Dental Implants

Teeth play an important role in your appearance and dental health, as well as in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. When you don’t have a full set it’s difficult to do these things, and your quality of life may be affected. Tooth loss is not a normal process of aging, though there are times it’s unavoidable due to injury or disease.  Missing teeth can and should be replaced. 

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They have become the standard of care and best option for tooth replacement! You regain the ability to eat virtually anything, and can smile with confidence knowing that teeth appear natural and facial contours will be preserved.

The implants are titanium posts which are placed into the jaw bone and replicate the missing tooth root.  The bone bonds with the titanium, the same material used in many joint replacements, making it very ‘body-friendly’ and creating a strong foundation for the tooth-colored crown that’s placed on top.  Implants are quite versatile–they can be used to replace one, several, or all of your teeth.

Dental implants are changing the way people live. People are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.  Best of all, they typically last a lifetime!

Evaluation For Dental Implants

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Dina and a specialist with whom our practice partners closely.  Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success. 

Advantages Over Bridges Or Dentures:

  • 1:1 body replacement, so it doesn’t affect adjacent teeth
  • typically last your lifetime
  • preserves the bone
  • preserves facial structure and contour
  • prevents shifting of adjacent teeth
  • can brush and floss it just like a natural tooth
  • cannot get a cavity on an implant

Dental Implant Procedure

For most patients, placing implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jaw bone.  For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the gums, gradually bonding with the bone.  Many people have the option to wear a temporary removable partial denture during this integration period to fill in the missing tooth space. 

After complete integration, the second phase begins.  The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar.  Dr. Dina can then take an impression to make your new teeth.  Small posts, which protrude above the gums, are attached to the implants. These posts provide stable anchors for the artificial teeth.  The tooth-colored crowns are then attached to the posts.

The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption to their daily life, and often comment that it’s the easiest dental procedure they’ve ever had!!