Implants

A dental implant is a synthetic tooth root that can be used in combination with a dental crown to replace a missing tooth. Each dental implant is crafted out of a special titanium alloy that fuses directly with your bone in a process called osseointegration. Once you have the implants installed, they appear just like your other teeth, brightening your smile and giving you back your confidence.

• Prior to the dental implant procedure, a thorough examination will be conducted. Dr. Carlo Goerens will examine the teeth and jawbone to assess whether the gums are healthy enough and if the patient has enough bone to properly support an implant.
• X-rays will be taken to help the dentist develop impressions of the mouth to ensure replacement teeth fit accurately and naturally.
• A local anesthetic can be given prior to the implant to minimize pain and discomfort. The dentist will place the small titanium post implant into the missing tooth’s bone socket. During the course of the jawbone healing, it will grow around the implant.
• The jawbone healing process can take 3 – 6 months as it lays a strong foundation for the replacement tooth to be placed. At this time, a small abutment, or connector post, is attached to the implant so that a new tooth, called a crown, can be placed.
• Other replacement options, such as bridges or dentures, can be used as well. The replacement will match the color, shape, and size of the patient’s natural teeth to give it a consistent look.

Dental implant is the new way to improve the appearance (and other functions) of your teeth due to tooth loss. Missing teeth should be replaced promptly to avoid the development of more complex dental problems that can limit your treatment options.
If not replaced, the adjacent teeth will begin to change their position to fill the gap, which causes other teeth to shift and the bite to become severely misaligned. Bone underneath where the teeth used to be will also be lost and might require an expensive bone graft to stabilize the jaw.