Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial roots (titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw. The artificial teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore your smile.

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 confident smile
Restore chewing, speech and help with digestion
Restore or enhance facial tissues
Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable

What does getting dental implants involve?

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

Scans and impressions 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 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. Occasionally bone grafting is required.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing stability and comfort.