Dental Implants

Dental implants have become the standard of care for replacing missing teeth when there is enough bone to hold them. Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

Function and chewing ability can be close to normal that of natural teeth and most patients cannot tell which teeth are implants. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

A huge advantage of having dental implants replace teeth is that the teeth next to the space do not have to be drilled on to hold an abutment crown. This is much more conservative and avoids a lifetime of maintenance on these otherwise healthy teeth. They are also often single teeth and are much easier to clean, avoiding the need to floss under a bridge. Because of this, the incidence of periodontal disease is much reduced with implants.

Dental implants are changing the way people live!  With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Stephenson or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, or Periodontist, suggested by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

The placement of dental implants involves thorough diagnosis and preparation of model work and surgical guides, so the procedure is a success and esthetics are maximized. The surgical procedures can involve one procedure called an immediate implant. Another situation might require a tooth removal and bone graft followed by a second surgery for implant placement. Sometimes the final surgical phase involves a minor uncovering procedure, which is a soft tissue procedure and very little healing time.

After the implants are placed within your jawbone, for the first two to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. For front teeth, typically, we will prepare a custom life-like temporary after the implant placement, so you are never without a natural looking tooth. For back teeth, you may not need temporaries or should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone and healing is complete, the second phase begins. Your surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then, Dr. Stephenson will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or abutment attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.