Dental Implants


 

Permanent Solution


Today dental implants are one of the best restorative options used to replace missing teeth. They are often used instead of bridges since they can replace missing teeth without affecting neighboring natural teeth. Dental implants are simply artificial roots (made of titanium) that are placed by a Periodontal Surgeon where your natural roots would be in your upper or lower jaw. Once the implant/s have healed, your dentist will place a natural looking tooth on the implant that will enhance and restore your smile!


Health


One of the most valuable benefits of dental implants involves the biology at the implant site.  As soon as a natural tooth is extracted, the jaw bone at that site is rapidly lost.  Within the first 6 months, 50% of the bone height and width is gone.  Dental Implants STOP the bone loss.  Once a dental implant has been placed, it stimulates the bone at that site and maintains the bone and tissue contours.


Teamwork


When your surgical phase is complete, your dentist and periodontist will provide care instructions. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in enhancing the life of your new implant(s). Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they may need components replaced due to normal wear.  It is important to have an x-ray taken at least once a year at the implant site to monitor bone health.  Your periodontist should see you once a year to monitor the tissue health at the implant site.

 

Dental Implant(s) are an artificial substitute for natural tooth roots.

 

What does this procedure entail?


A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to surgery. The patient can choose other methods of sedation offered at the facility.

 

Dr. Fletcher will then make an incision into the gum line. The implant, which is a small anchor shaped like a screw, is placed into the jawbone. During the healing period of 3-6 months, the bone in the jaw fuses to the implant, securing it in place.

 

After the healing period, Dr. Fletcher or your general dentist will then attach a small metal post (an abutment) to the implant, which projects through the gums. After this second minor surgical treatment, the gums take several weeks to heal. The implant is then ready for the placement of a replacement tooth by your general dentist.

 

Several follow-up visits are necessary to ensure proper healing.

 

A yearly checkup with Dr. Fletcher or alternating periodontal maintenance is highly recommended to ensure long-term implant health.