Choose Dental Implants for a Permanently Restored Smile

Since they function like tooth roots, dental implants will allow you to eat a wide range of foods, and you will be able to speak, smile, and laugh without fear of embarrassment.

Dental Implants: How They Work

Dental implants are small screws made of biocompatible titanium. During a carefully planned oral surgery, Dr. Watson will place them in your jawbone. After they integrate with the surrounding bone tissue, they will serve as your new tooth roots.

They will form a stable and permanent base for your restoration. Implants can support crowns, bridges, and full dentures. The size of your restoration will determine the number of implants that you receive.

Planning and Preparing for Dental Implants

To make sure that implants are right for you, Dr. Watson will take digital x-rays of your teeth and jawbone. These images are very accurate, and they can reveal signs of jawbone recession. Bone degeneration is a common side effect of tooth loss. It can affect your candidacy for implants since you must have enough tissue to support the posts.

Fortunately, however, Dr. Watson can often perform bone grafting. During bone grafting, we will use a sample of your own bone or an alternate material to rebuild weak areas of your jaw. If you have lost bone volume on your upper jaw, you may require a sinus lift. Dr. Watson will refer you to a specialist for this procedure. It is similar to a bone graft, but your surgeon will also raise your sinus membrane to make more room for the implants.

Implant Placement and Restoration

After all initial preparatory work is complete, including necessary dental extractions, Dr. Watson will perform the implant surgery. We offer several forms of sedation, including general anesthesia, to ensure little discomfort during your procedure. Along with revealing signs of bone loss, the digital x-rays also help Dr. Watson find the strongest areas for implant placement.

Once the posts are placed in your jaw, the posts and your bone tissue will fuse together, permanently replacing your dental roots. The healing process will usually take four to six months. When your implants are firmly attached, Dr. Watson will place your custom-designed restoration during a separate, follow-up appointment.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Although implants are more expensive than other options, they offer several advantages. The most noticeable benefit of dental implants is that they will never slip out of place. Since they function like your original tooth roots, they will allow you to eat a wide range of foods, usually with no dietary restrictions. You will also be able to speak, smile, and laugh without fear of embarrassment.

Additionally, implants are permanent. When you care for them with proper hygiene and biannual preventive visits, your implant-supported restoration will typically last the rest of your life. Additionally, implants can prevent jawbone recession. Similarly to original tooth roots, implants will give off regenerative signals, triggering new bone growth and maintaining your healthy jaw structure.

Schedule Your Consultation

With advanced bone grafting and sinus lifts available, most patients are candidates for dental implants. Contact our practice to find out if dental implants are right for you.