Implants

For decades, bridges or partial dentures were the only options to replace missing teeth. After many years of research, development, and long-term patient case studies, dental implants are now considered the standard-of-care for replacing missing teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth, dental implants provide an excellent restorative choice for long-term success.

A dental implant is a titanium screw shaped like a tooth’s root. During a simple outpatient procedure, the titanium screw is implanted in the edentulous (toothless) area. The implant has threads that engage the jaw bone and hold it in place. Depending upon the strength of the underlying bone, sometimes teeth can be immediately placed onto the implant. In cases where bone may be lost or of poor quality, it may take 3-4 months for bone cells to grow around the implant and integrate with the jaw bone.

Once the implant is secure and ready to support a tooth, two more parts are added to make the treatment complete. First, an abutment is screwed into the implant. Second, a crown is fabricated to fit the abutment. The crown will match your adjacent teeth in form, color, and function.

Implants have over a 98% success rate and can last much longer than real teeth. Since implants, unlike teeth, have no parts that can decay, they are typically much stronger and longer lasting.

To learn more about implants and if they are the right treatment for you, please call our office at 480-860-0092 for a consultation.