Procedures

Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved they can smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny 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. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental Implant Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

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The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves one surgical procedure. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Depending on the quality of your bone, healing may be as short as 6 weeks. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. In certain situations a temporary “false” tooth may be placed on the implant’s post during healing.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the post that is to receive the new false tooth is put in place (if not already done at the time of surgery). These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes eight to ten weeks, depending on the healing time required for the implant to bond to the jawbone. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.