The Advent of Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way we practice dentistry, and it's definitely a change for the better.  In the past, the loss of a tooth gave you only a few options: 

• Option 1. Just do without that tooth.
• Option 2. Have some type of removable appliance made (either a full denture or a partial denture), or
• Option 3. Get a fixed bridge placed. 

None of those options increased the amount of support that was needed between the replacement teeth and the jaw bones.  In fact, they just added more stress from chewing to the remaining tooth roots.  But with Implants the force of chewing is distributed more evenly.  Bone is preserved.  Surrounding teeth can be left untouched.

Who Else Can Benefit From Implants?

Of course, some people have already lost all of their teeth for one reason or another.  Again, implants can really save the day.  It is well established that the bone around teeth begins to go away as soon as teeth are lost.  That's why toothless smiles begin to look more and more sunken in over time.  But placing dental implants will keep the bone at an appropriate level, and provide maximum stability for dentures.  Implants can take miserable, uncomfortable, loose dentures and make them solid again.

Implants serve so many varied purposes, it is best to look at the ways they can be used individually.  Follow the links below to see how dental implants can be used to solve a wide range of dental and esthetic problems.

Single Tooth Implants

"I have lost a single tooth, but I don't want to have to cut down the teeth on either side to make a bridge.  How can implants help?"

Replacing Multiple Teeth

"I have lost several teeth, but I hate the thought of a partial that has to come out.  How can I get my smile back? "

Securing an Existing Denture

"I have a denture that just will not stay in place.  How can I keep them secure?"

Replacing All Teeth With a Fixed Restoration

"I lost my teeth, and I want them back.  I want to be free of these dentures forever."

What is the cost of Dental Implants?
To determine the cost of dental implant treatment you will need a thorough dental examination.  Factors that must be considered are:

• The number and type of implants needed
• The amount and location of healthy bone for implants
• The quality of the bone
• The type of restoration that will be connected to the implant(s)
• Other systemic health concerns that could complicate treatment

Every case is slightly different from others, so x-rays and a thorough clinical examination is a must.

Putting a titanium rod in my bone sounds painful.  Is it?
Remarkably, patients almost never require prescription pain medicines for implant procedures.  We generally make ourselves available to call in a prescription, but the procedure is so inherantly gentle that patients tell me that they didn't even take an aspirin.  Part of what makes implants successful is that they are placed with so little trauma to the bone and gums.