Dental Implants

Despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans suffer tooth loss – mostly due to tooth decay periodontal disease, or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the bone and replaces what was once the root of the tooth. A crown is attached to the implant to simulate an individual tooth. Implants can replace an individual tooth or multiple teeth.

Single implant and crown for missing lateral incisor. Veneers on canines and other lateral incisor. Nothing placed on front two teeth.

Single Tooth ReplacementAlternative Treatment

Single tooth replacement by cutting down adjacent teeth and cementing a fixed partial denture or "bridge"

Fully Edentulous

No implants
Completely tissue-supported, offers least stability, most movement

Two implants
Still tissue-supported but more stability, less movement

Four to Five implants
Implant-supported, more stability, least rocking or movement

Six or more implants
No longer removeable, most stability, no rocking or movement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of dental implants?
There are many advantages to dental implants. A once loose-fitting denture can now be secured and stabilized with implants. Missing teeth allow surrounding teeth to drift and opposing teeth to move, changing the alignment of the teeth and allowing unnatural forces to shift teeth further.

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.

Improved function. With a full set of teeth, function is improved and digestion is improved.

Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.

Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile, and help you feel better about yourself.

Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

Durability. Implants are very durable. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

How successful are dental implants?
Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

Can anyone get dental implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders – such as diabetes or heart disease – or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.

What is the process involved with dental implants?
The first step in the process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by Dr. Weisbard and the oral surgeon on periodontist.
Next, the implant, a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 months.
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post – called an abutment – is attached to the implant to securely hold the new tooth. To make your new tooth or teeth, we take impressions of your teeth, and create a model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.
With patients missing all their teeth, implants are placed, impressions are taken and a new denture is made to snap on to the implant post.
We will match the color of your new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.

How painful are dental implants?
Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. General and/or local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less discomfort than a tooth extraction. IV sedation is also an option.
After the dental implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

How do I care for my implant?
Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.

Have other questions? Ask Dr. Weisbard!