Dental Implant Specialist

What are dental implants?

An implant mimics the root of your tooth. It’s a metal post positioned surgically into your jawbone that holds a crown. Each implant is stable and feels and looks natural.

You can have one implant that replaces a single tooth, or your mouth can support multiple implants. In some cases, your doctors may position an entire row of fixed dentures on a series of implants. The providers at Vital Dental Care review your oral health and recommends a treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Because the implants are fixed in your mouth, they’re more stable than dentures or bridges. Other advantages of implants include that they:

• Appear and feel natural
• Require no changes to your eating habits
• Don’t affect your speech
• Stimulate your jawbone, so you don’t experience degradation of bone
• Can be cleaned easily just like your regular teeth
• Are permanent

What happens during an implant procedure?

If you’re a candidate for an implant, the providers at Vital Dental Care surgically implant a metal post into your jawbone. After a few months, your bone fuses around the implant in a process called osseointegration. The dentist attaches an abutment to the implant and then attaches a crown, which serves as a false tooth. The crown matches the feel, shape, and color of your natural teeth.

Depending on your case, the process takes three to nine months to complete.

Who is a candidate for implants?

To be a good candidate, you need to have adequate bone and healthy gums to support the implant. You must also be committed to good oral hygiene habits, including daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings. Dental implants can last a lifetime if you care for them properly.

Are dental implants painful?

The procedure causes only mild discomfort. Because you have anesthesia during the actual implantation of the metal post, you feel nothing during the actual surgery. You may experience some soreness after the procedure that’s easily resolved with over-the-counter pain medications.

If you have missing teeth, consider implants as a natural, sturdy alternative to dentures. Call Vital Dental Care or book an appointment online to find out if implants are an option for you.