What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

Why dental implants?

There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:

A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options.  In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth.  A tooth supported fixed bridge, the other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge.  Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved.  In the long term, a single implant is more esthetic, easier to keep clean and your dental implant will never decay or breakdown.

Are dental implants successful?

With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual dental implants, and even higher for the bridges they support.  Please ask Dr. Wilson about his implant guarentee.

 * Results based on dental implants and dental bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.

How much do dental implants cost?

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination,  we will work closely with your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Who is a Candidate?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Dr. Wilson will evaluate the bone with a special xray called a TSA.  This is a three deminsional x ray that will let Dr. Wilson know the height and width of the bone where a implant is to be placed. 

Is old age a problem?

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re healthy enough to receive dental implants.  Dr. Wilson will carefully evaluate your dental and health history.

Will my new teeth look natural?

When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.

Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?

Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

How much time is required for a dental implant placement?

First, we will place the dental implant, which needs to heal for two to six months to integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you may be  given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

The healing time depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to our office throughout the treatment period.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients have minimal or no discomfort after a dental implant is placed.  We will give you medications to help with discomfort but more often than not patients do not need them.   Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.  

How will I care for my dental implants?

Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. You should Brush twice daily and floss once a day.  See your dentist as frequenlty as recommanded.