Single Tooth Replacement

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants restore the natural appearance and function of missing teeth, making them the ideal way to restore your smile. Think of an implant as an artificial root, on top of which a natural looking crown is placed. Dental implants are made of a medical grade titanium alloy, not unlike what some artificial joints are made of. A dental implant is a titanium device that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone.

Dental implants are extremely strong, stable and durable. Most patients are not aware of the presence of a dental implant, and they can function exactly like nature teeth. With proper maintenance they can last a lifetime.

Advantages to Dental Implants

• Replace Individual Teeth without affecting other teeth: Unlike traditional bridgework used in family dentistry, replacing a tooth with a dental implant does not require modifying the adjacent teeth to support a non-removable bridge..
• Enhanced stability and comfort of removable tooth replacements: It has become “state of the art” in comprehensive family dentistry to utilize implants to stabilize removable tooth replacements.
• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
• Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Implant placement and the required reconstructive treatment will require a number of visits over several months, and, in full reconstructive treatment, will ultimately take considerably longer. We will carefully explain each step of the treatment to you and provide you with after-care instructions to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy. Following placement, periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implants, teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene, good eating habits and regular dental visits will help maintain the life of your new implants.