natural tooth root, the crown visits are similar to the visits required to create a crown on a natural tooth —final impressions are taken, the crown is cast and custom made, and adjusted to fit as comfortably in your mouth as your natural teeth.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
No matter what your age, if you have a space from a missing or extracted tooth, missing teeth from age or decay, or you are a denture wearer, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants can be for one tooth, several teeth, or, in some cases, your entire mouth. Anyone with healthy bone structure can benefit from implants. 
 

Before Implant Missing Tooth	Final Implant Crown Placement	Final Implant Crown Placement

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Improved biting pressure — Healthy teeth are able to absorb a tremendous amount of biting pressure (500 psi). Dental implants can often restore the amount of pressure that can be withstood to the same level of healthy, natural teeth. This means you can go back to eating corn on the cob, apples, pears and the like with confidence and pleasure.

Comfort and fit — Because your replacement teeth are anchored and secured to the implants in your jawbone, they won’t slip and slide like dentures can.

Longevity & reliability — With proper oral hygiene and care, scientifically tested and approved dental implant systems have been shown to last as long as 20 years or more.

Increased self-confidence — Because dental implants function like natural teeth, most people feel a renewed sense of self-confidence. No more cleaning dentures, no more empty space between your teeth when you smile and laugh. You can eat, talk, laugh and smile with confidence.

The best advantage of all is an attractive smile!!

If you are suffering from tooth loss, let us evaluate to see if implants are an option for you. If you have further questions about dental implants or any other dental treatment, please contact us.