Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth.  They allow you to eat, smile, laugh, talk, and enjoy all of your everyday activities without worrying about your teeth.  If you have lost some or all of your teeth, you will confidently regain your beautiful smile once again.

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a tooth root which is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line.  It allows us to mount replacement teeth into that area.

If you are considering implants, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone to hold the implant.  If your bone is too thin or soft and unable to support an implant, you may require a bone graft. We then replace missing teeth with dental implants.  The implants are inserted into the jawbone so that they aren’t removable.

THE PROCESS

To begin, we conduct a surgical procedure to place a titanium post into the bone of the jaw, and the bone fuses around the abutment over three to six months.  Once the abutment is fused in the bone, the implant is uncovered and then a small post is attached into the implant and then acts as an anchor for artificial teeth to be attached to.

Modern dental implants have been used successfully for over 30 years.  They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth – and even better, they allow these new teeth to feel, look and function naturally.

When performed by trained and experienced dental implant dentists like Dr. Rhea and Dr. Doherty, dental implant surgery is one of the safest procedures in dentistry.

HOW THEY COMPARE TO BRIDGES AND DENTURES

The most common alternative to an implant for a single tooth is a dental bridge.  The bridge is supported by the teeth surrounding it, and the bone may deteriorate over time.  Bridges do not generally last as long as implants because they are more susceptible to decay, due to difficulty flossing them.  Implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges do.  

Dentures sit on top of the gums where the missing teeth were.  They can be uncomfortable, affect your ability to taste food, cause sore gums, and shift in your mouth when you speak, eat, smile, yawn or cough.  While the initial costs are lower, dentures last an average of 7-15 years, and the replacement costs can be significant over the long term. They do need to be removed regularly for cleaning, which can be time-consuming.  Also, with a partial denture, the natural bone underneath a complete denture may deteriorate over time. Finally, an implant doesn’t come loose like a denture can.

ADVANTAGES OF BRENTWOOD FAMILY DENTISTRY

Have you lost one or more of your teeth?  Most people do sooner or later! It’s best to consult with a professional to discuss all of your options.  Dr. Rhea and Dr. Doherty have over 60 years of combined experience providing implants. We treat you individually, according to your own unique situation.  There is not one solution that is best for everyone. We will respect your time and let you make the final decision. We have payment plans to work within your budget.  Your comfort and safety are our primary concern. We will make your teeth healthy, natural looking and beautiful again!