How Dental Implants Work
Are you missing one or more teeth? If you are, you might be a candidate for dental implants. Implants offer the most natural looking and feeling restoration possible. Once they are in position, you can brush and floss them just like your own teeth, and bite and chew with them without worrying that they will shift or slip out of position. They do not rely on other teeth for support, and you will not need to have them periodically adjusted.
The implant placement process is completed in several stages. At your first appointment, we evaluate your oral health to ensure they are the right choice for your needs. Most people whose jaws have finished growing and have good dental and general health are candidates for implants. Once your candidacy is determined, we will develop a treatment plan for you. We will need to take dental X-rays, images, photographs, impressions, and other records to map out the best way to proceed with your care. The implant is placed into the jawbone based on these records, and the bone fuses to the implant as it heals, creating a new root for the replacement tooth.
Once your bone has healed, the implant can be completed. If you are missing a single tooth, the implant will likely be topped with a dental crown for a new tooth that is virtually indistinguishable from a natural one. Multiple implants can be replaced using bridges or dentures, depending on your needs. Implants can be used and cleaned just like natural teeth, do not need to be removed, and can last a lifetime. Call us to learn more or to schedule your appointment.