Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

At last, a permanent solution for tooth loss! Dental implants are teeth that look and feel like your own.

Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, an extraction, or some other reason. 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 feel like your own tooth. You may forget you ever lost a tooth! We know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don't feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, implants can last a lifetime.

How do Dental Implants work?

The implants themselves are titanium posts, which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small connectors called “abutments” are attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. Later, these abutments will attach to the future crowns or denture replacing the missing teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are lost.

Are dental implants for me?

If you are missing teeth and wish to eat your favorite foods, increase your chewing ability and improve your appearance and speech, then you are a candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants are the long term, natural looking solution for:

• The loss of one or more teeth due to injury, failed root canal, tooth decay, or extraction
  
• Impending loss of a bridge when a tooth fails
  
• Unattractive changes in facial features
  
• Lack of confidence when speaking or smiling
  
• Difficulty chewing certain foods
  
• Loose denture or partial denture

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves only one surgical procedure. The implants are placed within your jawbone. Three months are needed for the bone to bind to the implant surface before the crowns can be attached. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

Surgical Advances

In certain situation, Dr. Albright can place the implant into the extraction socket at the same time. Then, your dentist may be able to place a temporary crown that is out of function while waiting for the bone to become attached to the implant over a six to twelve week period. This process is called “immediate loading” which greatly simplifies the surgical process and recovery time. Best of all, the patient does not have to walk around with a removable appliance.