A Dental Implant provides a foundation for the replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. With a dental implant a patient would has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and is able to smile with confidence again. There are 3 parts to a Dental Implant. The “Dental Implant” itself is a tiny titanium post which is placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. Once the titanium post is placed in the jaw bone, a healing cap is placed on the post and it is allowed to heal for 3 months. During this time the bone bonds with the titanium post creating a strong foundation or root structure for artificial teeth.

Once the area with the Dental Implant has healed we re-evaluate the area to make it is ready for the crown. If so, the “abutment” is placed into the implant and an impression is taken to send to the lab. You will go home with the healing cap back on at this point while we wait for the permanent crown to be made. After two weeks, the permanent crown is delivered and cemented on! At this point the implant is done and is to be treated just like a normal tooth, including cleanings every six months along with evaluations.

Dental Implants are not limited to replacing one tooth at a time. They can also be used to anchor or stabilize a loose fitting denture. Implants are placed in the jaw bone and a specialized denture is made. This denture or “Overdenture” snaps on to these implants allowing better function and stability.