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What Is Dental Implant Treatment?

Think of dental implants as metal anchors, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. Through a process called "osteointegration," the jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant over time, providing tremendous stability.

A single implant can be made when adjacent teeth are healthy and in place
During surgery, each implant is placed within the jawbone to serve as an anchor for the post that will eventually support the replacement teeth. Generally from three to six months or more is then allowed for the bone tissue to grow around the implants and hold them securely in place.

Once the jawbone has firmly healed around the implant, a small post is attached to each implant. The post protrudes through the gum- line and serves as an anchor for the replacement teeth. This short procedure usually requires only local anesthesia. After your gums have healed, the replacement teeth or dentures are securely attached to the posts.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Because dental implants are patterned after the structure of your natural teeth, they provide a highly stable support system for the replacement teeth or dentures. Other benefits include:

A fixed bridge abutment or "crown and bridge" is often used when a crown can anchor the prosthesis in combination with an implant
Improved biting pressure. Healthy teeth are able to absorb over 500 pounds of biting pressure per square inch. If you've worn dentures for a long time, that pressure may be diminished significantly, to one-tenth that of natural teeth.

Dental implants can often restore the amount of pressure that can be withstood to nearly the same level of healthy natural teeth.

Comfort and fit. Because your replacement teeth are anchored securely to the implants in your jawbone, they can't slip and slide like unsecured dentures can. When dentures aren't secure enough, they often cause sores in the mouth and an annoying clicking sound.

Dental implants eliminate these problems.

Longevity and reliability. With proper oral hygiene and care, scientifically tested and approved dental implant systems have been shown to last as long as 20 years or more with few complications.

Increased self-confidence. Because dental implants function remarkably like natural teeth, most people who get them experience a renewed sense of self-confidence once they realize they can again chew, talk, laugh and smile with confidence.

How Do I Know If I'm a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

The permanent fixed denture is often an excellent alternative to removable dentures
If you face the loss of one or several teeth or if you're dissatisfied with dentures or other options available to you, you may find that dental implants are right for you. Age is not typically a major factor: successful dental implants have been performed on young people as well as the elderly.

During your initial consultation, we'll help you decide. In general, we look for the following characteristics:

  • General good health,
  • Healthy gums,
  • Sufficient underlying jawbone to support the implants, and
  • A good attitude to ensure that you follow through with vital oral hygiene habits.

What Type of Care Is Required for Dental Implants?

The care you give to your dental implant makes a tremendous difference in the overall satisfaction you experience, as well as the longevity of the implant itself. With proper oral hygiene habits - brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups - your implant will serve you well.

Please note. Dr. Lopez completed his certification in Dental Implants at Loma Linda University, California in October 2004 and personally performs all Dental Implants.

Dr. Lopez working in one his new dental treatment areas.

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