Click here to read the New York Times article, "The Dental Shift: Implants Instead of Bridges"

What are Dental Implants and what can they do for me?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement crown or bridge in place. The treatment can be more conservative than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants restorations are so natural-looking and feeling that you may forget you ever lost a tooth. Dental implants can be the best solution to the problem of missing teeth. Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they can prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompanies bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth. Some of the benefits are:

Cost effective : Because only one tooth is replaced rather than the three teeth of a bridge, dental implant tooth replacement can actually cost less than the traditional bridgework.

Tooth-saving: Dental implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. Your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!

Comfort: Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence. They are secure and can offer freedom from the troublesome clicks and wobbles of loose dentures. Say goodbye to misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.

Reliable: the success rate for dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

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Am I a candidate for dental implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant. The best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Smoking is detrimental to healing but is not an absolute containdication. Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Mini implants can be an alternative for patients who are not candidates for regular size implants.

What is treatment like?

Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your dentist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. The total time for treatment can range anywhere between six weeks to over a year depending on the complexity of treatment. It will be important for you to work as a team with your dentist to reach your treatment goals.

What can I expect after?

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!