Our Services / Dental Implants

Why replace missing teeth?

When you have a gap in your smile it can be hard to feel confident. But the aesthetics of missing teeth are just the beginning of the problem.

Each of your teeth is anchored into your underlying jaw bone. This connection delivers stimulation to bone tissue when you bite and chew, and that stimulation is necessary to keep the bone healthy and strong.

Missing teeth eliminates that stimulation and can cause bone loss. Over time, the connection between adjacent teeth and bone can weaken, leading to additional tooth loss. 

Missing teeth also change the force of your bite, placing undue pressure on remaining teeth. You might also find it difficult to eat a range of healthy foods or notice changes in your speech. 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth-replacement option. Implants consist of a metal post that acts as an artificial tooth root and a custom crown that replaces the visible portion of the missing tooth.

Because implants are placed within your bone tissue they look and function just like your natural teeth, preserving bone health and giving your smile structural support. The primary difference is that your implant cannot decay.

What are the steps in getting dental implants?

The planning process is perhaps the most important step in getting a new dental implant. X-rays, digital imaging, and digital impressions help shape the design and placement of your custom dental implant. 

On the day of your procedure, you’ll receive numbing medication to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Your practitioner creates an incision in your gums to access the underlying bone.

A small pilot hole guides the placement of the post portion of your implant. Next, the gums are carefully closed over the post and a period of healing begins. 

Once your bone tissue has fused to the implant post, you’ll return to have the new crown attached using a small piece called an abutment. This completes your custom dental implant, and you’ll begin enjoying your restored smile right away. 

When you come in for routine dental exams, your practitioner checks your implant along with the rest of your teeth. In some cases, an implant will need to be tightened or repaired. 

Learn more about what dental implants can do for you during a personalized consultation. Online booking is an option, or you’re always welcome to call and speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff regarding appointment availability.