Dental Implants

Periodontist does the oral cavity prevention

We specialize in dental implants. Implants are done by our Periodontists. They have years of experience when it comes to performing dental implant procedures. An initial appointment is needed in order to do an overall exam of the current condition of your teeth and gums. Your first consultation is done at no cost to you. After your initial exam, we will cover all of your options before anything is done to your teeth so that you can feel confident you are making the best decision in improving and maintaining your oral health. If following your exam, you are deemed eligible for dental implants, your periodontist will go over what to expect, from procedure to recovery, in detail with you.

What are Implants?

A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work in that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.

Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss caused by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don’t have to be taken out all the time.

A child with a dentist in a dental office

Once your tooth is reshaped, we take a painless impression of the tooth in order to make the crown. We may also take impressions of the teeth around where the crown will be placed to make sure your bite is not affected and your jaw aligns properly when closed. Your permanent crown is made in a lab using the impressions we have taken. While you wait for your second visit, you will be given a temporary crown to cover the tooth and keep it clean. It is important you take care of your temporary crown according to our instructions.

We also offer mini dental implants. These implants are about half the diameter of traditional implants and are used mainly to stabilize lower dentures. These implants can be placed in one appointment and can be immediately used. The cost is 50-70% of standard dental implants.

Types of Implants

Endosteal

An endosteal implant is the most common among our patients. This is an ‘in bone’ procedure where implants are attached surgically to the jawbone. This is an alternative option to removable dentures that many patients prefer.

Subperiosteal

Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone and therefore referred to as ‘on bone’ implants. These are used for patients who are unable to wear dentures and do not have the bone structure of endosteal implants.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for Dental Implants?

There are a few requirements that patients have to meet in order to qualify for dental implants. Overall, you must have good general oral health, enough bone in your jaw to support an implant if it is put in, and healthy gums that do not show signs of periodontal disease. This can all be determined in one visit.

girl sitting at dental chair with open mouth during oral check up while doctor

What Does My Periodontist Do?

A group of professional doctors discusses dental treatment

Your periodontist specializes in the diagnosis of oral health, prevention tactics, treatment of periodontal disease, treatment of inflammation in gums, and the placement of dental implants. The periodontists at our clinic are also trained in cosmetic procedures as well. They also specialize in treating severe oral issues like gum disease because they are highly trained in a wide range of surgical procedures. If you received an implant in the past and you are having issues with it, we highly recommend you visit our clinic where it can be repaired properly and not cause you any further pain or discomfort. Once you complete a procedure in our clinic, your periodontist will give you a detailed plan on how to properly care for your implants to make them last and keep your mouth and gums healthy. You will also need to make follow up appointments to check the condition of your implants and confirm that they continue to function correctly.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit?

During your initial exam, we will go over your dental history and medical history. There are certain medications and conditions, like pregnancy and heart disease, that can affect your treatment and must be made clear to your periodontist. We then administer an oral exam where we look at the condition of your gums. Additionally, we check the condition of each tooth. Measurements of your teeth and the spaces between them are also recorded. If deemed necessary, we will take x-rays of your mouth in order to see the condition of your teeth below the gumline. This entire exam is completely painless and done in a timely manner. After the exam you and your periodontist will discuss the current state of your oral health, what you should be doing at home to maintain or improve it, and whether dental implants are the best choice for you. It is important to bring up any questions or concerns you may have. Our periodontists have a vast amount of knowledge and are open to answering any questions. We have a shared goal in our clinic, to give you the best smile you can have.

Young boy looking at the mirror with toothy smile

When it comes to dental implants, it is important to remember that this procedure requires implants to be physically connected to the gums and bone in your mouth. Many of our patients prefer them to dentures because they feel and act like real teeth. Since this is a surgical procedure, finding a qualified periodontist is crucial. You have to trust that they will do their job well and that you will not have to come back for repairs that result in pain and further dental work. We are your trusted dentist when it comes to meeting these qualifications. We are confident that after one visit with us, you will know you have chosen the right dentist for you and your family for all of their oral health needs.