Cosmetic Procedures > Dental Implants

Overview
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for those who are in good general oral health but have experienced the loss of a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or another reason.

While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don't feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own!

Under proper conditions, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving long-term success rates for implants.

What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer a permanent solution for replacing one or more teeth. Made of biocompatible materials, they function as supportive anchors for traditional forms of dentistry, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. Many of our patients tell us that dental implants have changed their lives becuase:

Because the tooth's root AND its crown is replaced, implant-mounted replacement teeth are much stronger, more comfortable and last much longer in most cases than dentures, bridges or single crowns. In fact, dental implants directly stimulate the jawbone which helps prevent bone loss, chronic denture sores and other problems sometimes associated with dentures.

Implants support teeth and they look, feel and work just like real teeth. Many patients say their self-confidence is enhanced because of the permanence and security of their dental implants.

Patients who have had dentures or bridges (or missing teeth) enjoy being able to eat and chew again without pain or irritation. Foods that were forbidden are now back in the diet.

No more denture adhesives, which often taste or smell bad.

Dental implants can actually improve the taste of food. With less plastic covering the roof of your mouth with dentures, implants give you the freedom to enjoy a wider variety of flavors.

Dental implants can help maintain the bone structure in your face and support your facial tissues.


How are Dental Implants placed?
In most cases, this is a two-part process. During the initial phase, a titanium implant about the size of a natural tooth root is placed directly into the jawbone. The implant is then covered with gum tissue and allowed to bond with the bone for three to six months. A temporary removable tooth or denture is usually fitted to fill the space above the gum where the permanent tooth will eventually go.

Your temporary tooth will look natural so that you can feel good about your smile from your very first appointment.

The second phase takes place after the implant has securely bonded to the bone. A post is attached and then a permanent crown is placed on it.

The result is a replacement tooth that looks and acts very similar to the original. Replacement teeth are cared for in the exact same manner as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing and professional cleaning are all that's needed.

Does it hurt to get implants done?
We find that a surprising number of our implant patients neither need nor want pain medicine. Most common and minor post-implant problems such as swelling, and moderate discomfort typically clear up within a few days.

For the placement of an implant, Dr. Benjamin will numb the area or use sedation so there won't be any discomfort. When you leave the office, you will be given appropriate medications to manage any temporary discomfort.

Costs for Dental Implants
Initially, some patients might feel dental implants are expensive. However, they represent a more permanent and natural solution than dentures and partials. Thus, there is a greater initial investment, but the results are much longer-lasting. Independent surveys of implant patients show that they felt the investment was worth every penny and would do it again!

As far as actual costs, each case is different. Cost is a function of your particular needs. After a complete examination, Dr. Benjamin will determine the best treatment alternative(s) for you. From there, you can specifically address the question of cost and be helped with financial arrangements regarding dental implants.