Intro to Dental Implants   Dental Implants 101  Dental Implants vs Dentures  Single Missing Tooth

Multiple Missing Teeth  Implant Supported Dentures  Are Dental Implants right for me?  FAQs

If you are missing teeth then you should consider the popular option of dental implants in order to improve your oral health and quality of life. If you have gaps in your teeth, your smile is not as attractive as it once was, or if you are experiencing difficulty to eating or speaking then dental implants may be the solution for you. Dental implants act like your natural teeth. They are a safe way to replace missing teeth, they look and feel like the real thing, and require little to no maintenance.

Dental implants can be used for anyone no matter your age or circumstance. The only criteria is that there must be enough bone to attach the implant.  If there is not enough bone because of deterioration, then this can be corrected through dental surgery.  

Before surgery, the patient is given a local anesthetic so he or she does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.  After surgery is complete, the patient will usually be prescribed some sort of medication to alleviate any pain that might occur after.  The minimal pain and discomfort experienced is only temporary and you most patients are able to resume normal activities the next day.  

Some insurance providers cover the procedure while others do not.  Coverage is usually limited to what is covered for bridges or dentures.

Once the implant is in place, it does not require any special care or maintenance.  You should treat them like the rest of your teeth and brush and floss regularly.  You should also visit the dentist twice per year for dental checkups and routine cleanings.  

If you have missing teeth and leave those gaps there, you will start noticing bone loss and other problems with your remaining teeth.  Over time, your facial appearance will change.  If you wait too long to do anything about your teeth, then you might need bone grafting to make you eligible for surgery.