While regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can't keep up. If you've lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.
An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium, which pairs well with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable, but permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth. The ideal candidate for implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw, and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.
If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one-replacement tooth is sufficient. However, if you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a set of replacement teeth, or a “permanent bridge”. Similarly, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants for those who have lost all of their teeth.
Bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, making them unstable and more difficult to eat or smile with. Implants on the other hand, are more stable and natural looking as well. Implants also do not compromise the health of your natural teeth because they do not directly rely on neighboring teeth for support. Bridges are only expected to last a maximum of seven to ten years, whereas implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
Our implant services include Sinus Lift Augmentation, Autogenous Bone Grafting, Implant Site Development, Computer-Enhanced Treatment Planning, and Implant Maintenance.
