Dental Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are used as anchors to support crowns, bridges or dentures. The most common use of dental implants are for single tooth replacement. In the case of replacing only one tooth, implants can be a better treatment choice than a bridge because nearby teeth do not have to be altered in any way.
The entire implant takes several months, usually 3-6 months for completion.
After a consult with one of our implant surgeons, they will determine the proper type of implant and surgical procedure that is needed to ensure a long lasting implant. After the implant is placed, it will take approximately 3-6 months for the site to heal properly. During this time, the jaw bone will heal around the implant and adhere to it in a process called osseointegration. While osseointegration is occurring, it is sometimes possible to place a temporary crown on top of the implant that will allow you to comfortably smile without being conscience of an open space in your mouth. After it has been determined that the area has healed properly, the final steps of producing a final restoration can be completed. A piece called an “abutment” is screwed onto the implant and a crown is made to fit the abutment. The crown is then cemented onto the abutment and will look and function as your natural tooth once did.
Dental implants can also be used to support bridges for long spans of open space due to missing teeth. They can also used to stabilize dentures, and can especially be useful to stabilize lower dentures in patients that have lower dentures that move freely in their mouth.
Are you interested in replacing your missing tooth or teeth with dental implants? Please give us a call at 251-621-1370 and schedule an appointment. We would love to discuss possible treatment options with you and let you know if you are a candidate for implants.