Dental Implants for Replacing Missing Teeth

More patients are seeking viable solutions to replacing missing teeth with implants

Dental implantology is an important component of modern dentistry.

Increasing experience and research have demonstrated the predictability of dental implants, and more dentists are becoming involved in their use. While in many cases traditional fixed or removable prostheses can offer viable treatment solutions, often dental implants are the treatment of choice.

With increased consumer awareness, more patients are seeking viable solutions to replacing missing teeth with implants. Recent strides in implant dentistry provide positive treatment alternatives in prosthetic reconstruction.

No longer are fixed bridges or removable partial dentures the only options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or as abutments for fixed bridges.

If a patient has a tooth that needs to be extracted, an implant can often be placed at the same time as the extraction. This saves the patient an additional surgical procedure. When this is not the case, a bone graft is usually placed into the extraction socket for ridge preservation and to ensure adequate bone support for the eventual implant.

The implant procedure is performed in the office using local anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the patient’s preference. The implant site is carefully and precisely prepared to minimize alveolar bone trauma. Post-operative x-rays and information on the size of the implant are sent to the dentist.

The patient is followed regularly during the healing period to monitor for signs of infection or other problems that might prevent integration of the implant. After the healing collar is placed, the patient returns to the dentist for fabrication of the crown or bridge.

We always offer free implant consultations to your patients. Several payment options are available for procedures not covered by insurance. Please call if you have any questions or to discuss how we can work together to provide your patients with implants to replace their missing teeth.