What is Dental Implant? An implant is a replacement for the root of a tooth. Dental implants are a safe, medically proven, esthetic alternative to traditional crowns, bridgework and dentures. Because dental implant restorations look and feel more like natural teeth, they offer new levels of comfort, security and confidence over traditional treatments.

How does a Dental Implant work? A dental implant is a small “anchor” made of titanium that is inserted into the jawbone to take the place of the missing tooth root. After osseointegration (the process of the surrounding bone healing to the implant), a replacement tooth is secured to the top of the implant. This new tooth will function much like your natural tooth.

Why choose Dental Implants over traditional therapy?

Comfort – Dental implants function very similar to your natural teeth.
Maintain Anatomy – If you have missing teeth, your bone will shrink. Bone loss can make your jaw line recede and change your facial structure. Dental implants help prevent deterioration of the jawbone so your face retains its natural shape and appearance.
Keep your healthy teeth – A better long term alternative to bridgework, dental implants eliminate the need to grind down healthy teeth when replacing one or more adjacent teeth. Your own natural teeth are not compromised.
Security – Securely anchored dental implants do not slip or move. This eliminates some of the key problems of dentures including poor fit, gum irritation and pain from nerve compression. The result is increased comfort and improved stability.

My gums bleed when I brush. Should I be concerned? Yes! Healthy gums don’t bleed. Bleeding is usually a sign of gum disease (periodontal disease). If diagnosed early, periodontal disease can be successfully treated without surgery. The longer you wait, the more difficult the treatment and the less predictable the outcome. More important are the links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems and others.

I brush routinely but my breath just isn’t fresh. Can anything be done? Yes. Bad breath is frequently related to dental disease or systemic disease. An oral examination is the first step to solving your problem.

Is flossing necessary? Yes. The main cause of gum disease is plaque, that sticky film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is a compilation of dead cells from your mouth, protein from saliva, food particles and bacteria. Brushing does not remove all the plaque from between the teeth but flossing does. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth as well as stimulates the gums, keeping the gums pink and healthy.

Is one type of floss better than another? Not really. The best type of floss for you is the one that works best in your hands. Come by the office and we’ll give you a sample of each type (Glide Floss, waxed floss, un-waxed floss, dental tape) and you can try them all.
 

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