Dental Implants

What are Implants?

Dental Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post. The surgical phase of treatment is completed at a specialists office, and the restorative phase is completed at our office.

implant
Implant
restoration
Restoration

What are Dental Implants Used For?

There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:

  1. As an artificial root for a fixed prosthesis (usually a single tooth or fixed bridge).
  2. As anchors for a removable prosthesis (usually an Implant-Retained Denture).

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Implants are generally considered as an alternative to Dentures, Partials, or Bridges. When replacing a missing tooth in the front of the mouth, nothing looks more natural than an implant. One important benefit of implants when used for Implant-Retained Dentures is that they slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue under the denture.

  • Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49% are missing at least one tooth.
  • Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
  • More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
  • Dental implants never develop decay.
  • Dental implants never require root canals.
  • Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature aging.
  • No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of their age -- some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!

How are Dental Implants placed?

 

prepStep One:

The gum is gently folded back and a space is prepared for the implant to be placed.


anchor

Step Two:

The dental implant "anchor" is put into place.


stitchStep Three:

The gum tissue is replaced over the implant and the implant is left alone for several months so the bone can attach to the implant and create a secure anchor.


expose

Step Four:

After the implant has had a chance to attach to the bone tissue, the excess gum tissue is removed from above the implant.


post1Step Five:

The temporary cap is removed from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor.


post2

Step Six:

The implant is now ready for a prosthesis: A single tooth much like a crown, a fixed bridge, or an Implant-Retained Denture.

Considering a Dental Implant?

If you are considering a dental implant, Contact Us for an evaluation appointment. Dr. Prather will perform an evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for a dental implant. If you are a good candidate for an implant, Dr. Prather will provide you with further information to help you decide.