What are dental implants?

Dental implants, replacement tooth roots made of titanium and placed into the jawbone, are one of the fastest growing services in dentistry today. Many patients who previously suffered from missing teeth, denture soreness, decreased chewing ability or loss of facial structure are now taking advantage of dental implants to solve these problems.

Why do I need implants?

Any patient who is missing teeth is most likely a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants primarily serve as an alternative to partial or full dentures for tooth replacement. Those who wear dentures (or are considering them) may wish to investigate the many benefits of implants instead, such as easier chewing and speaking and a better quality of life. Even patients over 90 years of age have replaced their loose partial and full dentures with implant-supported restorations, and their main comment is, "I wish I had done this sooner."

Do implants hurt?

The process of receiving implants is generally comfortable, with local anesthesia used in many cases today. Our patients also report little need for pain medication afterward.

As they heal, the implants literally become attached to the jawbone with a great deal of retention. Since they are permanent, implants don't cause nearly the discomfort, soreness or inconvenience of dentures. In fact, most of our patients report finding the implants as comfortable and solid as their own natural teeth.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

• Tooth replacement that is as close to natural teeth as possible
• The only method of tooth replacement that reserves jawbone
• Preserves facial structures
• Preseves healthy adjacent teeth
• Overdentures attach to implants for stability and comfort
• Improved chewing function
• Enhanced self-esteem
• Long-term positive results — no need to replace bridges

Dental implants have been the subject of over 35 years of intensive research worldwide, proving them to be a safe, effective dental procedure. Millions of patients worldwide are enjoying the implant restorative option. And with success rates approaching 95%, implants are considered the "standard of care." We are confident that dental implants will be a great benefit for our patients who are missing teeth.