A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.

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 implant 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 good-bye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy glues

Reliable:The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth.

This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your implantologist. Your Implantologist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your implantologist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

First, the implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site.

Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach an extension. This small metal post, called an abutment, completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.

There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second step. Your implantologist will advise you on which system is best for you.

Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you by your dentist and attached to the abutment. After a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-fee, brushing and flossing still apply!

After treatment, your implantologist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

Few things last forever. Every case depends on the individual patient. Generally, the current overall dental health of the patient and the condition of the bone structure remaining in the jaws are important factors in determining long-term success rates. Of course, everyone needs regular visits to their dentists, and this is particularly important for dental implant patients.

Yes. Try to schedule taking them so that they do not both wear off at the same time. Remember to have food in your stomach.

Stop all new medications and call the doctor immediately. DO NOT take any more medication until the allergic reaction has been identified.

Do not brush the surgical area, but continue to clean the rest of your mouth.

NO! Not for 8 weeks post-operatively.

Yes!
* DO NOT EAT ANY POPCORN, POPPY SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS OR SEEDED FRUITS. THEY CAN GET STUCK AND CAUSE INFECTION!

A periodontal dressing is most helpful during the first 24 hours of healing. After that it serves only to provide you comfort and protection, much like a Band-Aid. Therefore it is not critical that the dressing be replaced if it falls off after surgery. Many times we do not even place a dressing. If your dressing falls off and you feel strongly that you would prefer to have it back on, call the office to arrange for its replacement. Often, healing progresses faster with it off. Always let comfort be your guide.