Dental Implants
Replace Lost Natural Teeth With Natural Looking Implants.
Replace Lost Natural Teeth With Natural Looking Implants.
Replacing a Single Tooth
A dental implant replaces the lost natural tooth and its roots. Replacement can be done with one implant and a crown.
Replacing Several Teeth:
Dental implants replace the natural teeth and some of the roots. Replacement is done by implant-supported bridges.
Replacing All of Your Teeth:
Dental implants replace the natural teeth and some of the roots. An implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace the missing teeth.
Q. What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
A. Many of our patients have seen the life changing benefits of dental implants. Benefits include:
Most important of all, you will smile again with self-esteem and confidence that will radiate and be noticed by all.
Q. What might prevent me from being a candidate?
A. Medical factors that include uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders, and bone marrow cancer might prevent a patient from being a candidate for dental implants. Other medical and physical preventative factors include insufficient or poor quality bone, low sinuses, and nerve bundles. If there are other factors that may be a concern we would love to see you for a consultation.
Q. Is there an age limitation for dental implants?
A. No. A person of any age can get dental implants; as long as there is enough bone available in the place of implantation.
Q. How often do the implants need to be checked?
A. Implants should be professionally cleaned by a hygienist and examined by your implant dentist every three to four months. The hygienist should be trained specifically in the procedure of maintaining dental implants. However, brushing and flossing daily is necessary for long-term success.
Q. Is dental implant surgery painful?
A. No. An anesthetic is used during surgery to ensure that there is no discomfort during the placement of the implants. After surgery there may be mild discomfort that can be controlled with prescribed medications.
Q. When can I return to work after implant surgery?
A. Most patients return to work the next day. However, there could be a surgical circumstance that could keep clients out of work for more than one day. Your implant dentist will discuss all postoperative instructions and cautions with you before surgery.
Following a successful surgery, the patient will be asked to gently bite on a gauze pad to stop bleeding. A package of gauze will be given to be taken home and placed over the surgical site until the bleeding stops completely. Gauze pads will need to be changed often to keep the surgical site clean. If gauze pads are not sufficient, a moist tea bag may be prescribed. If bleeding persists or increases please call our office right away.
Some discomfort may occur after surgery. Painkillers may be prescribed to help with post op pain. Ice packs can also be used to help with pain/discomfort. Patients should apply ice packs on the outside of the mouth for twenty minute intervals for the first six hours following surgery. If pain consists ice packs can be applied as long as two days after the surgery. After two days moist heat, such as a tea bag or cloth, should be applied to the outside of the mouth.
To minimize swelling and bleeding, the patient should keep his or her head elevated for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours after surgery. Patients are also encouraged to rest as much as possible and avoid all strenuous activities for as long as three days after the surgery.
During the first week after surgery patients are asked to drink at least eight glasses of water or fruit juice every day; and limit their diet to soft foods such as yogurt or soup.
To further disinfect the area, patients will need to rinse their mouth with a warm saltwater solution. One teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. This should be done three to four times a day. To avoid complications patients must spit carefully.
A little discomfort may occur in the area of your jaw bone as it grows around the titanium posts. This discomfort can last for several weeks. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be used to help manage the pain.
We'd love to meet with you.