Family Implant Dentist - Dental Implant Surgery & Maintenance

Dental Implants

Look good, feel good, lasts a long time!

Learn more about our dental services and how they can benefit you.

Dental Implants are Replacement Tooth Roots.

Dental implants allow replacement of the entire missing tooth, which was never before possible. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth.

The most common type of dental implants are root-form implants, which basically means that they are replacement, or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. These dental implants are made of surgical grade titanium compounds. There are no known allergies to this metal and it has been proven to be very safe as an implant material.

The reason it is so important to replace the tooth root as well as the visible part of the tooth (crown) is that natural tooth roots preserve the bone.

When teeth are missing, the bone that previously supported those teeth melts away, or deteriorates. This process is called bone resorption. The impact of deteriorating bone from complete tooth loss includes collapsed facial profiles, lost lip support, increased wrinkles around the mouth and the appearance of a pointed nose and chin that are too close together.

However, the bone can be preserved by replacing missing tooth roots with dental implants. Since the bone actually forms a strong bond to the implants, they can serve the same functions as natural tooth roots: a strong foundation for biting and chewing, and stimulation for the bone to hold it in place.

Resources

Downloadable Resource:
Guide to dental implants

Tips to Reduce Initial swelling and discomfort

Missing one or more teeth?

Have most of your teeth gone bad?

What is the procedure like?

There are actually two phases to implant dentistry:

Phase 1: With great care, implants are placed into the jawbone. The gum tissues are then closed and the healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from 3-6 months. Sometimes , the implants may be put to use immediately.
Phase 2: Creating and fixing the new tooth or teeth to the implant structure. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or your dentures.

Does it hurt?

Usually, discomfort is not a problem. You will be given appropriate medications during and after the procedure. We urge you to ask other patients how they felt after implant therapy.

How long will it take?

Most implant supported dentures cases are completed in three to four days.For other situations, the complete process may take anywhere from 4-8 months, based on where the implants are placed and the type of restoration you desire.

Will I be without teeth?

This may vary depending on the individual case. You may be without your teeth for several days. We will make sure that in the interim period, you look and feel very natural.

Am I too old?

Implant patients can be in their early teens or be mature adults in their seventies and eighties. Good health and adequate bone are the most critical factors in evaluating implant candidates.

What will it feel like when it is done?

Once the entire procedure is complete and the final restorations placed, they will actually feel or function like your natural teeth!

How do I take care of my implants?

Normal routine home care and professional cleaning visits are required. It is important to know that every 3-6 months, you will need to have a routine hygiene treatment and evaluation.

Are they expensive?

Initially, you might feel dental implants are expensive. However, they represent a more permanent and natural solution than dentures and partials. Thus, there is a greater initial investment. They should last for years, particularly if you have an "ideal" case. Independent surveys of implant patients show that they felt the investment was worth every penny and would do it again!

How much do they cost?

Each case is different. Cost is a function of your particular needs. After a complete examination, your dentist will more specifically determine your dental needs and the best treatment alternative(s) for you. At that point, you can specifically address the question of cost and be helped with financial arrangements.

Will My Insurance Pay for Implants?

Very few dental insurance plans cover implant placement; however, fabrication of the replacement teeth may be partially covered.