Dental Implants - Cosmetic Family Dentist

Dental Implants: Are they right for you?

If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to restore your ability to smile, speak and eat with comfort and confidence, than dental implants may be right for you.

Perhaps your dentures don't fit as securely or comfortably as they once did. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Or, perhaps you have loose teeth that need to be stabilized after treatment of advanced gum disease.

If any of these situations keep you from feeling good about yourself and your smile, dental implants may be a solution for you. Technological advancements in dental materials and techniques have improved the success rate of implants, enabling many patients to enjoy comfort and confidence in their oral health.

What are dental implants?

Dental Impants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. The Implants - small anchors shaped like tooth roots - are placed into the jawbone. Replacement teeth are attached to the part of the implant that projects through the gums.

Would I benefit from a dental implant?

Although dental implants have brought a comfortable, confident smile to many patients, they are not for everyone. The ideal candidate has good general health, good oral health and adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. Equally important, the ideal candidate is willing to commit to conscientious oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

We can help you decide if a dental implant is right for you. Essential to the decision is a comprehensive dental examination. We will review your medical and dental history, thoroughly examine your oral tissues and supporting bone in the jaw, and check the way your teeth fit together when you bite. X-rays and models will be made and analyzed, perhaps with the help of a computer. After this careful examination, we will talk with you about dental implant options.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants can support replacement teeth in much the same way as tooth roots support natural teeth. Dental implants provide an alternative to a denture that wobbles, clicks, or causes pain. Dental implants also can prevent embarrassment about spaces from missing teeth. Instead, you can smile and speak with confidence, and enjoy your favorite foods again.

When tested implant systems are placed by trained dentists, they can have a success rate greater than 90 percent. In fact, with effective oral care at home and regular dental visits, implants may last a lifetime.

What are the disadvantages?

A dental implant requires greater financial investment than a removable bridge or conventional denture. On the other hand, an implant can offer advantages in terms of comfort and appearance - benefits many patients find well worth the cost.

A dental implant also requires an investment in time, perhaps three to nine months from start to finish. If you consider that implants have lasted as long as twenty years and can last a lifetime, the investment in time is quite reasonable.

As with any surgical procedure, dental implants involve a risk of infection. Occasionally an implant may loosen and require replacement. Because each person is unique, implant success cannot be guaranteed.

What is treatment like?

The treatment will vary depending upon the type of implant and the health of the patient. For example, most patients receive implant treatment in the office. A local anesthetic will be used to help ensure patient comfort during the treatment.

The first step is placing the implant into the jawbone. After this surgical treatment, the bone in the jaw attaches to the implants, holding them firmly in place. The attachment of bone to the implants usually takes three to six months.

Second, small metal cylinders are attached to the implant, projecting through the gums. After this second surgical treatment the gums take several weeks to heal.

Third, replacement teeth are created and securely attached to the small metal cylinders. Several fittings of the new teeth may be needed.

After treatment is completed, brushed, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly are essential to the success of the dental implant.

Who provides dental implant treatment?

Dental implant treatment requires special knowledge, training and facilities, so not all dentists provide the service. Because implants are connected intimately with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth, the implants are placed by gum specialists and oral surgeons.

If you would like to see whether dental implants can add comfort and confidence to your smile, talk to us about your options. We can determine if dental implants are right for you.