Dental implants are a type of dental restoration that is ideal for patients who have lost one or more of their permanent, adult teeth. Unlike dentures, which are only temporary and may last between seven to ten years at most, dental implants can typically last your entire life (if you properly maintain them).

Dental implants have three parts to them. The first part is the titanium post. Titanium is used in the post because the human body does not reject this metal. Instead, bone builds up over the implant, a process known as "osseointegration." The titanium post is attached to the abutment, which is considered a connector component. This abutment attaches the post to the final part of the implant, which is called the restoration (or the "crown").

It’s hard to know for sure unless we can do an exam with you, but usually, the answer is yes. Some of the factors that we consider when examining your mouth to see if dental implants are a good fit for you are as follows.

We look at the amount of time you have been without teeth. Tooth loss can mean bone loss in the jaw, and if there is significant bone loss in your jaw, we may have to perform a bone graft before proceeding with dental implant placement.

We also look at the habits you maintain. Smokers and tobacco users generally are encouraged to quit before considering dental implants as tobacco use can mean rejection of the implant.

Probably not! Chewing your food and enjoying the comforts of "real teeth" is something that everyone can enjoy.

There are a few different applications for dental implants and a few different kinds of implants. Normal implant posts are made of titanium, but there are also zirconia implants for those with poor gum health.

Dental implants can last for the rest of your life if you take care of them properly, which includes regular visits to our office for cleanings and exams.

Depending on the number of implants you need placed and the state of your oral health before starting your journey, the procedure can vary in length. Usually the planning and placement process only takes a couple weeks. The recovery process varies the most depending on how many implants you have placed.