Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, in close collaboration with restorative dentists, help plan and then place implants used to replace missing
teeth. They can also reconstruct bone in places needing bone for implant placement and modify gingival (gum) tissue surrounding implants when necessary to make teeth placed on implants look even more natural.
Learn more by reviewing our FAQ below for dental implant education. Additionally, visit our business partners to learn more:
◆ Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
What are the types of dental implants?
Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures. Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework's posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
Dentures or a bridge.
What are the benefits of electing a dental implant vs. other dental procedures?
Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth.
Esthetic: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
Tooth-saving: Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
Confidence: Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.
Reliable: The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.
What is the timeline for a typical dental implant?
Placement of dental implants and artificial teeth involves surgical procedures usually done in several stages. The entire process takes three to nine months, or sometimes even longer. That may sound daunting, but a lot of that time is spent healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw.
Can you get implants for just one tooth or multiple teeth?
Both:
Replacing a Single Tooth: If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root.
Replacing Several Teeth: If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.
Replacing All of Your Teeth: If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.
How do you care for dental implants?
Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!
Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.