Nothing can take the place of a healthy set of teeth, but when disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, or you have full or partial dentures, it’s good to know you have some options in restoring your smile.

Implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically placed beneath your gums – fusing to the jawbone. They act as artificial tooth roots. Replacement teeth, singularly or grouped on a bridge or denture, are then mounted to the implant. Since implants fuse to the jawbone, they have the advantage of offering stable support to artificial teeth. Dentures, bridges or individual teeth mounted to the implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth, which is important when it comes to eating and talking. The security of the fit helps replacement teeth feel more natural and comfortable than conventional bridges or dentures.

Implants are not an option for everyone. If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation will help determine if you are a good candidate. Because implants require surgery, you must be in good health, have healthy gums and have adequate bone to support the implant. Certain diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis or chronic sinus problems may interfere with proper healing and could prevent the bone from attaching to the implant. Smoking may also affect the stability of the implant over time. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Implants require a considerable investment of time. The implant process involves several steps and may take up to nine months to complete. First, surgery is performed to place the anchor (the actual implant). The anchor itself is made of metal … usually titanium since it has proven to be very compatible with bone and other tissues. The surface of some implants are treated with a substance that helps them adhere to the bone. It may take up to six months for the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Each implant is unique and may or may not require a second surgery. After the gums have had several weeks to heal, the next step begins. The replacement teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. These are made of the same material as conventional crowns, bridges or dentures. Several fittings may be required, so this step can take one or two months to complete.

 As with any medical or dental procedure, implant placement is not always successful. We can discuss complications and concerns you might have relating to healing factors that could influence long-term retention of the implant.