Dental Implants are changing the way people live! Dental Implants are the first step in providing a solid foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost one, two, or several teeth will regain the ability to eat virtually any type of food and can once again smile with confidence knowing that their teeth are stable, appear natural, and that their facial contour will be maintained.

The Implants themselves are made of titanium, can vary in length and width and are selected based on the quality and quantity of bone that is present. A single missing tooth can be replaced or an entire mouth can be reconstructed utilizing Dental Implants. The Implant can act as the "tooth root" by being an "anchor" to the structure it will support. The Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to bond, or integrate, with the surrounding bone thereby allowing bone to adhere to the implant, providing a solid foundation.

The initial consultation will focus on your treatment goals and concerns, as well as taking a panoramic radiograph. The procedure will also be explained and additional written information will be available to you. A CT study may also be necessary, depending on the specific patient's needs. If a CT scan is done, it will be transferred onto a computer disc and loaded into specialty software at our office. This software program allows both the patient and doctor a detailed "road map" for the surgery, including quality and quantity of bone, so that accurate size and number of implants can be placed in predetermined locations..

For most patients, the placement of Dental Implants requires two surgical procedures. The first procedure is the actual placement of the Implant in the jawbone and the second procedure, also know as "uncovering", is done three to six months after the initial procedure. During this healing time any partial or temporary dentures can be worn and a soft diet maintained. The amount of time that the implants are "covered" can be dependent on various factors including which jawbone the implants were placed, the quality of the bone and the medical history of the patient.

At the uncovering, titanium posts called abutments will be placed which will protrude through the gums for a short period of time. After the uncovering you will be scheduled with your general dentist to begin the final preparations for the replacement tooth or teeth. The entire treatment may take as little as four months or as many as twelve months, each case being unique and having its own timetable.

 


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