Dental Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a type of restoration that act as replacement tooth roots. Your Westside Dentistry provider surgically places them in the spaces where your teeth used to sit. Following surgery, you return home for 3-4 months. During this time, your bone tissue grows around each implant, fusing them to your jaw. 

Because implants fuse to your jaw, they don’t slip or slide around like traditional dentures. They’re also incredibly versatile; your dentist can place a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures on top. 

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants provide several advantages, including:

• Improved chewing
• Improved speaking
• Improved confidence
• Improved oral health
• Improved convenience

Dental implants are also incredibly durable. If you take proper care of them, they can last a lifetime. 

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

To get dental implants, you need healthy gums and plenty of bone volume. If you have gum disease or your jaw is too thin to hold implants, your dentist might recommend a sinus lift or bone graft before moving forward. 

It’s also important to let your dentist know about any chronic conditions you’re living with, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These issues won’t necessarily prevent you from getting dental implants, but they can increase your risk of complications during oral surgery.

What is the process for getting dental implants?

Getting dental implants usually takes about six months and two separate appointments. 

At your initial consultation, your Westside Dentistry provider conducts an oral exam, takes a series of X-rays, and reviews your medical history. If your gums and jaws are healthy and there’s no infection present, your dentist moves forward with treatment.

First, your dentist injects a local anesthetic, numbing your tooth roots and gums. After the anesthesia sets in, your dentist surgically places a series of small metal posts –– one for each missing tooth –– into your gum tissue. Following surgery, you return home and recover for 3-4 months.

After your gums heal, you return to Westside Dentistry. At your second appointment, your dentist takes digital impressions of your remaining teeth. Next, your dentist uploads your impressions to the Cerec milling machine—the Cerec machine mills your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported dentures. 

Once the machine finishes, your dentist applies a metal connector to each implant, called an abutment, and connects your crowns, bridge, or dentures. You leave the office with a brilliant, healthy smile. 

To request your dental implants consultation today, call the office or use the online booking tool. Improved oral health and confidence await.