Introduction to Implants

Dental Implants are substitutes for teeth and they are today's best alternative to your natural teeth. They offer you a permanent and secure solution for replacing one or more teeth. Implants function as anchors or support for traditional forms of dentistry, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth. Without all your teeth, chewing and eating can destabilize your bite and cause you discomfort. When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older.

An implant is a new tooth made of biocompatible materials, titanium steel and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. Your implant is composed of two parts that mimic a tooth’s root and crown. The implant’s “root” or unseen part of the tooth is a titanium post placed into the jawbone to act as a root. Once the implant is in place, an abutment and a porcelain crown is attached to replace the top part of your tooth.

Implants may also be used to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew. Research shows that patient’s satisfaction with dentures supported by implants is significantly higher than a conventional denture. The ADA council of has stated that implant supported overdentures could be considered the standard of care when treating lower arches with no teeth. For patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth so that you have a more natural-looking smile.

Many of our patients will tell you that implants have changed not only their smiles and their overall appearance, but also their lives!

Click here to Learn More About Dental Implants

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental Implants

THERE ARE NUMEROUS BENEFITS TO DENTAL IMPLANTS:

- Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures.
- Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures.
- Dental implants never decay.
- Dental implants never require root canals.
- Esthetically, they support teeth that look like real teeth.
- Functionally, dental implants feel and act like real teeth.
- Replacement teeth allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.
- Dental implant supported dentures eliminate the need for distasteful adhesives as with conventional dentures. There is no longer a need to use "glue" when your prosthesis is anchored to implants.
- Dental implant supported dentures can actually improve the taste of food. With less plastic covering the roof of your mouth, you can enjoy natural flavors and sensations again.
- Lastly, implants can help maintain your bone structure and support your facial tissues. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes "shrinkage" or facial cosmetic changes.

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Are You a Candidate for Implants

Dental Implants

Self Test:
If you have been thinking about getting dental implants, you may be wondering if you are a possible candidate for this procedure. You can take this simple test to see if this procedure might help you.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I missing one or more teeth?
2. Do I hide my smile because of unsightly spaces between my teeth or because I am missing teeth?
3. Do I lack confidence when I smile, speak or eat?
4. Am I having trouble eating, chewing, or speaking properly?
5. Are my teeth loose, or am I in need of treatment for advanced gum disease?
6. Do I have dentures that slip or cause sore spots when I chew?
7. Do my dentures need to be relined frequently because of bone loss?
8. Do I carry my complete or partial dentures in my pocket or leave them at home?
9. Am I having any problems with existing crowns or bridges, either functionally or cosmetically?
10. Are the teeth holding my bridge loosening or moving?
11. Can I wait six to nine months for the entire implant process to be completed?
12. Will I be willing to commit to the high standard of home care that is necessary to properly maintain a dental implant?
13. Will I follow up with regular dental checkups?
14. Do I believe that my life could be improved if my teeth were improved?
15. Have I been told that there is no other alternative to improve my dental situation?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you may be a candidate for a dental implant procedure.

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Implant to Replace a Single Tooth

Can you tell which ONE of the crowns on the left is supported by a dental implant? If not, please click here to see "Learn More About Dental Implants."