Dental Implants

What is a Dental Implant?

The history of dentistry and that of dental implants dates back thousands of years. The earliest records of such procedures date back to ancient civilizations. The development of technology, techniques and the evolution of science have played major roles in developing and improving the way dental care is delivered today, and that definitely includes the dental implant procedure.

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the bone where the tooth is missing. After a healing period the bone will grow and fuse to the titanium forming a very strong connection which allows the implant to be used as a replacement root for your missing tooth.

After this healing period, a false tooth or “crown” will be attached to the dental implant which can be used for chewing and smiling – and the treatment is complete!

Are Dental Implants Right For Me?

If you are missing one or more teeth then dental implants may be the best option for you to replace the form and function you have lost.

Your dentist, along with our implant specialists, will assess your general and oral health as well as the bone amount and quality in the implant area to ensure the highest possible chance for long term success.

Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?

Implant placement is actually performed relatively quickly and with minimal trauma to the mouth. The bone itself does not have any nerve endings so it cannot actually feel pain from the implant being placed.

In most cases all that is needed is for your implant surgeon to anesthetize or “numb” the gums and place the implant into the bone with a few sutures (stitches). Most people can return to work the very next day with little to no discomfort.

Of course, our implant surgeons also offer various levels of sedation for those patients who are more anxious in order to provide a stress-free experience.

What’s the Difference Between Dentures & Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the closest that we have been able to achieve to replacing a natural tooth. Of course, nothing is quite as good as “the real thing” but implants come quite close. Because they are placed in the bone just like a tooth root they are solid and stable and will allow you to chew and enjoy any of the types of foods you were able to before you lost your natural tooth.

Implants also allow normal cleaning and flossing around them and can be cared for in the same way as natural teeth.

Dentures on the other hand are not fixed in place, they sit on the gums and may be “clipped” to one or more remaining natural teeth. Because of this dentures have a higher chance of being unstable and moving around when you eat or speak.

Denture teeth are made of acrylic, which is not as strong or sharp as natural teeth or implant crowns and as such some tougher consistency foods may be difficult to eat.

Dentures are more likely to have food get stuck around or under them when you eat meaning they need to be removed and cleaned more frequently, and dentures also need to be removed at night while you sleep to give time for the gums to rest.

If you are missing one or more teeth, please feel free to give our office a call and we can schedule a consultation to determine which option may be best for you to give you back the smile you deserve!