Preserving Your Teeth Through Replacement

A dental implant is made of medical grade titanium and is designed to replace the root of a missing tooth. While you are healing from implant surgery, the bone of the jaw fuses (integrates) with the implant. Once healing is complete, a crown, bridge or denture will be placed on the implant(s) by your restorative dentist. For patients with existing dentures, dental implants will dramatically increase the stability of your dentures improving your confidence when eating, smiling and speaking. Patients often find improved function, comfort and esthetics with dental implants.

dental-implant-before

Before

dental-implant-after

After

Site preparation -top
If a tooth must be removed, in some circumstances a dental implant can be placed at the time of tooth extraction.
site preparation - bottom
Other times the extraction site must be rebuilt with a bone graft and allowed to heal prior to implant placement.

Site Preparation for Implant Placement

We offer several types of bone grafting (ridge augmentation) procedures in our office including bone grafting at the time of tooth extraction, bone grafting to increase the amount of bone at an area where a tooth is already missing and maxillary sinus bone grafts. Depending upon the condition of your jawbone, the time required for treatment varies. If bone grafting is needed, additional healing time may be necessary. Your doctor will discuss anticipated treatment times with you at your first appointment in our office.

If a tooth must be removed, in some circumstances a dental implant can be placed at the time of tooth extraction. Other times the extraction site must be rebuilt with a bone graft and allowed to heal prior to implant placement. We offer several types of bone grafting (ridge augmentation) procedures in our office including bone grafting at the time of tooth extraction, bone grafting to increase the amount of bone at an area where a tooth is already missing and maxillary sinus bone grafts. Depending upon the condition of your jawbone, the time required for treatment varies. If bone grafting is needed, additional healing time may be necessary.

Reasons for Tooth Loss

There are a number of reasons for tooth loss including decay, root fracture, traumatic accidents, failed root canals or severe gum disease. Regardless of the reason you have lost your tooth/teeth, you are likely a candidate for dental implants. Even if a tooth has been missing for many years, current techniques can be used to regenerate lost jawbone and allow for implant treatment.

When you visit our office for an evaluation for dental implants, your doctor will evaluate your teeth, gums and bone. In many cases, a three-dimensional CT scan will be necessary to thoroughly evaluate your jawbone. Our state-of-the-art CT scanner will allow your doctor to determine if bone grafting is necessary in order to place an implant(s) and to assess for important structures in the jawbone such as sinus cavities and large nerves.