What is a dental implant?
             An implant is a titanium "root" which can be placed into the jawbone. Once integrated with your bone, the implant can be used to support a crown, a bridge, or secure a complete denture. Dental implants may be used to to eliminate partial plates and dentures. Implants have been used successfully for over 30 years and have a high success rate, and function and feel like your natural teeth. Dental Implants are now the standard of care for replacing missing teeth.

What are the benefits of implants?
             Dental implants offer a number of benefits over conventional fixed and removable dental appliances.

Implant Benefits:

        1. The use of a dental implant to replace a tooth eliminates the need to "cut down" the neighboring teeth to make a bridge. Preserving the adjacent teeth has been shown to reduce the need for root canal and additional treatment which may ultimately reduce treatment expense.
        2. Dental implants are also useful in helping maintaining the jawbone, which often dissolves after a tooth is lost (see Periodontal News).
        3. Dental implants feel and function and can be cleaned like natural teeth.
        4. Dental implants are self supportive, thus they are not reliant on other teeth for support. This is favorable as it reduces stress on adjacent teeth.
        5. Implant supported teeth may replace partial plates and may be used to secure loose dentures.
        6. A single implant tooth can be cleaned and flossed like a natural tooth. No floss threaders needed!

How is an implant installed?
            Following thorough treatment planning with your general dentist and periodontist, the implant installed in your jawbone using local anesthesia and/or mild sedation. This is an outpatient procedure which is done with local anesthesia and valium sedation.

Is implant treatment painful?
            Placement of dental implants is typically not traumatic. Mild analgesics are prescribed for any discomfort which may occur. Most patients return to work the day following implant surgery. Many patients report minimal or no discomfort after implant placement.

How long does implant treatment take?
            Depending on bone quality at the implant site, your implant crown can be installed in 12-20 weeks following implant installation in most cases. In some instances a temporary crown can be placed on immediately after implant placement.

Can implants be used in patients with periodontal disease?
            Yes, periodontal research has shown that implant therapy is successful in patients who have lost teeth to periodontitis.

Is implant treatment expensive?
            Dental implant treatment represents a slightly greater investment than conventional treatment, however, the benefits of implant therapy for most patients outweigh the minor additional cost involved.