Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed deep into the bone of your jaw. The implant will fuse with this bone over the course of about six months. Once the implant has healed fully, it can be used to hold onto crowns, bridge work, and even complete dentures. Most implants can last for three or more decades without showing any signs of wear.
Why are Dental Implants needed?
The most common reason for needing a dental implant is because you’re missing one or more teeth. The implant is helpful for many cases because it replaces both the tooth, as well as the root. The titanium used in implants is safe, and is an optimal material for fusing with the bone of the jaw. Implants can help in improving the look of your smile, while simultaneously helping with overall oral functioning.
Who is a good candidate for Dental Implants?
In order for implants to heal successfully, you need enough healthy, solid bone structure in the area they’ll be placed. If you have bone loss, we’ll recommend a bone grafting prior to having the implant placed. It is just as important that you are healthy enough to undergo oral surgery and have the ability to heal from the procedure after it’s done. Most patients who want or need implants can easily and safely have the procedure done.
What happens during the procedure for Dental Implants?
We begin by administering either a local or general anesthetic to numb the area or put you into a sleep-like state. We then make a small incision through the gums and insert the titanium implant post deep into the bone of the jaw. The implant site is given time to heal, and will naturally fuse with the bone in about six months. After this time, we’ll create new restorations for your smile that will attach to or snap onto the implant. Your implant can last for several decades without showing any signs of wear or damage.
If you think you might need dental implants and want to learn more about this procedure, call our office today and we can further assist you.
